Regaining a sense of belonging
PlaySquare
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PlaySquare puts children at the center of urban transformation, empowering them as key agents of change. In one of Athens’ densest neighborhoods, children redesigned their environment, turning an abandoned parklet into a meaningful, inclusive, climate-resilient space. Through participatory design and hands-on activities, they shaped the space to reflect their vision. The project highlighted children's power to drive change proving that spaces designed by/for them can benefit the whole community.
Greece
Local
Athens
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-06-06
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
PlaySquare places children at the heart of urban planning, acknowledging them as key agents of change. Implemented in Kipseli, a densely populated Athenian neighborhood with minimal green space (~0.96m²/resident), the project aimed to address the exclusion of children from city-making processes by fostering their active participation in (re)designing their environment.
Through an interdisciplinary participatory approach, children from the 29th Primary School of Athens explored their neighborhood, identified challenges, and revitalized an abandoned parklet. They co-designed and implemented interventions, including a mural reflecting their perspectives of the neighborhood. This transformed the space into a more inclusive, climate-resilient area, embraced by the broader community.
The project embodies NEB values:
Sustainability: The revitalized parklet serves as a micro climate shelter, raising awareness of the importance of green spaces in urban areas and their role in enhancing ecosystems and combating climate change.
Inclusion: By actively involving children -typically excluded from urban planning- the project promotes equity and accessibility. It also highlights the importance of small-scale, quality green spaces at the neighborhood level, ensuring daily access to nature for all.
Aesthetics: The children’s vision materialized in a mural, merging creativity with placemaking.
Aligned with NEB working principles, PlaySquare engaged multiple stakeholders: teachers, architects, social scientists, visual artists, local organizations, and municipal departments. It empowered children to take ownership of public space and inspired the community to sustain the initiative. In the long term, PlaySquare catalyzes community regeneration, instilling a sense of belonging and responsibility for public spaces. It addresses climate and social challenges by promoting inclusive green areas at the neighborhood level, mitigating urban heat, and reinforcing intergenerational ties.
Through an interdisciplinary participatory approach, children from the 29th Primary School of Athens explored their neighborhood, identified challenges, and revitalized an abandoned parklet. They co-designed and implemented interventions, including a mural reflecting their perspectives of the neighborhood. This transformed the space into a more inclusive, climate-resilient area, embraced by the broader community.
The project embodies NEB values:
Sustainability: The revitalized parklet serves as a micro climate shelter, raising awareness of the importance of green spaces in urban areas and their role in enhancing ecosystems and combating climate change.
Inclusion: By actively involving children -typically excluded from urban planning- the project promotes equity and accessibility. It also highlights the importance of small-scale, quality green spaces at the neighborhood level, ensuring daily access to nature for all.
Aesthetics: The children’s vision materialized in a mural, merging creativity with placemaking.
Aligned with NEB working principles, PlaySquare engaged multiple stakeholders: teachers, architects, social scientists, visual artists, local organizations, and municipal departments. It empowered children to take ownership of public space and inspired the community to sustain the initiative. In the long term, PlaySquare catalyzes community regeneration, instilling a sense of belonging and responsibility for public spaces. It addresses climate and social challenges by promoting inclusive green areas at the neighborhood level, mitigating urban heat, and reinforcing intergenerational ties.
Child-friendly urbanism
Community participation
Sustainable public spaces
Play-centered design
Inclusive city-making
The project promotes sustainability by fostering a culture of collective care for urban green spaces, particularly in densely built environments like Kipseli in Athens. It began with children actively maintaining their local parklet -one of the few green spaces in their neighborhood- by mobilizing the municipality to install more urban infrastructure, organizing clean-ups, and informing dog owners about responsible pet care. These actions strengthened coexistence and respect for the space.
Beyond maintenance, the project transformed the park’s atmosphere through a large-scale collective mural on a blind wall. Children participated in every step of the creation of the mural, making the park more vibrant and inviting. This intervention brought new life to the space, drawing in neighbors who now take pride in visiting and engaging with the parklet.
