Author: DemSoc, Nayla Saniour (UPM). Editted by Beatriz Martínez (UPM)
How can citizens help restore the city's landscape?
The Green Squares project aims to support the local communities in climate action by piloting a model for joint engagement of residents, students, local artists and civil society in a collaborative process of co-designing solutions for neglected urban pockets in line with particular needs of local communities. The goal of the project is for communities to collaboratively design micro public spaces to improve air quality in Niš.
The goal of the project was for communities to collaboratively design micro public spaces to improve air quality in Niš. To achieve this goal, the project has some main objectives, one being: to use innovative methods to support climate action.
A scalable model for engagement of residents and local stakeholders was developed, tested and adapted for further use in the city of Niš, supported with the establishment of the Urban Lab.
Building upon the insights and previous experience, including the ongoing Thriving Communities Initiative, funded by EIT Climate-KIC Future Cities of South East Europe project, the consortium developed the Green Squares project proposal in order to contribute its efforts to boost the engagement of local communities in climate action in Niš through highly localized actions, by focusing on piloting collaborative community design process of micro public spaces.
An innovative approach
They used innovative methods such as pilot and test models for engagement of residents, students, artists and civil society through a collaborative process of co-designing solutions and reclaiming these urban pockets in line with particular needs of local communities.
The Oasis Game method for community engagement was suggested, a participative method for community development used by community members and change-makers working in local communities taking on the challenge of social cohesion, urban planning and welfare.
The aim of this method is not focusing only on material end result, but also on fostering connections that emerge in local neighborhoods, thereby contributing to community building and citizens’ empowerment, and to re-establishing a sense of connection with society.
Stakeholder networks and organizational model
- Urban planners (city staffers) - Accountable
- Building maintenance workers (city staffers) - Consulted
- Faculty of Arts + Civil Engineering + Architecture - Consulted
- Civil society and community leaders - Consulted
- Local artists - Consulted
- Residents - Consulted
Main inhibiting factors
- Political: mistrust between residents and local stakeholders
- Technical: limited level of interest shown by residents in participating in the design of public spaces
Potential for reapplication and scale-up
The Green Squares project is a replicable model for fostering climate action. By involving residents, students, artists and civic organizations, it promotes participatory solutions to revitalize urban spaces. Its co-design approach, tailored to local needs, drives air quality improvements and creates sustainable public micro-spaces.
This model can be implemented in other countries by integrating local stakeholders, prioritizing the specific needs of each community, and promoting cross-sector collaboration. Its proposal in Niš demonstrates how local actions can contribute to environmental and social well-being in different urban contexts
Photos extracted from Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/es) and City of Niš (https://www.ni.rs/)