Together we shape space

Within the framework of the Živih dvorišč (Living Courtyards) programme, we carried out a pilot project of community planning and a minor intervention in the courtyard at Cankarjeva 15. The community was selected by a professional jury from the applications received in response to a public call. The committee identified in the proposal an opportunity to connect residents of the entire building block. In addition, the applicants planned a child-friendly arrangement, demonstrating an understanding of needs while also referencing the genius loci of the space.

 

The method was developed and refined based on the existing experience and knowledge of partners in the Mreža za prostor (Space Network). With the help of Prostorož, we prepared the selection criteria and defined the objectives of the public call. Legal adviser Senka Šifkovič assisted us in resolving legal dilemmas faced by residents in connection with the management and use of courtyards. These topics – temporary use, greening, and construction of structures – were summarised in a brochure available to the interested public.

 

Goals We structured the pilot project as a series of workshops and gatherings with the following goals:

 

To connect and strengthen the community of residents at Cankarjeva 15 and the wider block, and to encourage them to act collectively in pursuit of shared goals. The results were presented in the form of the so-called Neighbourhood Pledge – a written document developed together with residents, representing their values and commitments for the future. At the closing picnic, residents were invited to sign it in a celebratory ceremony.

 

To plan and carry out a minor courtyard intervention together with residents and with the support of experts, aimed at improving the quality of life for both residents and visitors. The starting point for the design and implementation were half-day workshops in which we discussed habits, values, rituals and patterns of courtyard use, while simultaneously exploring possibilities for new ways of living that could help us face climate, social and psychological challenges. Based on these conversations, we developed a concrete proposal, which was then realised at a weekend workshop in November: we installed a bench, planted a tree, set up a metal structure for plants, planted several species of climbing plants, and hung a swing.

 

We successfully achieved our goals. We are particularly pleased with the concept of workshops involving advisers from fields that are often overlooked in planning – ethnology, arboriculture, landscape architecture and culturology.

 

Workshop Content

 

The workshops with residents were led by experts from various fields: Miran Krivec (landscape architect, employed at ZVKDS), Lea Zinauer (landscape architect and arborist), Katarina Kušar (architect), Katja Beck Kos (facilitator and culturologist), and Jerneja Ferlež (ethnologist). The methodology was documented by anthropology student Mitja Brglez.

 

Preliminary meeting with the applicant of the winning submission, Petra Očkerl.

 

First meeting with residents and the building manager: Project presentation – timeline, communication methods between stakeholders, workshop content, implementation and financial framework.

 

First workshop with residents and courtyard users: Location analysis and space mapping. Jože Grabnar presented the project previously prepared for this courtyard by Vesna Rebernak. We set up notice boards where residents could collect ideas until the next meeting.

 

Second workshop – shared vision for the space: A meeting with residents at which we gathered all ideas and opened a discussion about the vision. This was followed by a prioritisation of proposals, which served as the basis for preparing the implementation plan. The document Neighbourhood Pledge was produced.

 

Third workshop – co-designing the space: Based on the wishes and vision, we assembled a group of experts to advise on the implementation plan: Lea Zinauer (arborist), Miran Krivec (landscape architect) and Katarina Kušar (architect).

 

Fourth and fifth workshop: Preparation of the final proposal and bill of materials, as well as the purchase and transport of materials.

 

Implementation workshop, picnic and a guided tour of courtyards with Jerneja Ferlež – with this, we brought the project to a close.