Solution Tested:

CROWDVOCACY – Digital Platform for Citizen Participation in Co-Creating Green Areas

What was done?

The Breka pilot was implemented through a participatory and multi-phase process combining community engagement, digital tools, and design development to regenerate a neglected neighborhood public space.

Key actions included:

-Site analysis and preparation: Assessment of the physical condition, spatial structure, and current use of the green courtyard within the Breka residential complex.

-Stakeholder engagement: Identification and involvement of local residents, community representatives, city departments, urban planners, and sustainability experts.

-Participatory process: Organization of public workshops, surveys, and discussions to collect residents’ needs, ideas, and priorities for the future use of the space.

-Digital participation: Use of the Decidim Sarajevo platform to gather proposals, comments, and feedback from citizens and ensure transparent participation.

-Design competition: Launch of an open call for design proposals based on the priorities identified during the participatory process.

-Evaluation and selection: Assessment of submitted projects by an expert jury together with citizen participation in the selection process.

-Concept development: Refinement of the winning proposal into a design that transforms the space into a multifunctional neighborhood “urban living room” with seating areas, play spaces, greenery, and a small public square.

-Through these actions, the pilot tested participatory urban design methods and developed a replicable model for revitalizing shared spaces in Sarajevo’s residential neighborhoods.

What are the results?

The Breka pilot produced both measurable participation outcomes and a concrete design solution for the transformation of a neglected public space within the residential complex.

Key results include:

-Strong citizen participation: More than 100 residents and stakeholders took part in workshops, surveys, and discussions during the participatory process.

-Digital engagement: Citizens actively contributed ideas and feedback through the Decidim Sarajevo platform.

-Design competition outcomes: The open call for the regeneration of the space received 6 design proposals from multidisciplinary teams of architects, planners, and designers.

-Democratic project selection: The final design was selected through a combined evaluation process that included over 600 citizen votes, ensuring strong community ownership of the outcome.

-Defined transformation area: The pilot produced a concrete design solution for the regeneration of approximately 750 m² of public space within the Breka residential complex.

-New spatial concept: The selected proposal transforms the neglected green area into a multifunctional neighborhood “urban living room” including seating areas, play spaces, greenery, and a small community square.

-Replicable model: The pilot established a participatory methodology that the City of Sarajevo can apply to regenerate similar shared spaces in other residential neighborhoods.

Overall, the pilot strengthened citizen involvement in urban planning while delivering a ready-to-implement design for the revitalization of an underused public space.

What others can learn from this Pilot?

The Breka pilot provides valuable insights for cities seeking to regenerate underused public spaces within large residential housing complexes through participatory and design-driven approaches.

Key lessons include:

-Participation builds ownership: Early and continuous involvement of residents through workshops, surveys, and digital platforms significantly increased community trust and interest in the project. Citizens were more willing to support and care for the space when they felt their ideas influenced the final design.

-Combining digital and in-person engagement is effective: The use of the Decidim Sarajevo platform alongside face-to-face workshops allowed broader participation and improved transparency of the decision-making process.

-Design competitions can translate community needs into quality solutions: An open call for proposals ensured professional design quality while responding to priorities identified by residents.

-Post-socialist housing areas hold significant regeneration potential: Many residential complexes contain large shared green areas that can be reactivated with relatively modest interventions.

-Clear communication is essential: Explaining the process, timelines, and decision criteria helped maintain public trust and avoid misunderstandings.

Recommendation for replication:
Cities should combine participatory processes with professional design development and ensure institutional support from local authorities. Even small pilot interventions can serve as catalysts for wider neighborhood regeneration and stronger community stewardship of public spaces.

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