Public spaces in post-communist countries have gone through many changes. Decades of forced limitation or even deprivation of private property ownership have resulted in a very individualistic approach, which is characterized by perceiving public spaces as transitional places between work and leisure. Nobody claims ownership of public spaces, neither municipalities nor inhabitants, and therefore they suffer from long-term neglect. Yet, all of these places have a great potential to become inclusive places where people representing various socio-economic groups like to spend their time and socialize.
This publication aims to demonstrate the above through a series of case studies on activism in public spaces in Albania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It brings best practice examples of how any neglected public space could be transformed into an attractive and vibrant place reflecting the needs and preferences of inhabitants and potential visitors. The case studies aim to identify decisive factors, which have led to success of initiatives transforming public spaces and providing others interested in reviving public spaces with valid recommendations helping them to repeat the success. They also demonstrate how to encourage citizens to have an interest in public affairs and volunteer for common good, and how to create meaningful cooperation between civil society organizations and municipalities.
This publication is a part of the project City for citizens, citizens for city supported by the Europe for citizens programme. The project endeavored to encourage civic engagement in general, but also with a particular focus on the formation of public spaces. Through a series of participatory events and discussions it has demonstrated that it is possible to create meaningful relations between citizens, civil society organizations, and municipalities, and together contribute to the improvement of the quality and use of public spaces. Some of the urban interventions in Prague, Prievidza, and Tirana mentioned in this publication represent project outcomes and practical examples proving the power of volunteerism, and potential of public spaces, which if well used could transform our cities to vibrant, but safe and enjoyable places to live.
This publication aims to demonstrate the above through a series of case studies on activism in public spaces in Albania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It brings best practice examples of how any neglected public space could be transformed into an attractive and vibrant place reflecting the needs and preferences of inhabitants and potential visitors. The case studies aim to identify decisive factors, which have led to success of initiatives transforming public spaces and providing others interested in reviving public spaces with valid recommendations helping them to repeat the success. They also demonstrate how to encourage citizens to have an interest in public affairs and volunteer for common good, and how to create meaningful cooperation between civil society organizations and municipalities.
This publication is a part of the project City for citizens, citizens for city supported by the Europe for citizens programme. The project endeavored to encourage civic engagement in general, but also with a particular focus on the formation of public spaces. Through a series of participatory events and discussions it has demonstrated that it is possible to create meaningful relations between citizens, civil society organizations, and municipalities, and together contribute to the improvement of the quality and use of public spaces. Some of the urban interventions in Prague, Prievidza, and Tirana mentioned in this publication represent project outcomes and practical examples proving the power of volunteerism, and potential of public spaces, which if well used could transform our cities to vibrant, but safe and enjoyable places to live.