The project raises awareness of the importance of small-scale green spaces in the urban fabric. In a neighborhood where greenery is scarce, every inch of land is valuable. By reclaiming and maintaining the parklet, children and residents reconnect with nature while strengthening their sense of community. The parklet also functions as a climate shelter, helping mitigate extreme heatwaves that affect dense urban areas like Kipseli.
Aligned with the European GreenComp framework, the project moves beyond preservation to a higher sustainability ambition -regenerating urban ecosystems and fostering biodiversity. Children tracked local flora and fauna, proposed protection measures, and suggested a designated rest area for stray cats, which neighbors actively supported.
By combining environmental action, education, and community engagement, this initiative aims to set an exemplary model for urban sustainability. It shows how even small interventions can inspire long-term stewardship, shape urban habits, and create more resilient, inclusive, and climate-conscious neighbourhoods.
Beyond maintenance, the project transformed the park’s atmosphere through a large-scale collective mural on a blind wall. Children participated in every step of the creation of the mural, making the park more vibrant and inviting. This intervention brought new life to the space, drawing in neighbors who now take pride in visiting and engaging with the parklet.
The project raises awareness of the importance of small-scale green spaces in the urban fabric. In a neighborhood where greenery is scarce, every inch of land is valuable. By reclaiming and maintaining the parklet, children and residents reconnect with nature while strengthening their sense of community. The parklet also functions as a climate shelter, helping mitigate extreme heatwaves that affect dense urban areas like Kipseli.
Aligned with the European GreenComp framework, the project moves beyond preservation to a higher sustainability ambition -regenerating urban ecosystems and fostering biodiversity. Children tracked local flora and fauna, proposed protection measures, and suggested a designated rest area for stray cats, which neighbors actively supported.
By combining environmental action, education, and community engagement, this initiative aims to set an exemplary model for urban sustainability. It shows how even small interventions can inspire long-term stewardship, shape urban habits, and create more resilient, inclusive, and climate-conscious neighbourhoods.
The key objective of the project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience was to transform a neglected green space into a meaningful and beautiful environment that resonates with the community. This was largely achieved through a large mural created by the children, whose ideas were incorporated into the design by a group of visual artists (Wallaby Athens). The children drew inspiration from their favourite elements of Kipseli and these personal representations were woven into a cohesive mural that brought new life to the parklet.
The mural not only beautified the space, but also connected the stories and memories of the community, particularly those of the children and older residents. It showcased elements of Kipseli that represent the unique character of the neighbourhood and fostered a sense of belonging among residents. By incorporating the collective memories and perspectives of the community, the mural encouraged residents to take pride in their neighbourhood and care for the parklet and other public spaces.
During the project, the power of children to initiate positive change was highlighted, demonstrating that a space designed by and for children can also serve as a driver for community change. The mural became a symbol of collective action and pride, reinforcing the value of green spaces and public spaces in general.
By integrating participatory design and cultural values, the project not only improved the aesthetic quality of the parklet, but also had a lasting impact on the community's experience of the space, inspiring ongoing maintenance and engagement.
The mural not only beautified the space, but also connected the stories and memories of the community, particularly those of the children and older residents. It showcased elements of Kipseli that represent the unique character of the neighbourhood and fostered a sense of belonging among residents. By incorporating the collective memories and perspectives of the community, the mural encouraged residents to take pride in their neighbourhood and care for the parklet and other public spaces.
During the project, the power of children to initiate positive change was highlighted, demonstrating that a space designed by and for children can also serve as a driver for community change. The mural became a symbol of collective action and pride, reinforcing the value of green spaces and public spaces in general.
By integrating participatory design and cultural values, the project not only improved the aesthetic quality of the parklet, but also had a lasting impact on the community's experience of the space, inspiring ongoing maintenance and engagement.
