An installment from Spacing's "Cities for People" series makes the case for tactical urbanism as a supplement to professional practice.
"As a so-called 'design professional' with six years of university education in architecture behind me, it can be a challenge to straddle the professional and the grassroots, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Collaborating on tactical urbanism projects lets me challenge my role as both a citizen and a professional, and I try to contribute as both," writes Sarah Gelbard.
Gelbard, who was one of the creative minds behind the Impromptu Playground project, begins the article by recounting the Ottawa Musical Underground event from last summer called Set the Stage, which reclaimed a freeway underpass for the purpose of making and listening to music.
The article includes insight into the process of Gelbard and her compatriots as well as clear descriptions of the value such activities have for her life and her career.
FULL STORY: Design Citizens: professional-grassroots urban tactics

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie