Focusing on "temporary" urbanism is misguided

Focus on urbanism always, on maintaining and enhancing the qualities that make urban places successful. So focusing on empty spaces of all types is important. And it's more important to focus on the places that are "full" or ready but inadequately utilized or presented, not just empty holes in the ground that are delayed in being developed.

For example, the MetroWest Daily News in Massachusetts in the story "Looking for new ways to support the local arts," and "Art popping up along Main Street" from the Peoria Journal-Star (Illinois) report on temporary exhibits in empty storefronts, which is something the Storefront Artist Project in Pittsfield Massachusetts has done for many years.

What has prevented DC from doing this or promoting this over the past ten years in neighborhood commercial districts with massive vacancies? Instead, now the city cares more. See "Filling the void: When construction stalls, D.C. encourages temporary uses" from the Washington Business Journal.

While the information source is a bit old, a Downtown DC BID publication that has been out of print for at least 6 years, these Principles of Great Streets (Set) and Principles of Quality Storefronts (Set) provides quality guidance that is perennial.

Also see these 3 webarticles from the Project for Public Spaces on the same broad theme:

-- Qualities of a Great Street
-- Ten Principles for Creating Successful Squares
-- Ten Qualities of Successful Public Markets

In short, it's all about urban design and placemaking, and maintaining that focus all the time, not just when times are good or in crisis, to ensure top quality experiences.