Reclaiming public space through community action

As part of the SPACE project, the University of Prishtina – Faculty of Architecture organized and implemented a Community Workshop from 13–15 May to explore how temporary and community-led interventions can activate underused public spaces and strengthen local ownership. The workshop brought together local users, students, community representatives, and facilitators in a collaborative process focused on understanding, reimagining, and testing new possibilities for the selected public space.

The activity unfolded through three interconnected phases. Participants first explored the site and reflected on its existing conditions, everyday use, and untapped potential. Building on these observations, they engaged in collaborative design sessions to generate ideas and define possible interventions. The process concluded with the implementation of selected temporary actions directly within the space, transforming ideas into tangible interventions. Following the workshop, the interventions were further activated and evaluated through two Pop-up Events, organized on 22–23 May. These activities tested the space through temporary uses and community engagement, creating opportunities for interaction, observation, and reflection on how small-scale actions can influence everyday urban life. By combining discussion, co-creation, implementation, and testing, the process transformed participants from observers into active contributors. The activities demonstrated how participatory and tactical approaches can support more inclusive, vibrant, and community-oriented public spaces. The Community Workshop and Pop-up Events form part of the broader SPACE project approach, promoting collaborative practices and empowering local communities to actively participate in shaping their urban environments.