Developing processes for the co-creation and co-governance of urban green space in dense urban areas. A Maltese case study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6093/1970-9870/10273

Keywords:

Green Space, Public Open Space, Placemaking, Tactical Urbanism, Place-led Experimentation, Co-creation, Co-governance

Abstract

The lack of and inequitable access to recreational and green open space in Malta is clearly documented. In an attempt to address social inequalities, research on place-led experimentation as a co-creation and co-governance process is ongoing. A multiple case study and participant action research methodology through the application of placemaking and urban living lab concepts is adopted. Communities are engaged to rethink public spaces as greener places and foster a better relationship with nature while improving the urban environment through nature-based placemaking. The research strives to understand how residents of Maltese localities can be motivated to participate in bettering their urban environment and foster a sense of pride in their spaces. This paper presents the findings of the locality of Senglea case study. A placemaking toolkit, by Placemaking Europe is adapted, applied and analysed within the Maltese context, consisting of a series of workshops to build a relationship with local communities according to their specific needs and desires. This paper provides insight into some of the key learning outcomes emerging from this first case study. Moreover, it puts forth recommendations on how processes for co-creation and co-governance of public spaces in dense urban areas such as Malta may be developed.

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Author Biographies

Sarah Scheiber, Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta

She is specialised in urban design and spatial planning and is a lecturer at the Faculty for the Built Environment – University of Malta. Her research focuses on the planning and design of urban open spaces and sustainable mobility in relation to green infrastructure; placemaking; inclusivity; integrated planning and design; and sustainable and resilient cities. Her PhD looked into the adoption of ‘Urban Green Infrastructure Planning’ in the Maltese context. Prior to entering academia, Sarah spent several years working as an urban designer in both private and public spheres in The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Malta. Sarah is passionate about improving the quality of the urban environment and is co-founder of 'Dawra Madwarna: Connecting People, Connecting Places', a platform set up to create a network of interdisciplinary professionals working to contribute to the transformation of public spaces within Malta’s urban areas for a more sustainable future.

Wendy Jo Mifsud, University of Malta

She is a lecturer and planner with an interest in participatory approaches to decision-making.  Her ongoing research follows upon her Doctoral dissertation entitled ‘A Study of Spatial Planning using Participatory GIS in the Maltese Context’, obtained from the University of Malta in 2019.  Wendy’s academic and professional background has been varied, becoming an architect and then going on to gain postgraduate qualifications in heritage, GIS and spatial planning.  She is now a lecturer in spatial planning at the University of Malta, having also gained professional experience working in the United Kingdom and Malta, dealing mainly with urban planning and strategic policymaking.  She participates in various research projects as well as in the local environmental NGO ‘Dawra Madwarna’, actively striving to promote placemaking in Malta and abroad.  Wendy is a member of the Malta Chamber of Planners and the Malta Chamber of Architects.

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Published

30-06-2024

How to Cite

Scheiber, S., & Mifsud, W. J. (2024). Developing processes for the co-creation and co-governance of urban green space in dense urban areas. A Maltese case study. TeMA - Journal of Land Use, Mobility and Environment, (2), 65–79. https://doi.org/10.6093/1970-9870/10273

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Section

SI 2024. Urban inequalities

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