Citizen participation in urban development processes is gradually being recognized as a key aspect of urban planning, with significant implications for quality of life, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Promoting social cohesion and inclusion, the incorporation of diverse forms of knowledge and experience in urban planning processes is crucial for generating innovative solutions, developing a shared identity, and fostering a sense of belonging. It empowers residents to actively care for the improvement of their environment and have a significant role in strengthening social bonds and cultivating a shared sense of responsibility for the city and neighborhood.
Recognizing the importance of citizens participation in urban planning, on July 3, 2024, an innovative focus group was held as part of the activities of the ΤWIN2EXPAND of the Society and Urban Form lab at the Department of Architecture, University of Cyprus, focusing on the Strategic Planning of the Pedieos River. The focus group brought together representatives from various agencies and stakeholders related to the Pedieos River area to discuss and reach a set of priorities regarding the enhancement of accessibility, the protection and improvement of the environment, and the creation of active public spaces and activities along the river.
The focus group was based on a participatory and interactive approach, promoting an environment that favors democratic and open dialogue, creative thinking, and consensus-building among the participants. The participatory approach utilized techniques of Structured Democratic Dialogue Process (SDDP) (as mentioned by Yiannis Laouris and Marios Michaelides), enabling the development and recording of ideas on complex issues, leading to participatory decision-making.
Residents and users of the area, architects, and representatives from various agencies and organizations participated in the focus group discussion, including the Cyprus Confederation Organisation of the Disabled (CCOD), the Nicosia Inter-municipal Development Projects (DAEL), the Thiasos (Θίασος) architecture studio, the café Amber and Joe, the Agioi Omologites Elementary School, the non-profit Organisation for Positive Urbanism (OPU collective), the Cyprus Institute, and the Strovolos Municipality. The participants formed three groups (the accessibility and connectivity group, the protection, biodiversity, and green infrastructure group, and the public space and activities group), who discussed and collaborated to develop a common framework of thought.
During the focus group, a total of 43 ideas were gathered and evaluated from the three teams, demonstrating the high level of engagement and creativity of the participants. Regarding accessibility and connectivity, a key outcome is the need to enhance vertical access from the linear park to residential areas through shared routes, ensuring a continuous “path” from the neighborhood level to the city and park level. Another outcome is including people with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with baby strollers by improving accessibility in pathways and parking areas, enhancing safety for pedestrians , and separating pedestrian and bicycle lanes. The need to create infrastructure for activities or essential services ( and connectivity with urban areas and neighborhoods surrounding the Pedieos River was also mentioned. This should be done through an official network of entrances that would make the linear park a high-accessibility axis for various neighborhoods within Nicosia. Regarding the environment, some significant outcomes concern the environmental footprint of new interventions and respecting the existing character and biodiversity of each area, fostering environmental awareness through an organized awareness strategy that includes empowering citizens and involving schools and children. Additionally, the need for crosswise expansion of the park within the city as a “green lung” was discussed, along with the proposal for an in-depth analysis of the existing ecosystem and conditions before any interventions are made. Issues of safety and pollution were proposed to be addressed through a strategic approach and systematic involvement of the relevant authorities. Concerning activities, the main outcomes highlight the need for planning a series of actions and events within the park regarding the children, culture, pets, and other daily events. The creation of “destination points,” places that invite users to spend their leisure time, was also deemed important.All three teams highlighted safety issues as significant, as well as the need for developing social activities along the river, utilizing and enhancing the greenery of the area.
The focus group discussion highlighted the importance of polyphony, consultation, and community participation in developing sustainable solutions for the urban environment. It also underscored the necessity of transdisciplinary collaboration and collective action through the cooperation of academic groups, professionals, local authorities, and citizens. The active involvement of citizens and stakeholders in decision-making processes is crucial for shaping urban planning and transforming neighborhoods and communities, significantly contributing to creating safer and more vibrant communities.
The focus group discussion also confirmed the importance of synergy between academic groups and practice and the significance of evidence-based urban design and planning (EBDP). Using empirical data and scientific research to guide urban and city planning can lead to better outcomes, long-term sustainability, and the well-being of cities and communities.
In the next stage, the main issues highlighted by stakeholders will inform relevant research questions. These questions will be explored and evaluated concerning the proposed Strategic Planning of the Pedieos River using spatial analysis methods and tools and will be discussed with participants in a subsequent participatory workshop. The ultimate goal is to collectively prepare related Policy Briefs, concise documents aimed at informing decision-makers on the specific topic.
Click here for Stakeholder Meeting Agenda.
Click here for report in Greek. Report in English coming soon.
