Ephemeral Architecture as a Solution in the Evolution of Public Spaces

Abstract

The article aims to describe the empirical and conceptual production on the lack of ephemeral architecture in public spaces, as well as to provide a vision on the subject that will serve as a tool for future research.
Methodology: An exhaustive narrative review of the available scientific literature was carried out using databases such as Scopus, Scielo and Google Scholar. The search covered articles published between 2020 and 2023, excluding certain types of publications such as interviews and letters to the editor. Twenty articles were initially identified, from which 12 relevant articles were selected for the review.
Results: The results indicate a diversity of studies on ephemeral architecture, highlighting both the geographical context (including countries such as Italy, Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Mexico) and the varied methodological approaches. The characteristics of the studies show an interest in exploring the relationship between users and ephemeral structures, and how these can enhance public spaces and foster social interaction.
Main conclusions: The review highlights the importance of ephemeral architecture as a powerful tool to revitalize and transform public spaces. Its ability to promote social interaction, collective creativity and greater cultural identity in communities was highlighted. However, the study also highlights the lack of ephemeral architecture initiatives in many contexts and their implications for the quality of urban life. Future research is suggested to delve deeper into user perceptions and design strategies to maximize the impact of these interventions.