DESIGN PARTICIPATION: FROM RHETORIC TO PRACTICE (AND BACK?)

Abstract

Design participation is considered an inclusive, democratic and transparent process of urban planning and decision-making, particularly important for environments where complex social and economic realms could easily be misinterpreted in a common top-down design approach. This paper examines actual contributions of this methodology, implemented in ongoing strategies for designing and building public spaces and cultural infrastructure as part of the project Novi Sad European Capital of Culture 2021, which is based on democracy, decentralisation, inclusion and citizens' participation. Now, these strategies were put into action, with several projects prepared, launched and brought closer to actual realisation. This process revealed conclusions inrespect to implementation possibilities, as well as its strengths and weaknesses in actual projects, and ephasized the need to further improve urban practice and undertake change of the slow and unprepared procedures of the City administration.