Academic and scientific literature treats the temporary use of both privately and publicly owned empty
spaces as a socially progressive and economically rational spatial practice utilizing unused, underused, or
empty spaces in order to provide an opportunity and access to space to otherwise ineligible individuals and
groups. Temporary space use is perceived as a catalyst of changes, opposing the status quo and, through
its activities, helping to renovate and revitalize degraded areas. Furthermore, temporary space use is
considered to represent a progressive spatial practice providing opportunities for active participation in
urban renewal and offering alternative models of development and space experience to local communities
and individuals.
The present dissertation uses an empirical study with different qualitative research methods to investigate
the degrees and ways in which temporary space use influences spatial production, co-management,
and revitalization of space, and to consider crucial indicators of suitability of the said spatial practice
as a successful tool for rescuing degraded urban areas. Based on the study of literature and sources,
theoretical starting points established a system of indicators for evaluating the degree of suitability of
degraded urban areas for reactivation through temporary space use. The plural case study of temporary
space uses in Portugal and Slovenia and the participative case study of temporary space use of Avtomatik
Delovišče in the city of Koper served to verify the applicative use of the system of indicators and to identify
not only the economic, sociocultural, and sustainable effects of the spatial practice on the space but
also its weaknesses and potential negative effects. Furthermore, the participative case study assessed
perceptions of temporary space use among the various stakeholders in the city of Koper: inhabitants,
municipal officials, and the professional public. Half-structured interviews with members of the public
verified whether the degraded urban areas in the city of Koper identified with the system of indicators
are appropriate for reactivation through the temporary space use. Research results demonstrate that
temporary space use impacts the revitalization of degraded urban areas and that the most appropriate
areas for reactivation through temporary space use are primarily degraded urban areas without
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