Anna Lindh Foundation

SPACES Project Engages Communities in Montemor-o-Novo and Gaziantep

Since May 2024, Marca-ADL, in partnership with Turkish organization Kırkayak Kültür, has been implementing the SPACES – Social Pathways: A Community Engagement Methodology project, under the THE:PLACE funding programme. The initiative promotes inclusive and sustainable public spaces across the Mediterranean, with a focus on reducing social exclusion and strengthening local community cohesion.

The project involves developing a participatory methodology for public space intervention, which is being piloted in two locations: Montemor-o-Novo (Portugal) and Gaziantep (Turkey). In Montemor-o-Novo, the activities have engaged local residents through a variety of formats, including surveys, rugby games, clean-up actions, picnics, and the testing of an exploratory game. These initiatives aimed to understand the users’ relationship with the space and explore its potential from their perspective.

By the end of May 2025, final intervention activities will take place, designed in response to previous community input and involving local participation once again.

This project serves as a valuable example of grassroots-driven urban transformation and offers an innovative approach to community engagement.

Location: Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal | Gaziantep, Turkey
Organized by: Marca-ADL and Kırkayak Kültür
More information: https://marca-adl.pt/

This news aims to inform about a relevant achievement and foster interest in inclusive urban practices.