The "Meanwhile" Mirage: Are Urban Band-Aids Covering a Lack of Long-Term Vision?

by Riccardo Bobisse

Sad, meanwhile planters in need of repair.

In the face of relentless urban challenges and ever-tightening municipal budgets, the "meanwhile" use has emerged as an almost miraculous solution. From pop-up parks to temporary public art installations, these interventions have rapidly become a staple of urban design, offering a quick fix for vacant spaces and injecting vibrancy into underutilised or problem areas. But while their appeal is undeniable, there is a disturbing question: are these temporary triumphs masking a deeper, more concerning trend – a retreat from long-term, strategic urban design and placemaking?

Local authorities are under immense financial pressure. Meanwhile uses present an attractive and budget-friendly solution in the face of mounting challenges to justify and fund capital projects, which are fundamental to regenerative development. They breathe life into neglected spaces, address immediate community needs, and generate positive PR, all without the hefty price tag of permanent infrastructure. Their rapid proliferation is no surprise.

Their benefits are clear: meanwhile uses are easy to implement and flexible. They allow for testing new ideas and gathering valuable data on community preferences before committing to large-scale investments. They make a lot of sense politically… This experimental approach nurtures innovation and is perfect for community engagement, creating spaces that genuinely reflect the needs of their users.

Meanwhile interventions have become an integral part of the masterplanning toolkit of urban designers. In complex, long-term regeneration projects, they are important in phasing strategies. By activating key sites early on, they establish a sense of place and community from day one, mitigating the disruptive impact of construction and fostering a positive narrative.

At AR Urbanism, we are enthusiastic advocates of meanwhile interventions. We routinely propose their integration into masterplans (such as the Shrub Hill Quarter regeneration project in Worcester) and public realm strategies (such as the Culture Mile in the City of London). We recognise the power of these interventions to deliver immediate benefits and foster a sense of place, even in the early stages of complex projects.

BoxPark in Shoreditch — an example of a strong meanwhile initiative. 

However, the very success of meanwhile uses raises a critical question: are we becoming too reliant on these temporary solutions? Are they becoming a convenient excuse for postponing, or even abandoning, the difficult work of long-term planning?

The concern is not that meanwhile uses are inherently bad; it's that they can become a way to avoid confronting the systemic issues that plague our cities. The allure of quick wins and immediate gratification can distract us from the fundamental need for strategic, long-term investments that address the root causes of urban decline.

Research reinforces both the benefits and the potential pitfalls of meanwhile uses. Studies highlight the positive impacts of temporary interventions on social cohesion and community engagement. They illustrate how these projects can revitalise neglected spaces, attract foot traffic, and stimulate local economies. However, research also reveals the risks associated with a lack of strategic planning. Studies published in journals like "Urban Studies" point to the potential for "meanwhile-washing," where temporary interventions are used to mask underlying issues and delay necessary investment. Work by the Young Foundation also shows that without proper community involvement, these projects can accelerate gentrification and displacement, further exacerbating existing inequalities.

Not all meanwhile uses are temporary by nature. They can be catalysts for lasting change, sparking conversations and demonstrating the potential of a space. But this requires a clear vision, a strategic framework that sets out the integration of temporary interventions into a broader plan for the site's future.

Finally, we must acknowledge the hidden costs of meanwhile uses. While they appear cheaper than permanent projects, they still require ongoing maintenance and management. Pop-up installations can quickly deteriorate, becoming a problem rather than an asset. 

We must go beyond considering interim uses as temporary solutions and instead recognise them as strategic instruments within a comprehensive vision. They should be stepping stones, not dead ends. They should be catalysts for change, not excuses for inaction. Let's ensure that the urban band-aids are not just covering wounds, but helping to heal them.