The project’s key objective in terms of inclusion was to give children an active role in shaping their environment, ensuring their needs were addressed. For the first time, children led a participatory process that resulted in a tangible transformation of their neighborhood. They took ownership from the beginning and led the participatory design process and co-creation of the intervention on the parklet, including the design and painting of the mural. This gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing their ideas were central to the space’s transformation.
Through participatory research and design methodologies, children got empowered to lead every step of the process -from analyzing their neighborhood to developing proposals and painting the mural- creating a space that reflected their vision. They weren’t just involved; they drove the transformation, directly impacting their daily lives and fostering a deep sense of ownership.
Though the children initiated the project, their actions sparked wider community support. Residents, inspired by their leadership and the parklet’s transformation, engaged with the initiative, took responsibility for maintaining the space, and strengthened neighborhood solidarity.
By prioritizing children's needs and participation, the project created an inclusive space that united the community in collective action. It serves as a model for inclusive urban interventions, showing how child-centered urban design can inspire broader community involvement and long-term change.
Through participatory research and design methodologies, children got empowered to lead every step of the process -from analyzing their neighborhood to developing proposals and painting the mural- creating a space that reflected their vision. They weren’t just involved; they drove the transformation, directly impacting their daily lives and fostering a deep sense of ownership.
Though the children initiated the project, their actions sparked wider community support. Residents, inspired by their leadership and the parklet’s transformation, engaged with the initiative, took responsibility for maintaining the space, and strengthened neighborhood solidarity.
By prioritizing children's needs and participation, the project created an inclusive space that united the community in collective action. It serves as a model for inclusive urban interventions, showing how child-centered urban design can inspire broader community involvement and long-term change.
The project actively engaged citizens and civil society, ensuring they played a key role in shaping both the process and its outcomes.
Children were at the forefront, leading the entire initiative. After mapping their neighborhood, they identified the parklet as a space with potential and conducted peer research to gather input on desired changes. They developed proposals through maps, sketches and 3d models, prioritized interventions based on available resources, and played an active role in painting the mural. Their leadership turned the parklet into a meaningful community space, becoming their daily meeting point.
Teachers supported the process by facilitating and ensuring the inclusion of all children, particularly those with disabilities. Their active participation in the project inspired trust and confidence in the children, thereby strengthening the project's accessibility and impact.
Parents and the wider community contributed materials and supported the park’s transformation. Residents of nearby apartment buildings participated in painting the mural, reinforcing a collective sense of ownership and pride in the transformed space.
Municipal officers played a key role in sustaining the parklet, ensuring its long-term sustainability and usability. Their support demonstrated the potential for alternative ways of collaboration between local authorities and grassroots initiatives.
This inclusive and participatory approach not only shaped the project’s success but also strengthened community ties, fostering shared responsibility and long-term engagement. The impact extended beyond the parklet itself, inspiring broader community involvement and a renewed sense of agency among residents.
Children were at the forefront, leading the entire initiative. After mapping their neighborhood, they identified the parklet as a space with potential and conducted peer research to gather input on desired changes. They developed proposals through maps, sketches and 3d models, prioritized interventions based on available resources, and played an active role in painting the mural. Their leadership turned the parklet into a meaningful community space, becoming their daily meeting point.
Teachers supported the process by facilitating and ensuring the inclusion of all children, particularly those with disabilities. Their active participation in the project inspired trust and confidence in the children, thereby strengthening the project's accessibility and impact.
Parents and the wider community contributed materials and supported the park’s transformation. Residents of nearby apartment buildings participated in painting the mural, reinforcing a collective sense of ownership and pride in the transformed space.
Municipal officers played a key role in sustaining the parklet, ensuring its long-term sustainability and usability. Their support demonstrated the potential for alternative ways of collaboration between local authorities and grassroots initiatives.
This inclusive and participatory approach not only shaped the project’s success but also strengthened community ties, fostering shared responsibility and long-term engagement. The impact extended beyond the parklet itself, inspiring broader community involvement and a renewed sense of agency among residents.
