The project “Sustainable Public spaces through Inclusive Community Engagement”, abbreviated as “SPICE”, implemented under the “Horizon Europe” Programme, aims to provide a new model of participatory co-creation in (re)shaping neighborhoods.

The project develops, tests, and validates innovative community engagement approaches to establish an evidence-based framework for the co-design, co-creation, and maintenance of public spaces in four European neighborhoods.

By fostering interdisciplinary synergies and inclusive participation, leveraging advanced digital tools, and promoting circular and regenerative construction practices, SPICE:

  • addresses critical societal challenges,
  • enhances social cohesion, and
  • highlights core EU values such as democratic participation, cultural and linguistic diversity, and social inclusion.

It actively supports the European Green Deal and aligns with the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

SPICE project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation under grant agreement No. 101215492.

The necessity of consistently including end users or local communities is sometimes overlooked in the planning, designing, and construction processes used today. However, combining community knowledge and initiatives can result in more livable neighborhoods that empower citizens and highlight local needs.

Recognizing the importance of establishing a participatory co-creation model for (re) shaping public spaces in European neighborhoods, the SPICE project aims to:

  • Develop a new model of participatory co-creation in (re)shaping neighborhoods
  • Support the green transformation of cities according with NEB principles by testing and validating the new proposed methodology in four (4) demonstration cases (pilots)
  • Leverage new technologies to facilitate active engagement and collaboration within local ecosystems
  • Enhance a transdisciplinary and inclusive approach in tackling local societal challenges
  • Provide evidence of the impact and perspectives of this new model of active engagement and co-creation

Integrating community knowledge and active participation can result in neighborhoods that are not only livable but also empower citizens to take an active role in shaping their surroundings.

This inclusive approach and a New Governance model can enhance social trust and improve public perception of local governance and democratic processes. The design of public spaces significantly influences social interactions, community activities, and overall public trust in public institutions.

Therefore, providing tools and ways for citizens to engage in co-designing these spaces we can have far-reaching positive impacts, including heightened community acceptance, a stronger sense of belonging, and increased social cohesion. Such engagement not only improves the well-being of individuals but also strengthens the fabric of the community as a whole, encouraging connections and collaboration among diverse groups.

ΗμερομηνίαΔραστηριότητα
16-17 / 7 / 2025Kick-Off Meeting for the SPICE Project in Thessaloniki
For any information regarding "SPICE" project, interested parties can contact KEPA's European Projects Department (Tel.: 0030 2310413285, Email: eu_dpt@e-kepa.gr)