Hella Hernberg
Architects as 'Mediators'
Socio-political roles in mediating the 'temporary use' of vacant spaces
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‘Mediators’
are increasingly seen as necessary actors in enabling and developing ‘temporary
uses’ of vacant spaces – such as adapting empty offices, hospitals or
industrial spaces for artists, entrepreneurs or residents. Despite the recent
proliferation of temporary uses in many cities of the Global North, they face
complex challenges in practice.
The thesis
investigates mediation as an example of architectural work moving beyond
building design towards managing socio-politically engaged processes, as part
of sustainable urban development.
As a
cross-cutting finding, Hella Hernberg's thesis articulates three roles for mediators in
temporary use: mediators broker the collaboration and partnerships between
actors, negotiate structural conditions and build capabilities for temporary
use. Overall, the thesis highlights socio-political aspects of professional
work concerning urban development today. Hence, it provides relevant knowledge
for municipalities and practitioners aiming to advance sustainable, inclusive
and adaptable forms of urban development.