Revitalizing Urban Spaces: The ParkUp Initiative

Plan b's Award-Winning Placemaking Service Transforms Neglected Spaces into Vibrant Community Hubs

Driven by the realization that Taipei City had an abundance of vacant lots yet a dearth of open spaces, Plan b embarked on a mission to rectify this imbalance. Through a series of spatial experiments, the ParkUp initiative not only remodels visible sites but also reconnects broken relationships between communities and neighborhoods. The aim is to create a better city for everyone to share.

The ParkUp initiative is guided by three key principles: planning for small idle spaces under 165 sqm, ensuring accessibility for all through inclusive design, and discovering the real needs of space users through localization. To facilitate this process, Plan b has devised the ParkUp Tools, a series of intuitively assembled wood columns and metal products. This modular assembling system is not only easy to maintain but also allows for the replacement of any single damaged unit without retiring the whole set.

The ParkUp initiative is realized through a blend of modular design, customization, prefabrication, and the use of sustainable materials. Each project follows the same design principles but develops respective functions and features that fit into local contexts and satisfy the actual needs of space users. The use of FSC-certificated domestic-grown timber, metal, and Accoya wood ensures that the structures are well-adapted to Taiwan's warm and humid climate.

So far, the ParkUp series includes three completed projects: ParkUp GT, ParkUp DT, and ParkUp SYC. Each project has its unique features and caters to different community needs, ranging from fitness-oriented community spaces to children's playgrounds and multifunctional pavilions for various design events.

One of the major challenges faced by the ParkUp initiative is accurately identifying the actual needs of space users. To overcome this, Plan b conducts extensive field investigations, interviews, and even holds participatory design workshops. Feedback collected after the completion of each project is used as input for the next placemaking cycle, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to changing needs.

The ParkUp initiative's innovative approach to urban regeneration has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, it was awarded Silver in the A' Meta, Strategic and Service Design Award, a prestigious accolade that recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This award is a testament to Plan b's commitment to creating better cities through creative placemaking and sustainable design.