Small Scale–Big Impact: Temporary Small-Scale Architecture as a Catalyst for Community-Driven Development of Green Urban Spaces

Diana Giurea, Vasile Gherheș () and Claudiu Coman
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Diana Giurea: Architecture Department, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Politehnica University of Timisoara, 300006 Timisoara, Romania
Vasile Gherheș: Department of Communication and Foreign Languages, Politehnica University of Timisoara, 300006 Timisoara, Romania
Claudiu Coman: Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-18

Abstract: Temporary architecture, as an expression of the concept of impermanence, offers adaptable and time-sensitive spatial interventions that promote community engagement and encourage experimentation within the urban environment. Beyond its physical and functional qualities, this architectural approach acts as a social mediator, fostering dialogue, networking, and the exchange of ideas between local communities and professionals, while contributing to the development of a socio-cultural common ground. This paper explores the Greenfeel Architecture wooden pavilion as a case study of small-scale architecture embedded within a landscape dedicated to urban agriculture and community-driven activities. The design process was guided by the need to balance functional requirements—providing shelter from the sun and rain and facilitating social interactions—with the protection of the existing vegetation and the enhancement of local biodiversity, with particular emphasis on supporting bee populations. In line with sustainable construction principles, the pavilion was built through the reuse of recovered materials, including used bricks for pavement, wooden slabs for the facade and roof, and several structural components sourced from previous building projects. Since its completion, the pavilion has acted as an urban acupuncture point within the surrounding area and has become a host for various outdoor activities and educational workshops aimed at diverse groups, including children, adults, professionals, and laypersons alike. The duality between the scale of the pavilion and the scale of its social, cultural, or ecological influence highlights the potential of temporary architecture to become a tool for both physical and socio-cultural sustainability in an urban environment.

Keywords: temporary architecture; sustainability; community engagement; green urban landscapes; urban biodiversity; eco-friendly architecture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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