The project had a pilot character, focusing primarily on the local level. However, its methodology and core elements are highly versatile and can be easily transferred to other contexts, whether in Greece, or to other European cities.
At the local level, the project engaged multiple departments within the Municipality of Athens, initiating a coordinated and multi-disciplinary approach. Each department contributed its expertise at different stages of implementation:
-The Department of Waste Management supported the project by adding additional bins to the area.
-The Department of Greenery planted additional plants and ensured the ongoing care of the park’s vegetation.
-The Department of Technical Services took responsibility for maintaining the existing benches and ensuring their usability, while also addressing other structural challenges in the park.
-The Cleaning Department provided regular upkeep, contributing to the cleanliness of the space.
The engagement of these municipal departments brought significant added value to the project. For the first time, various municipal departments collaborated directly on an initiative that was initiated by the community itself, with children as key contributors. This innovative system of collaboration fostered a stronger connection between the community and the different municipal departments.
An additional outcome of this cooperation is the recognition of the parklet within the Municipality’s long-term plans for a broader transformation process, by incorporating the voices of the community, especially its youngest members. The project has not only placed the space on the map for future upgrades but has also raised awareness among municipal stakeholders of the importance of participatory approaches in urban redesign. This approach represents a shift in Greece’s urban planning paradigm, emphasizing community-driven development and participatory design, which have been less prominent in municipal decision-making.
At the local level, the project engaged multiple departments within the Municipality of Athens, initiating a coordinated and multi-disciplinary approach. Each department contributed its expertise at different stages of implementation:
-The Department of Waste Management supported the project by adding additional bins to the area.
-The Department of Greenery planted additional plants and ensured the ongoing care of the park’s vegetation.
-The Department of Technical Services took responsibility for maintaining the existing benches and ensuring their usability, while also addressing other structural challenges in the park.
-The Cleaning Department provided regular upkeep, contributing to the cleanliness of the space.
The engagement of these municipal departments brought significant added value to the project. For the first time, various municipal departments collaborated directly on an initiative that was initiated by the community itself, with children as key contributors. This innovative system of collaboration fostered a stronger connection between the community and the different municipal departments.
An additional outcome of this cooperation is the recognition of the parklet within the Municipality’s long-term plans for a broader transformation process, by incorporating the voices of the community, especially its youngest members. The project has not only placed the space on the map for future upgrades but has also raised awareness among municipal stakeholders of the importance of participatory approaches in urban redesign. This approach represents a shift in Greece’s urban planning paradigm, emphasizing community-driven development and participatory design, which have been less prominent in municipal decision-making.
The project incorporated a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on a range of disciplines and knowledge fields to ensure its success. Collaboration between representatives of these fields was central to both the design and implementation of the project, with each contributing unique expertise and perspectives.
-Architects and Urban Planners played a key role in designing the educational participatory activities. These included tools such as maps, co-analysis exercises, and the co-design of 3D models. Their input ensured that the activities were grounded in spatial and urban planning principles, enabling children to engage with the urban environment in a meaningful way.
-Social Scientists contributed by focusing on the social dimensions of urban spaces. They emphasized how children interact with and relate to their surroundings, designing participatory activities that encouraged them to reflect on these social aspects.
-Teachers acted as vital bridges between the children and the facilitators. They ensured the project was pedagogically sound, approving its content and methodology while also supporting its implementation. Their role was instrumental in fostering trust and engagement among the children.
-Visual Artists took the children’s sketches and ideas and transformed them into a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing mural. Their work ensured that the children’s contributions were both celebrated and visually impactful.
The interaction between these disciplines created significant added value. By combining technical expertise in urban planning, social understanding of community dynamics, pedagogical insights, and artistic creativity, the project achieved a holistic and inclusive approach. This collaborative process ensured that the project was deeply resonant with the community it served.
-Architects and Urban Planners played a key role in designing the educational participatory activities. These included tools such as maps, co-analysis exercises, and the co-design of 3D models. Their input ensured that the activities were grounded in spatial and urban planning principles, enabling children to engage with the urban environment in a meaningful way.
