Interim uses in different urban contexts. The cases of Leipzig and Dessau-Roßlau

Interim uses have played an important role in research and planning for about 15-20 years. Interim uses were previously negated or dismissed as a marginal phenomenon. Today they are considered to play a central role in dealing with the consequences of shrinking. This paper uses a contrasting comparison to explore how interim uses work in different urban contexts. It compares a continuously shrinking medium-sized city (Dessau-Roßlau) with a large city (Leipzig) that has gone through different phases over the past three decades (shrinkage, reurbanisation and growth). The result of the comparison is that urban contexts, i.e. the respective urban development phases, are decisive framework conditions for interim uses. A critical mass of interim users is needed as demanders of interim uses and a proactive attitude of city policy and administration towards interim uses. These conditions are particularly present in large cities and metropolises as well as in contexts of reurbanisation and growth. Reurbanisation or moderate growth after shrinkage can be seen as an optimal urban context for interim uses. From this perspective, the predominant thematisation of interim uses as an “instrument of shrinkage” seems too one-sided or misleading. The effects of interim use in a context of a medium-sized city such as Dessau-Roßlau are rather small or even marginal. Shrinking medium-sized towns and even more so small towns should therefore not be given exaggerated hopes with regard to the effects of the interim use instrument: Interim uses are not best practice for all cities.