Meanwhile structures

Abstract

The interconnection of building value, site development value, evolving social need and building obsolescence determine the degree of temporariness of all structures. Everyone is familiar with the spectacle of abandoned sites awaiting future development. Proactive local authorities such as Newham, seeking social benefit and ways to encourage investment, are looking for ‘meanwhile structures’ as catalysts for urban regeneration. This paper explores types of meanwhile structures through historical reference and dRMM project examples. The authors demonstrate how design for the short term can practically, financially and culturally contribute to a society in a global financial crisis regeneration process.