Participation beyond a form of urban tactics - Examining contemporary urban spatial development strategies through Taipei PCC's street play activities

This article investigates the influence of tactical urbanism on planning for everyday living, employing ‘Parks for Children by Children (PCC)’s street play activities as a case study. Data collection encompassed semi-structured interviews and participatory observation conducted between 2019 and 2023. The assessment concludes: firstly, tactical urbanism can be generated by non-local participation. PCC's advocacy-based approach of participation diverges from the conventional trajectory of tactical urbanism, enables the alliance to build partnerships widely, including political institutions that can facilitate the institutionalization of the alliance's advocacy efforts. Secondly, the close relationship between PCC and the city government raises concerns regarding independence from political influence - not only narrows the scope of actors and actions deemed insurgent but also diminishes the subversive potential of urban informality to challenge established policies. Sustaining participation becomes challenging once the city government implements practical measures in response to the advocacy, even if these measures are incomplete or fall short of full realization. Finally, the Taipei's approach embodies a blend of top-down and bottom-up influences. This amalgamation of participation modes adds complexity to attempts aimed at categorizing the transgressive nature of urban tactics, thereby highlighting the intricate dynamics of urban development within the East Asian context. •PCC presents a tactical urbanism case in East Asia.•Participation is challenging by the implementation of city government.