Public Space Acupuncture - by Helena Casanova & Jesus Hernandez (Paperback)

About the Book

As the financial crisis deepens in many European countries and the construction sector remains in a slump, many plans for urban regeneration have been shelved. Cities are cutting their spending on large public works, so the time is ripe for low-cost strategies that have a positive impact on the urban habitat. One such strategy is Public Space Acupuncture, in which independent, but coordinated small interventions help regenerate urban public space and city life. It is based on Zygmunt Bauman's characterization of the current era as Liquid Modernity. With works on Switzerland, The Netherlands, Austria, China, Germany, Spain, Albania, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia and Korea.

Book Synopsis

As the financial crisis deepens in many European countries and the construction sector remains in a slump, many plans for urban regeneration have been shelved. Cities are cutting their spending on large public works, so the time is ripe for low-cost strategies that have a positive impact on the urban habitat. One such strategy is Public Space Acupuncture, in which independent, but coordinated small interventions help regenerate urban public space and city life. It is based on Zygmunt Bauman's characterization of the current era as Liquid Modernity. With works on Switzerland, The Netherlands, Austria, China, Germany, Spain, Albania, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia and Korea.

Review Quotes

"Public space acupuncture is a set of alternative urban strategies based on coordinated catalytic interventions with the aim of activating the use of public space and balancing or revitalizing urban life. Nine case studies and 21 test cases analyze the key factors in these innovation strategies, including citizen participation and short-term and flexible processes developed through a wide variety of temporary low-cost, mutating, nomadic or artistic interventions. Among the cases are Lausanne Jardins in Switzerland, Sandleiten in Vienna, and the Wii playground in Amsterdam." --Eithne O'Leyne, Editor, ProtoView

"An inherently fascinating, informed and informative read, 'Public Space Acupuncture' is impressively well written, organized and present. 'Public Space Acupuncture' is strongly recommended for professional and academic Architectural Studies reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists." --John Burroughs, The Midwest Book Review

"The book is rich fodder for anyone interested in a whole-system approach to activating city life. At turns, it is helpful and dense, insightful if sometimes a bit academic. Ultimately, the book is a useful tool for anyone invested in the idea of transforming a city in this unique, big-picture way." --Laine Bergeson, Public Art Review