What is Better Block? Better Block is an urban design exhibit, demonstrating how temporary street improvements, pop-up businesses, culture, & street life can improve community connection and local commerce. The first Better Block FTL project was held on June 16, 2012, joining other cities across the U.S. in re-imagining their city streets. Though comprehensive planning projects are often necessary for developments, the cost, scale, and long-range timelines associated with these initiatives can often lead to a loss in project momentum. Instead, Better Block FTL aimed to create quick, inexpensive, high-impact changes that exhibit permanent solutions for areas in Fort Lauderdale.
Better Block FTL was organized by Cādence, the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida Atlantic University and FAT Village Arts District. Other collaborators include Flagler Village Civic Association, Radio-Active Records, Public Image Vintage, C&I Studios, Artist Luke Jenkins, Zahn Development, Hooper Development, Urban Matters, Helium Creative, Fort Lauderdale DDA, Fort Lauderdale Northwest CRA, and the City of Fort Lauderdale.
Better Block originated in Oak Cliff, TX. Created by Jason Roberts & Andrew Howard | The “Better Block” project is a demonstration tool that revisions an area to show the potential to create a great walkable, vibrant neighborhood center. The project acts as a living charrette so that communities can actively engage in the “complete streets” build out process and develop pop-up businesses to show the potential for revitalized economic activity in an area. Better Blocks are now being performed throughout the country, and have helped cities rapidly implement infrastructure and policy changes.