-Social Scientists contributed by focusing on the social dimensions of urban spaces. They emphasized how children interact with and relate to their surroundings, designing participatory activities that encouraged them to reflect on these social aspects.
-Teachers acted as vital bridges between the children and the facilitators. They ensured the project was pedagogically sound, approving its content and methodology while also supporting its implementation. Their role was instrumental in fostering trust and engagement among the children.
-Visual Artists took the children’s sketches and ideas and transformed them into a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing mural. Their work ensured that the children’s contributions were both celebrated and visually impactful.
The interaction between these disciplines created significant added value. By combining technical expertise in urban planning, social understanding of community dynamics, pedagogical insights, and artistic creativity, the project achieved a holistic and inclusive approach. This collaborative process ensured that the project was deeply resonant with the community it served.
The project stands out for its innovative approach by placing children at the center of the transformation of their neighborhood, positioning them as key actors of change in their communities.
Through a series of participatory activities, children were directly involved in co-creating the project. They not only contributed their ideas but also facilitated activities with their peers, fostering collaboration and ownership. Remarkably, the children took the initiative to engage even younger members of the community by visiting a local kindergarten and sharing their vision, ensuring inclusivity.
This child-centered approach has far-reaching implications. Spaces designed with the needs and perspectives of children in mind -where they feel comfortable, safe, and inspired to play- are spaces that ultimately benefit the entire community. By prioritizing children’s well-being, the project created a ripple effect, bringing together parents, teachers, and other community members to collectively care for the space and, by extension, the children who use it.
Moreover, the project demonstrated that children, when empowered, can act as catalysts for broader community-led initiatives. Their involvement not only transformed a public space but also initiated a deeper process of community collaboration and ownership, laying the groundwork for future participatory projects.
This innovative focus on children as central stakeholders, rather than passive beneficiaries, marks a significant departure from conventional approaches and highlights the transformative potential of inclusive, community-driven urban design.
Through a series of participatory activities, children were directly involved in co-creating the project. They not only contributed their ideas but also facilitated activities with their peers, fostering collaboration and ownership. Remarkably, the children took the initiative to engage even younger members of the community by visiting a local kindergarten and sharing their vision, ensuring inclusivity.
This child-centered approach has far-reaching implications. Spaces designed with the needs and perspectives of children in mind -where they feel comfortable, safe, and inspired to play- are spaces that ultimately benefit the entire community. By prioritizing children’s well-being, the project created a ripple effect, bringing together parents, teachers, and other community members to collectively care for the space and, by extension, the children who use it.
Moreover, the project demonstrated that children, when empowered, can act as catalysts for broader community-led initiatives. Their involvement not only transformed a public space but also initiated a deeper process of community collaboration and ownership, laying the groundwork for future participatory projects.
This innovative focus on children as central stakeholders, rather than passive beneficiaries, marks a significant departure from conventional approaches and highlights the transformative potential of inclusive, community-driven urban design.
The project employed a child-centered, urban pedagogy approach to explore children’s views of their neighborhood and empower them as active agents of change. Using an interdisciplinary and participatory methodology, it fostered an inclusive and engaging process rooted in their lived experiences.
The methodology unfolded in the following activities (1 activity/session):
Understanding the neighborhood: Children identified key elements (people, infrastructure, activities, nature) shaping their neighborhood.
Mapping and spatial connections: Children familiarized with mapping and visualized their daily routes. This step helped them visualize their neighborhood and recognize the spaces that hold meaning for them.
Exploratory walks: Group walks in the neighborhood helped them observe and reflect on their use of space, with attention to informal play areas.
Creating their own maps: Children highlighted spaces they valued and areas needing improvement.
Proposing small-scale interventions: They developed ideas for improving their neighborhood through maps, sketches, collages, and 3d models.
Participatory research / co-validation: They presented their proposals at school level and organised an activity to get input from their peers to refine their proposals.
