Architectural and urban walks have recently become a very popular tool for public participation in urban planning. This format offers a unique perspective on the city and the opportunity to actively participate in the public space debate on the ground. These walks often act as a platform for the exchange of views between citizens, experts and public space designers. Participation plays a key role in understanding and shaping the urban environment, where citizens are co-creators of the future shape of their cities.
Architectural and urban walks are suitable for different types of urban planning projects. They help, for example, in the revitalisation of public spaces, when you need to gather citizens’ views on the design of streets, parks and squares. They can also contribute to the design of new residential and commercial districts, where participants share input on what these areas should look like and how they should meet the needs of the community. The walks also provide an opportunity to discuss improvements to transportation infrastructure, historic preservation, or sustainable urban planning. In addition, they help to identify suitable locations for community events and activities, thereby strengthening the cohesion and engagement of the residents in local life.
An architectural walk usually begins with a meeting with a guide who introduces participants to the planned route and program. The guide can be an experienced facilitator, an architect, or urban planner who is working on the project. During the walk, stops are scheduled around the important buildings and public spaces where the guide explains their significance in detail. Participants can ask questions, share their views and suggest improvements to specific places. Specific ideas for the future development or improvements to the public space are often collected as part of participatory processes. In this way, the walks not only inform but also promote dialogue between citizens, experts, and municipal leaders.
We have held a number of walks as part of our projects. Most recently, we carried out a walk in connection with the Klánovice urban study for the Prague City Council, which followed a series of participatory meetings with the general public and key stakeholders of the district. During the six stops, participants had the opportunity to discuss key topics for urban study, such as future development, public space and infrastructure, directly on the streets of Klánovice and actively share their suggestions and comments. The discussion focused on the common challenges of the district in order to find solutions that promote the harmonious development of the whole area.
We also organised the walk in a non-traditional place – the cemetery. However, it was not a Halloween event, but an effort to find a new use for the Old Drumenec Cemetery Na Skalce. This cemetery, founded in 1802, has not been used for burials for over 130 years and today, as an abandoned grove, only remotely resembles its original purpose. Revitalisation could transform the site while preserving its historical value. The first step in this participatory process was a guided tour that opened up a place hidden from public view to the regular people who were invited to discuss its future.
Are you interested in the format of architectural and urban walks? Contact us at info@participationfactory.com, we will be happy to tailor a walk to suit your needs.