Tactical Urbanism

TH Köln Faculty of Architecture
ecosign / Academy for Design
March – June 2022
Hallen Kalk
Cologne, Germany

The course, organised by  TH Köln Faculty of Architecture and ecosign/Academy for Design, focused on the Hallen Kalk — partly unused factory halls and derelict open spaces that were home to industrial equipment manufacturing for over a century.

The project explored how the principles of tactical urbanism can spark positive change in neighborhoods beyond traditional institutional actors. Tactical urbanism encompasses approaches such as pop-up uses, temporary installations, urban interventions, temporary gardens, and community festivals—all strategies that unlock potential and engage people in an ever-evolving urban landscape.

The students designed and built furniture for a public dinner at the Hallen Kalk, inviting the local community to participate in the discussion about the site’s future and engage in dialogue. The work took place on-site, from sketch to realisation, using as many found, repurposed, and recycled materials as possible. Through experimentation with unconventional methods and improvised approaches, new ideas emerged, offering valuable insights into the role and impact of temporary installations and actions in public spaces.