Prioritizing ideas: Together, they evaluated and prioritized their proposals based on the existing project budget and capacities, ensuring that the process remained realistic and feasible.
Creating the mural: As a final step, they collaboratively painted a mural celebrating their vision for the parklet.
The project also encouraged active citizenship by engaging children in discussions with the Municipality to advocate for practical improvements (i.e. providing additional benches and waste bins). This methodology not only empowered them in redesigning their environment but also fostered skills, confidence, and a sense of ownership, promoting collaboration across disciplines (education, urban planning, arts).
The methodology unfolded in the following activities (1 activity/session):
Understanding the neighborhood: Children identified key elements (people, infrastructure, activities, nature) shaping their neighborhood.
Mapping and spatial connections: Children familiarized with mapping and visualized their daily routes. This step helped them visualize their neighborhood and recognize the spaces that hold meaning for them.
Exploratory walks: Group walks in the neighborhood helped them observe and reflect on their use of space, with attention to informal play areas.
Creating their own maps: Children highlighted spaces they valued and areas needing improvement.
Proposing small-scale interventions: They developed ideas for improving their neighborhood through maps, sketches, collages, and 3d models.
Participatory research / co-validation: They presented their proposals at school level and organised an activity to get input from their peers to refine their proposals.
Prioritizing ideas: Together, they evaluated and prioritized their proposals based on the existing project budget and capacities, ensuring that the process remained realistic and feasible.
Creating the mural: As a final step, they collaboratively painted a mural celebrating their vision for the parklet.
The project also encouraged active citizenship by engaging children in discussions with the Municipality to advocate for practical improvements (i.e. providing additional benches and waste bins). This methodology not only empowered them in redesigning their environment but also fostered skills, confidence, and a sense of ownership, promoting collaboration across disciplines (education, urban planning, arts).
The project incorporates several elements that are highly replicable and transferable to other contexts, whether in rural or urban settings, and for diverse groups. Its methodology and processes can be adapted to create more inclusive, child-centered neighborhoods across different regions.
1.Participatory methodology: The core approach -co-defining needs and desires with children- can be applied in any community. By involving children in exploring their neighborhoods, identifying what matters most to them, and understanding how their environment can better meet their needs, the methodology fosters a sense of empowerment and ownership that is universal in its application.
2.Small-scale interventions: The concept of enabling children to propose and participate in small-scale improvements to public spaces is easy to replicate. These interventions, such as adding play elements, murals, or seating, are cost-effective and adaptable to local resources and priorities, making them feasible in a wide variety of settings.
3.Active citizenship: Encouraging children to engage directly with local authorities, advocate for their needs, and promote community care is another transferable element. This process nurtures a culture of participatory urban design and active citizenship that can be applied in neighborhoods around the world.
4.Vision for child-centered neighborhoods: The project demonstrates that designing neighborhoods with children’s needs at the forefront benefits entire communities. This approach can inspire initiatives focused on creating safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable spaces for everyone.
1.Participatory methodology: The core approach -co-defining needs and desires with children- can be applied in any community. By involving children in exploring their neighborhoods, identifying what matters most to them, and understanding how their environment can better meet their needs, the methodology fosters a sense of empowerment and ownership that is universal in its application.
2.Small-scale interventions: The concept of enabling children to propose and participate in small-scale improvements to public spaces is easy to replicate. These interventions, such as adding play elements, murals, or seating, are cost-effective and adaptable to local resources and priorities, making them feasible in a wide variety of settings.
3.Active citizenship: Encouraging children to engage directly with local authorities, advocate for their needs, and promote community care is another transferable element. This process nurtures a culture of participatory urban design and active citizenship that can be applied in neighborhoods around the world.
4.Vision for child-centered neighborhoods: The project demonstrates that designing neighborhoods with children’s needs at the forefront benefits entire communities. This approach can inspire initiatives focused on creating safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable spaces for everyone.
