In the last decade, and particularly with the pandemic experience, the lexicon on urban regeneration – even temporary – has become richer and more ‘pop’. The aim of this research work is to fix, name and narrate – in a plural dialogue between experts and practitioners – a glossary from a contemporary point of view, up-to-date look at both research and current practices regarding temporary urban regeneration solutions. 

The conceptual framework adopted is that of the New European Bauhaus program, which sees the cities of the near future as beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive. It is intended to embrace the investigation of new trends in the ‘occupation’ of public space in the Post-Anthropocene city: a livable city in 15-minute space-time circles; cities at different scales ranging from cosmopolitan metropolises to rural and mountainous provincial capitals; a city for individuals, animals and plants; an urbanity that will have to re-structure its conceptual parameters, even before its spatial perimeters. 

For these reasons, the aim of this research project is to present a co-produced audio-visual glossary of terms related to temporary urban re-generation practices from a trans-disciplinary perspective: from the now familiar to neologisms looking ahead to 2040. Design, sociology and anthropology, environmental psychology, community making and cultural management: numerous disciplines nowadays contribute to regenerating communities through ‘its’ places. 

The drafting of the Glossary accompanied three years of the course TIUS – Temporary and Inclusive Urban Solution of the School of Design of the Politecnico di Milano, which between 2022 and 2024 addressed educational topics such as the inclusive city, through a gender perspective, or non-urban contexts as opportunities to activate collective actions: design strategies that transform a single building, an urban interior, an open space or a transit place for temporary events associated with hospitality, recreation or entertainment.