This book conceptualises and illustrates temporary appropriation as an urban phenomenon, exploring its contributions to citizenship, urban social sustainability and urban health. It explains how some forms of appropriation can be subversive, existing in a grey area between legal and illegal activities in the city.

The book explores the complex and the multi-scalar nature of temporary appropriation, and touches on its relationship to issues such as:

sustainability and building re-use;
culture;
inclusivity, including socio-spatial inclusion;
streetscape design;
homelessness; and
regulations controlling the use of public spaces.

The book focuses on temporary appropriation as a necessity of adapting human needs in a city, highlighting the flexibility that is needed within urban planning and the further research that should be undertaken in this area. The book utilises case studies of Auckland, Algiers and Mexico City, and other cities with diverse cultural and historical backgrounds, to explore how planning, design and development can occur whilst maintaining community diversity and resilience.

Since urban populations are certain to grow further, this is a key topic for understanding urban dynamics, and this book will be of interest to academics and practitioners alike.