The project addresses several global challenges by providing innovative local solutions that prioritize children’s needs and well-being within urban environments.
One key global challenge is the prevalence of public spaces that fail to meet the needs and desires of children. Such spaces, often designed with a car-centered focus or around the needs of adults, limit children’s opportunities for cognitive, emotional, and social development. The project challenges this paradigm by treating children as citizens of today -not just future stakeholders- and actively involving them in the design and use of public spaces.
At an urban level, the project tackles the broader issue of insufficient green spaces. While many cities face a lack of accessible greenery, the project demonstrates that even when green spaces exist, it is essential to engage children in their care and design. By fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership, the project encourages children to contribute to the maintenance of these spaces while ensuring that they are multifunctional, accessible, and enjoyable for a wide range of users.
Through its local implementation, the project offers a scalable solution to these challenges, showing how participatory, child-centered approaches can transform public spaces into inclusive environments that meet the needs of diverse communities. This model not only supports children’s development but also promotes sustainable urban practices and stronger community bonds, contributing to broader global goals of equitable and inclusive urbanization.
One key global challenge is the prevalence of public spaces that fail to meet the needs and desires of children. Such spaces, often designed with a car-centered focus or around the needs of adults, limit children’s opportunities for cognitive, emotional, and social development. The project challenges this paradigm by treating children as citizens of today -not just future stakeholders- and actively involving them in the design and use of public spaces.
At an urban level, the project tackles the broader issue of insufficient green spaces. While many cities face a lack of accessible greenery, the project demonstrates that even when green spaces exist, it is essential to engage children in their care and design. By fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership, the project encourages children to contribute to the maintenance of these spaces while ensuring that they are multifunctional, accessible, and enjoyable for a wide range of users.
Through its local implementation, the project offers a scalable solution to these challenges, showing how participatory, child-centered approaches can transform public spaces into inclusive environments that meet the needs of diverse communities. This model not only supports children’s development but also promotes sustainable urban practices and stronger community bonds, contributing to broader global goals of equitable and inclusive urbanization.
The project restored a sense of belonging by transforming an overlooked urban green space into a meaningful community landmark. Led by children, the parklet’s revitalization strengthened connections between residents and their neighborhood. By participating in every stage of the process, the children gained ownership and pride, making the parklet their daily meeting point and deepening their attachment to their surroundings.
The designed mural, based on children's drawings, reflects Kipseli’s collective memory, integrating elements of local identity. It bridges generations, evoking stories from older residents while allowing younger ones to shape their environment. This process reactivated the parklet’s social and cultural significance, turning it into a symbol of shared experiences and community resilience.
Beyond its physical transformation, the project sparked a cultural shift. Initially observers, neighbors became active participants, supporting the initiative and taking responsibility for the space. This engagement restored agency among residents, proving that small interventions can catalyze further social changes.
The project also promotes inclusivity and sustainability. The parklet serves as a climate shelter, offering respite during heatwaves, and remains accessible to all, addressing the scarcity of green spaces in dense urban areas. Led by children, the project demonstrates how young residents can drive the transformation of urban spaces, shaping them to reflect local history and envision more inclusive and resilient neighborhoods.
The designed mural, based on children's drawings, reflects Kipseli’s collective memory, integrating elements of local identity. It bridges generations, evoking stories from older residents while allowing younger ones to shape their environment. This process reactivated the parklet’s social and cultural significance, turning it into a symbol of shared experiences and community resilience.
Beyond its physical transformation, the project sparked a cultural shift. Initially observers, neighbors became active participants, supporting the initiative and taking responsibility for the space. This engagement restored agency among residents, proving that small interventions can catalyze further social changes.
The project also promotes inclusivity and sustainability. The parklet serves as a climate shelter, offering respite during heatwaves, and remains accessible to all, addressing the scarcity of green spaces in dense urban areas. Led by children, the project demonstrates how young residents can drive the transformation of urban spaces, shaping them to reflect local history and envision more inclusive and resilient neighborhoods.
