By Tal Atiya

  In this project, I wanted to create a system that helps urban planners and designers develop the right shared spaces for the communities they design. Ikea, for example, is well known for its modular system furniture. This project aims to do the same for urban planners: a flexible modular system that can be easily placed and removed according to the community’s needs. Today, most changes require at least some space and money.  Though these changes are made with great intentions, the facility is not guaranteed to be needed and used. As changes happen, one can only see the outcome and the public’s response. Analysing and evaluating before installing new facilities can only be done with random items for a very short time or by talking with the public, which will always lack visual context and will include only some, not all, people in the area. Neighbourhoods and populations in cities not only vary but are also changeable themselves1.  All these parameters together form the brief for a modular system that can accommodate urban facilities needed for upgrading neighbourhoods, streets, and urban lifestyles. The system includes a few basic products that are needed for most urban facilities, as observed during this project’s study. Different system combinations can create various places such as cafés, bars, libraries, workspaces, private seating areas, and more. All of them are removable and mobile but can also be placed for several months. Using this system with a humble understanding from the designer or planner that our job is to work alongside the community to create designs that work for them can lead to better outcomes not only for the people but also for the funders, as they can manage the purchase of facilities better as needed.  The system will allow neighbourhood planners to create spaces that fit the needs of their communities. For example, in streets with no free space, it could be placed in a parking spot; in other cases, it could be placed for specific days or hours. Additionally, it can help determine if a change, expensive facility, or infrastructure project in the area is indeed needed by simply serving as a mockup for as long as required.