Exploring DIY urbanism as an unconventional solution for urban climate adaptation

Abstract Urban climate adaptation has advanced slowly because of complex and time-consuming processes. Residents are increasingly engaging in DIY urbanism, an underexplored form of autonomous adaptation in public space. This scoping review analyses the state of research on DIY urbanism as urban climate adaptation, and provides a first assessment of the potential microclimatic and hydrological effects on heat and stormwater management. Few studies explicitly address DIY urbanism for climate adaptation. Nine interventions were identified that could contribute to urban climate adaptation. Drawing on analogies from studies of similar small-scale interventions, we assess their potential effectiveness. Some of the interventions could be locally effective, particularly regarding outdoor thermal comfort and stormwater management. Sun canopies and interventions related to green infrastructure seem particularly promising. Concluding, we argue that DIY urbanism can be a complementary addition to traditional planning in triggering the transition towards climate adaptation.