Do it Yourself (DIY) Movement in Urban Space Production

Abstract

Even though urbanism is usually realized within a plan, it is sometimes formed by spontanous interventions of various actors. This study deals with the second type that includes small scale practices spontaneously realized in cities. The aim of this study is to examine the examples of these movements, which are known as `do it yourself urbanism' (DIY urbanism) or `tactical urbanism', in terms of their actors and purposes and to put forward the effects of these practices on urban space and urbanism process. To manage this aim, research techniques including literature review, media search, observation and case studies are used. The findings of this study shows that the actors involved in these movements are local people, activist groups, public institutions or municipalities, universities, private entrepreneurs and other individuals. It is found that the main purposes of these practices are resolving a need, providing urban easthetics or art, taking advantage of private or commercial benefits and reacting to various issues. The positive aspects of do it yourself urbanism are determined as having the possibility of beautifying and making urban space more livable, walkable and user friendly, providing direct participation of users in urbanism process and proposing practical, implementable and flexible solutions. Besides, there are negative aspects such as being illegal activities and having integration problems with comprehensive planning decisions.