How Good Are Parklets?

<p>Parklets are innovative dynamic public spaces that are installed onto on-street car-parking spots. These very small spaces have had a very large and lasting impact on city streets. <i>How Good Are Parklets? </i>is the first book to critically examine the parklet’s purposes formats and impacts. It traces the parklet’s history from its invention in 2005 as an experiment that tactically reclaimed street space for broader public use to its surge in popularity worldwide after the COVID-19 pandemic for outdoor dining community gathering and play. Drawing together archival research expert interviews typological analysis mapping field observation and design research this book examines parklets’ design production and implementation across varying urban contexts. By examining a wide range of contemporary practices this book identifies parklets’ potentials to reshape streets meet diverse social needs and foster community engagement. This book situates parklets within the wider push towards deploying temporary and tactical strategies in the planning and management of cities. Its deep enquiry into one question about one type of spatial intervention contributes new insights into the complex interplays of actors interests processes and materials that are currently transforming the urban landscape – one parking space at a time.</p>