Potential of Urban Voids as public spaces - A Tactical Urbanism guide for Torino

Dealing with unpredictability is one of the most difficult issues in spatial planning especially in urban design. As much as we would like to conceive of cities as the outcome of planned, organized acts, the reality is that many cities are the product of unforeseen developments. Urban planners and the governmental bodies often overlook the micro spaces in the city while looking out for bigger problems. Many studies have recognized the importance and significance of urban leftover spaces, or 'urban voids,' and are working to establish consensus as an alternative adaptation approach that is both economically and environmentally viable by repurposing existing buildings, infrastructures, and urban resources. The main purpose of this research is to find out a few examples of urban voids that are part of the social fabric of Torino and use them to improve community health and engagement, or advocate for more sustainable and human scale cities, for all types of people to come out and improve their mental, physical, and emotional health. These voids provide opportunities for meeting physical activity recommendations for both adults and children, improve quality of life measurements, promote social capital, encourage increased uptake in cycling for transportation, reduce particulate pollution and street noise and increase local business activity. These help to seek new and fun ways to achieve environmental, social, economic, and public health goals. They also allow citizens to see and connect with their community in a new and exciting way. According to the ECGA Turin 2022, the City proudly hosts an effective green infrastructure system such that 93% of the city’s population live within 300 meters of a recreational green public space (does not including green schoolyards, agricultural areas, or green street infrastructure). The objective is to reach 100% by 2030. I take this opportunity to find and use the urban voids or usable potential spaces in residential areas that fall under the 7% of space that lacks access to a nearby green or recreational area. The design of these spaces is not a part of this study. However, the basic principles, benefits and designing guidance for tactical urbanism as an approach for the Torino city is discussed here.