Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods

Expected outcome

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Demonstrated approaches aligned with NEB allow architects, designers, spatial planners and neighbourhood [1] decision makers to ensure an efficient and effective integration of user perspectives in the spatial design and/or transformation of public spaces. The demonstrated approaches deliver positive climate, environmental, social and cultural impact (such as addressing inequalities and enhancing social cohesion, community [1] resilience, civic engagement and a sense of security, ownership and belonging).

Scope

The design of neighbourhood public spaces defines their functionality, but also other aspects such as power dynamics and sense of belonging. A fair green transition [1] calls for neighbourhood public spaces to be designed and managed for diverse users. Integrating new methods (such as research-by-design, security-by-design [4] , or life-centric design) in the architectural design and spatial planning of public space can help reflect on the values, practices and stakeholder relations that underpin the design of public spaces; rethink how public spaces are understood; overcome the potential conflict between the need to accelerate planning and the time needed for participatory [1] , inclusive [1] and deliberative processes; and speed up their green transition while actively includin g their inhabitants’ diverse perspectives. Proposals are expected to address all of the following: Assess how spatial design determines gendered, age-appropriate and identity-related patterns of use (e.g. in terms of mobility, safety, sense of security and access to public and private spaces) and how inclusive approaches and accessibility can address diverse needs and experiences of users and the community. Develop one approach to designing and planning public space that uses innovative methods. These innovative methods are expected to: Analyse the values, practices and stakeholder relations that underpin the design of public space in neighbourhoods. Be adapted to the sociocultural factors of the neighbourhoods and use co-creation [1] to incorporate inhabitants’ diverse perspectives and to exploit the potential of cultural, creative, and educational (academic) sectors. Address climate-resilience, water resilience, civil security, and biodiversity of public space and the safety, well-being and security of its users. Assess the multisensory perception of public spaces, including their beauty and aesthetics, by users and the community. Be adaptable, replicable and scalable to local specificiti

What this means for cities and regions

Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods — combining urban design, citizen engagement and inclusion. Strong fit for cities with active neighbourhood-renewal programmes, urban planning departments, and citizen-engagement organisations. Project size around €5 million per grant; close 1 December 2026.