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

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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