Co-creation and co-design processes are gaining traction in urban regeneration projects across the globe. A study of three different urban regeneration projects in three countries shows the flexibility and value of this method. Successful implementation of equitable and inclusive public space also depends on a multi-sectorial approach.
The three cities in the study were Dhaka in Bangladesh, Maputo in Mozambique, and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The research group consisted of an architectural firm, and academics from three universities in the relevant countries.
Seven challenges emerged: inclusive mobility, housing, climate change, local economy, governance, gender and participatory planning. The one thing the case studies have in common is the value of engaging local communities.
The case studies offer different situations for learning and are explained in detail. The participative process revealed a stark imbalance in the inclusion of girls, women and marginalised groups in planning processes. The researchers repeat the call by others to include a diversity of user groups in co-creation methods.
Rapid urbanisation and inadequate public transport in the Global South has lead to half the people having their mobility restricted. This means they are less likely to access employment, education and recreational facilities.
Public space is often a place for trade and commerce in the Global South. Informal economies sustain livelihoods where there is little demand for labour. While this type of economic activity can revive public space, it can also foster unjust distribution of public space.
The title of the article is, Creating Resilient Public Spaces – a Global Perspective on the Conditions for Integrated Urban Development.
From the abstract
Inclusive and sustainable design is crucial for creating equitable and climate-resilient urban environments. This paper presents a research project that involved case studies in three cities on three continents – Dhaka, Maputo, and Santo Domingo.
The researchers used a participatory design process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Academic urban living labs in partner cities generated urban design solutions for co-designing public space.
This approach aimed to ensure that the proposals were holistic and responsive to the specific needs and aspirations of the local communities. The case studies encompassed sites reflecting diverse urban contexts. The urban lake of Shahjahanpur Jheel in Dhaka, public spaces surrounding the centre of Maputo, and a central expressway in Santo Domingo.
Researchers identified the needs and aspirations of local populations for these places. Co-creation opportunities and place-making events empowered residents and local entrepreneurs to take an active role in the transformation of their neighbourhoods.
Established participation tools were adapted to each local context and new techniques were developed for specific user groups. Young professionals were included in the design process through cooperation with local universities. Academic partnerships and the cooperation with local city administrations also supported capacity building and knowledge exchange.
The results of the process included integrated urban strategies, urban designs, architectural solutions, and cost estimates for implementation. We identified seven overarching challenges for action. They were, inclusive mobility, housing, climate change adaptation, local economy, governance, and gender-sensitive and participatory planning.
Healthy and inclusive neighbourhoods in Florence
Participatory action research was at the centre of a project for the Municipality of Florence in Italy. The focus was on green and public spaces and involved several different stakeholder groups. The outcome was the creation of a “health map” with design ideas to enhance the neighbourhood. Co-planning activities involved citizens and researchers used different methods and tools at different times.
The title of the article is Quartieri Sani Hub: Healthy and inclusive neighborhoods for the communities of the metropolitan City of Florence.
From the abstract
Health has a place-based dimension that needs addressing at the neighbourhood scale. The contribution is based on the Quartieri Sani Hub (Healthy Neighbourhoods Hub) ongoing research. The aim is to investigate the issue of health and wellbeing based on spatial and social knowledge to define strategies and design scenarios for an inclusive and healthy neighborhood.
Co-design in Toronto’s Chinatown
“Planting Imagination” is a case study of a two year project to establish and design a community garden. It brought together a group of Chinatown community organisations and university researchers. 60 diverse Chinatown Activators and 6 Community Facilitators used virtual reality technology to co-design a community garden.
This project aims to promote community resilience, reduce stress and stigma, and support the affected groups in Chinatown during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Image from Toronto Metropolitan University.
They used virtual reality visioning within a co-design process. The Chinatown community was provided with the tools to envision the future of their own community in a collaborative way. They explored ways to transform built environments and reconstruct community identities and strengthen resilience. The end goal was to promote social justice and equity.
The process strengthened community solidarity for enabling local residents to steer the future of the built environment. Bringing diverse disciplines an practices together, Planting Imagination developed models of VR co-design using online and in-person. The multi-lingual community co-design session prioritised communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
The paper lists the key challenges and provides recommendations for future projects.
The title of the paper is, Planting Imagination: Community Co-Design for Toronto’s Chinatown West. A university news item briefly explains the project as well.