(H)Activate the City

(H)Activate the City is a guide created by three urban design collectives: Basurama from Madrid, Pop-Up City from Amsterdam, and Urban Foxes from Brussels. These organizations collaborate to enhance urban environments through community engagement and creative interventions. The publication seeks to empower young people to take action in shaping their surroundings, focusing on urban (h)activism—an approach that merges creativity with activism to transform public spaces.

The guide introduces urban hacking as a means for individuals to improve their cities by implementing small-scale projects. It provides a toolkit with nine specific interventions, allowing users to creatively engage with their local environments. The emphasis is on practical actions that can lead to immediate improvements, underscoring the significance of community involvement in urban planning.

Urban hacking is defined as the practice of making clever modifications to the urban environment without official permission. This concept encourages residents to take ownership of their spaces, whether through painting murals, creating pop-up parks, or enhancing public safety. The guide highlights that cities are not static; they are dynamic entities that can be influenced by their inhabitants.

The booklet outlines nine specific tools for urban hacking, including creating a mini-park, making furniture from recycled materials, and developing wildlife crossings. Each tool is designed to be accessible, requiring minimal resources and expertise. This approach democratizes urban design, enabling individuals to enact change without waiting for bureaucratic processes.

A significant focus of the guide is to engage young people, who often feel disconnected from traditional decision-making processes. By providing them with tools and encouragement, the project aims to inspire a new generation of urban activists. This grassroots approach fosters collaboration among residents, leading to innovative solutions tailored to local needs.

The guide encourages immediate action over prolonged discussions, tackling the inertia often found in community projects. It promotes the idea that even small interventions can have a substantial impact, fostering a sense of agency among residents. This not only helps improve physical spaces but also builds community bonds and a shared sense of responsibility.

(H)Activate the City serves as a practical manual for young Europeans interested in sustainable urban development. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to engage in urban hacking, the publication aims to inspire collective action and foster healthier, more vibrant communities. The collaborative spirit of Basurama, Pop-Up City, and Urban Foxes exemplifies the potential of creative partnerships in addressing urban challenges.