What would I change in my neighborhood?
About this good practice
Main objectives:
Develop public space design solutions that promote inter-generational interaction, seeking to mitigate isolation and loneliness; Promote the involvement of citizens of the City of Lisbon, in particular those 65+, in matters related to accessibility, mobility and safety in their neighborhood. To this end, some pilot projects are being carried out in the parishes of the City of Lisbon; Involve young architecture students in the design of public space, promoting inter-generational interaction;
Recognize the role of proximity policing with older people.
The initiative is organized in partnership with the Parish Council, the Neighborhood Police and the Faculty of Architecture of Lisbon, involving 15 to 20 elderly people, living in each of the parishes.
The first step is to outline the route where small improvements in the accessibility/mobility and safety of public space can potentially be identified.
During the journey, participating citizens identify modifications/arrangements that would be important to see changed, with an impact on their accessibility and mobility (e.g. lowering sidewalks, placing benches for resting and gatherings, arranging sidewalks, signage of areas of danger of falls, rain and sun protective awnings...)
At the end of the activity, the interventions with the greatest impact on accessibility, mobility and safety are voted on. The faculty of architecture execute the project, and the parish council assure the effectiveness of the intervention
Resources needed
Budget by activity (average): 5000 €
for works and adaptations – 4500€
other costs – 500€
Evidence of success
This is an activity that promotes the fight against isolation, the active participation of the 65+ population and empowerment in decision-making. It also promotes the involvement of various sectors of the local community and the academic sector.
Potential for learning or transfer
The methodology followed can be easily adapted in other cities/countries, in order to improve accessibility, mobility and safety for the elderly.
Arrangements and improvements made to public space facilitate or inhibit interaction between generations. Everything that can be done to promote the decision-making capacity of older citizens will certainly lead them to have a better appropriation of public space and to feel interested in improving their environment, also mitigating the effects of climate change in terms of the experience of public space.
Further information
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