Unconventional Solutions: Can DIY-Urbanism contribute to Urban Climate Adaptation?

Despite the growing climate risks and the presence of numerous urban adaptation strategies, the implementation of climate adaptation measures remains slow. Traditional stakeholders, such as local city administrations, often encounter complex and time-consuming processes, resulting in prolonged planning and implementation phases. However, citizens are increasingly engaged in shaping climate-adapted cities, enhancing the liveability of their neighbourhoods, and initiating DIY projects to transform urban spaces. The term DIY-Urbanism is closely related to guerrilla urbanism. Unlike other forms of tactical urbanism, and urban living labs, which follow more structured planning, DIY-Urbanism relies on informal, citizen-led interventions. This study provides (1) a concise review of the literature addressing DIY-Urbanism as a contributor to urban climate adaptation and (2) a critical evaluation of its effectiveness in improving outdoor thermal comfort, mitigating urban heat, and reducing flood risk. The analysis reveals that the specific role of DIY-Urbanism in climate adaptation has received limited attention in the literature. Based on the literature review, three types of potentially effective interventions were identified, covering nine specific measures: urban green (parklets, mobile trees, street greening, community gardens), urban blue (curbside cuts/rainwater harvesting, misting systems), and urban grey (sun canopies, street painting, street furniture). Most of these measures provide small-scale or medium to low effectiveness regarding outdoor thermal comfort, mitigating urban heat, and reducing flood risk. A key aspect of DIY-Urbanism is its capacity to engage citizens in climate adaptation efforts. Further research is needed to assess DIY-Urbanism’s role in climate adaptation and develop strategies for effective implementation.