Impacts of the temporary urban design on the people's behavior - The case study on the winter city Khabarovsk, Russia

In this case study of Lenin Square in the center of the city of Khabarovsk, field observations were made followed by behavior mapping to compare the spatial patterns of the users before and after a small-scale design intervention as a winter event. The impact of the event on people's activity was clarified, and the relation between temporary design and permanent design was highlighted, with considerations emerging for the design of public open spaces appropriate for event interventions. The results show that during the temporary design period, the number of activities involving people in the city square increased by 40% during the day and 60% in the evening. It was also shown that each user took an 20 to 30 m longer route. The results of this study highlight the importance of employing and including temporary design in future urban design and planning projects, especially in winter cities, to optimize the placerelated attendance and activity of the residents. •Temporary design interventions enhance the variety of outdoor activities despite the extremely low air temperature.•Permanent design is to create value for successful temporary intervention and consequent use in winter cities.•The results show the demand of users for outdoor space even at night even when the temperature falls to below −12 °C.