According to Lara-Hernandez and Melis,[1] it is process that implies dynamism similar to what Graumann called the humanisation of the space, which is the fundamental societal defined meanings interiorised by the individual.
The former refers to the group of symbols, values, attitudes, skills, knowledge, meanings, communication ways, social structure and physical objects that make possible the life of a determinate society.
Within the field of environmental psychology, the term appropriation is described as a temporary phenomenon that implies a dynamic process of interaction between the individual and its surroundings.
Public spaces are an essential part of the urban landscape and their design is therefore strongly linked to the possibility of occurring activities related to the Temporary Appropriation.
Dr. Lara-Hernandez conceptualises temporary appropriation instead as a consequence of the necessity of adapting human needs to a city that deprives the population of reference points due to sudden and unexpected changes.