The impact of common space on neighbourhood communities (shortened v.2)

This call aims to produce insights on the impacts of common spaces (new, redesigned or redeveloped) on neighbourhoods and their communities, and to enhance the capacities of relevant stakeholders to integrate insights in policies, strategies, plans and measures for the regeneration of common spaces in neighbourhoods.

The call "The impact of common space on neighbourhood communities" invites proposals to study a range of common space projects in at least three EU Member States or Associated Countries, collecting data and drawing on evidence, to better understand the medium and long-term impacts of common spaces on community cohesion, social interactions, active civic participation, resilience, diversity, as well as sense of security and belonging. The proposed solutions should be tailored to the specific needs of neighbourhoods, paying special attention to vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Expected Outcomes

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: • Better understanding of the effects of the design, aesthetics and other features of common spaces on inhabitants’ behaviour, health, sense of belonging, diversity and inclusion, security, resilience, and opportunities to produce social, cultural and local economic value. • Enhanced capacities of relevant stakeholders to integrate insights in policies, strategies, plans and measures for the regeneration of common spaces in neighbourhoods.

Scope

One of the core NEB values is inclusion. The regeneration of common spaces can facilitate inclusiveness and social interaction in neighbourhoods by providing a safe, accessible, and attractive environment. Attractive, well-designed, well-maintained, and secure common spaces can bring people together for commercial, cultural, and leisure activities. A safe environment can also create a sense of trust and community among inhabitants.

Proposals

Proposals are expected to address all of the following: • Study a range of common space projects in at least three EU Member States or Associated Countries, collecting data and drawing on evidence, to better understand the medium and long-term impacts of common spaces on community cohesion, social interactions, active civic participation, resilience, diversity, as well as sense of security and belonging. • Based on the research evidence, provide recommendations for public administrations and other stakeholders involved in the regeneration of common spaces in neighbourhoods.

Approach

Proposals are expected to follow a participatory and transdisciplinary approach through the integration of different actors (such as public authorities, local actors from the targeted neighbourhoods, civil society, private owners, cultural institutions, etc.) and disciplines (such as architecture or design, arts, (civil) engineering). This topic requires the effective contribution of social sciences and humanities (SSH) disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities.

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