DE-VACANCY

OPEN SPACE AS ASSET IN THE CITY WITH DECLINING POPULATION｜2021

In cities experiencing persistent population decline, with a surplus of vacant land, is the open space system an asset or a liability? While open spaces may seem scarcely used and their intended use not readily apparent, they perform many cultural, social, economic, and environmental functions. With little funding available and limited resources, interventions typically result from the ingenuity and stewardship of local groups and residents in the area. Yet, if we agree that cities with declining populations are fertile grounds for design experimentation, what tools and resources can the urban designer contribute? Land stewardship, advocacy, pro-bono work, storytelling?