Beyond plans. Beyond design. Atmosphere and the lifeworld of small-street activation in Adelaide, South Australia

The activation of small inner-city streets is a core strategy in the creation of unique and vibrant places for people. Much attention is devoted to these projects, as cities vie to competitively position themselves. Atmosphere is a concept central to small-street activation and so ubiquitous within urban planning policies. However, what constitutes atmosphere is an emerging field of study within urban planning. Adopting a phenomenological approach, this paper presents a richly textured engagement with the lifeworld of a successful small-street activation initiative within Adelaide, Australia. In doing so, this paper provides a grounded case study of the phenomenological lived experience of atmosphere creation, revealing the complexities and opportunities of atmosphere within planning.

Automated summary

The activation of small inner-city streets is essential in creating unique and vibrant urban spaces. Atmosphere, as a central concept, is still an emerging field of study in urban planning. Through a phenomenological approach, this paper presents a case study of a successful small-street activation initiative in Adelaide, Australia, revealing the complexities and opportunities of atmosphere creation in planning.