A Vibrant City

The "Pestro mesto" initiative was conceived as a project for the sustainable revitalization of the historic downtown area of Slovenska Bistrica. It placed people, their experiences, needs, and ideas at the forefront, and encouraged collaboration among residents, local communities, organizations, and the municipality. The project took place within the framework of the international HUB-IN network, which explores innovative approaches to the revitalization of historic urban areas.

 

It was based on the placemaking approach, where space is created together with the community. Residents were involved as active co-creators, which ensured that interventions stemmed from the actual needs and daily experiences of the people who use the space.

 

The process began with getting to know the space. In the fall of 2023, the team, together with the local community, surveyed the area, identified its potential, and selected micro-locations for interventions. At the introductory workshop, residents reflected on their relationship to the space and its possibilities through conversation and sensory approaches. This is where the first ideas for interventions took shape.

 

Subsequently, participants worked with the mentors to develop concrete proposals. The focus was on the need for more greenery, spaces for socializing, play areas, and opportunities for the community to exhibit and express itself. Through a process of coordination, the ideas evolved into feasible solutions.

 

An important part of the project was bringing together various local stakeholders. Representatives from elementary schools, associations, individuals, and municipal departments were involved in the process. The project’s content and organizational aspects were coordinated through numerous meetings. Significant emphasis was also placed on practical challenges—ranging from sourcing materials and collaborating with the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage to logistics, tools, and access to the site.

 

Between October and mid-November 2023, these ideas came to life in the space. Through a series of hands-on activities, mentors, volunteers, and residents collaborated to create several small but significant interventions. They greened the courtyard with tall planters and plantings, and enriched the space with a visually distinctive floor mural created in collaboration with the Pohorski Odred Elementary School and the Fridina Mišnica association. In addition, a community “living room” was created—a space with wooden benches, baskets, display frames, and a colorful bike rack, intended for socializing, gathering, and everyday use. The space thus gained a new function and became more open to communal life.

 

The project demonstrated that developing participatory practices requires more than just an open call. Thoughtful communication strategies, personal contact, and the gradual building of trust are key. Recognizing existing initiatives and creating a sense that an individual’s contribution is visible and valued also play an important role.

Pestro mesto thus offered concrete insight into how community co-creation can contribute to the revitalization of a space. In addition to physical changes, the project also established new connections between people and strengthened the understanding of how collaboration can shape more inclusive and vibrant urban spaces.