Over years, rapid development in modern cities will lead toward a series of visible or invisible problems with social, environmental and economic aspects. Creativity seems a viable strategy to solve urban issues nowadays.
Creativity needs to be applied in spaces, around the crowds, and ultimately brought into cities to exert influence. Among all, open spaces play important roles in helping cities to spare experimental fields for creative activities.
Taipei City has too many vacant lots and too little open space. Therefore, Plan b initiates the series of ''ParkUp'' projects. Our objective is to renovate idle spaces throughout the city into locally-adapted open spaces by 3 principles:
1. Under 165 square meeters
2. Inclusive Design
3. Localization
In the first project, ParkUp GT, we designed nine white steel structural frames with multiple uses. They can serve residents‰Ûª daily needs and also attract youths with swings, hammocks and continually-updated decorations. ParkUp GT has revitalized a space where old residents and new visitors share with respect.
We have also developed ''ParkUp Tools'' for placemaking. Designers can utilize and localize them for any potential space. Recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, ParkUp Tools support sustainable materials like "wood and iron" as its basic components. In terms of wood, we suggest FSC-certificated domestic-grown timber.
At ParkUp DT, we applied ParkUp Tools to re-design a playground where children, the disabled and elders can easily access for activities. The spirit of inclusiveness will be realized, when a place actively accepts diverse users and groups. And the old neighborhood finally come to life when kids and families frequent the park we have renovated.
ParkUp focuses on remodeling small idle spaces, often ignored by general public, in the city. With three principles based on our practical experiences in Taiwan, we believe ParkUp also applies to any city across the globe.
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