Courtyard Redesign for Kentron Municipality
Community Engagement / Public Space / Participatory Design
2024
01/
Overview
A fragmented, decaying courtyard reimagined through a participatory design process — restoring its role as a social space and creating an inclusive environment for rest, play, and community life, while carefully preserving its historical character.
02/
Research
Before any design decision, the courtyard was studied on its own terms: three weeks of fieldwork, 15 observation sessions, and interviews with residents, children, visitors, and staff. Long-term residents shaped the brief directly — a football field, a new playground, updated workout equipment, pool renovation, a gathering space for adults. Archival research uncovered the site's original layout, grounding every proposed change in what the place actually used to be. The concept was presented at an on-site public meeting, with feedback documented openly.
03/
Project
The result: a multifunctional sports ground for football, basketball, and free movement; a multi-age playground with a stage for performances; a water and sand play area for sensory exploration; and a classic recreation pavilion giving older residents shaded space to socialize. Four zones, one shared courtyard — built for every generation that uses it.
