Promoting citizens engagement in co-designing public space at Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center
About this good practice
Gabrovo Municipality follows a participatory approach to urban development, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity through involvement of stakeholders like disability organizations, planners, architects, artists, social workers and museum employees to collaboratively address urban challenges and accessibility barriers. A series of in-depth interviews were conducted with key figures whose perspectives shape the reality of urban spaces and bring insights into their challenges and possibilities.
The practice focuses on integrating community insights into public space planning, particularly in enhancing accessibility. These consultations are taking place in the preparatory phase before the design and planning of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center, ensuring that the building and its surroundings meet the needs of diverse users. Consultations identified key issues such as structural barriers, policy gaps, and the need for training and technology-driven solutions.
Key priorities that emerged from the engagement include the need for:
• Digital tools such as mobile navigation guides and acoustic signals.
• Barrier-free pathways and step-free access.
• Braille and easy-to-read formats.
• Awareness and training for municipal staff on inclusive design.
The findings from these consultations are shaping future decisions and project planning. This approach demonstrates how early involvement of users and professionals can drive inclusive, informed, and widely supported urban development.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
Financial resources include municipal and external funding for making the research and analysis – both in-depth interviews and consultations with different stakeholder representatives. Human resources involve municipal officials and local community representatives.
Evidence of success
32 community members participated in the research that led to tangible urban development improvements, including accessibility upgrades, stronger policy alignment with inclusive planning principles, and enhanced public participation. The participatory approach has strengthened stakeholder engagement in urban decision-making. The designs of the new Christo centre are aligned with the research insights.
Potential for learning or transfer
Gabrovo’s model of participatory governance can be adapted in other municipalities seeking to improve urban planning and community-driven decision-making. The key success factors include early stakeholder identification and involvement, a research of perspectives and viewpoints, a selection of technical and social solutions, and training for employees. Gabrovo municipality applies this model to enhance public space inclusivity. It showcases accessibility must be approached holistically. Accessibility is not just about technical compliance but about how people from risk groups experience a space. The good practice examines different perspectives that, if adopted, could radically change the way we design and build spaces. For the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center, this means rethinking the entire visitor experience, from arrival points and pathways to staff training and programming that ensures true inclusivity.
