Planning in-between spaces: from a theoretical perspective to urban design strategies for marginalised urban fabrics

In recent years vigorous theoretical debate about urban transformation processes has resulted in several studies of the intermediate city, a new form of urbanity. Some scholars have highlighted a complex intertwining of factors that contribute to the proliferation of in-between spaces within intermediate cities: these include the spatial logic underpinning the capitalist development model, the current economic crisis, a lack of interest in heritage resources and an indifference to the quality of public space. The literature has also noted that transformation processes in intermediate cities lack strategic guidance and consequently generate only negative outcomes: isolated piecemeal additions, insignificant projects and emergency remedial measures. This paper provides an overview of the theoretical debate on the intermediate city and the concept of the in-between spaces within its confines. It suggests these spaces should not be considered as degraded urban areas, but rather as places with regenerative potential that could be harnessed through innovative design strategies which exploit their latent potential. The authors argue that in-between spaces should be treated as phenomena of a multi-relational reality, where disorder and uncertainty can be embraced as opportunities for innovation and community-driven design processes. They then outline the key characteristics of in-between spaces and explore, through argument rather than experimental case studies, how these characteristics can inform design principles and strategies that move away from bureaucratic urban management towards more socially and environmentally equitable approaches to (re)produce public space.