Porch Placemaking How In-between Spaces Work During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Cover image: A mural by Anne Siems, titled 'Beauty + Terror', in Seattle. Picture by Catherine Anstett (2020).
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Published: Nov 30, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32891/jps.v5i3.1376
Keywords:
porch placemaking in-between space soft edge transitional space community resilience

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Koichiro Tamura
Sotonoba

Abstract

This article illustrates the concept of "porch placemaking" emerging in various neighborhoods in the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. While people face difficulty going to and staying in public spaces, they invent micro-intervention to socialize with others at their front porch, balcony, or window with a lighter, quicker, cheaper approach. These spaces are in-between spaces interfacing private and public realms. 
Porch placemaking can positively influence socially, culturally, and mentally in neighborhoods, but it seems conditioned to apply by physical, natural, and social settings. 
Porch placemaking is a quick and improvisational reaction to the pandemic. However, it could be an effective way to enhance a sense of neighborhood even after the pandemic. This article discusses ways to sustain and expand the practice.

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How to Cite
Tamura, K. (2020) “Porch Placemaking: How In-between Spaces Work During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic”, The Journal of Public Space, 5(3), pp. 183–190. doi: 10.32891/jps.v5i3.1376.
Issue
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2020): 2020: A Year without Public Space under the COVID-19 Pandemic
Section
Society

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Author Biography

Koichiro Tamura, Sotonoba

Koichiro Tamura is leading placemaking movement in Japan at Sotonoba, a collective of urbanists to reimagine public spaces through its own media platform, advocacy, projects, research, training, and networking. He is also active as a core member of the placemakers network in Asia and a consultant of activation and management for urban redevelopment projects. He is engaged in urban, transport, and infrastructure planning projects in more than 20 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in his prior career. He holds master’s degree in placemaking and international development and a bachelor’s in civil engineering.

References

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