ICLEI member Zagreb (Croatia) recently hosted, 3-4 December 2018, a co-design workshop, which sought to explore how the city’s easternmost district, Sesvete, could be regenerated through nature-based solutions.

The hope for the district is to revive some buildings of the former meat-processing factory, Sljeme, and use nature-based solutions to transform the area into a vibrant community space, while maintaining its local identity.

The co-design workshop saw participants share their visions for Sesvete in 2030, in-depth stakeholder mapping of the area and presentations of co-design principles and methodologies.

Initial co-design ideas were also presented, which included launching an architectural competition in the area, offering a ‘Walk around Sljeme’ for students, a museum exhibition on the meat industry and history of Sljeme, and introductions to aquaponics, urban farming and the concept of an inclusive ‘therapy garden’, which uses horticultural therapy to integrate minorities and people with disabilities.

Speaking about the workshop Matija Vuger, City of Zagreb, said: “The shared response was that of enthusiasm and optimism, and all the stakeholders are excited to be included in the further steps of the co-design process.” “With the commitment, teamwork and enthusiasm shown by the participants, the co-design plans for Sesvete are well underway”, added Vasilis Latinos of ICLEI.

The workshop took place as part of the Horizon 2020-funded proGIreg project, which uses nature-based solutions to improve the long-term health and well-being of people living in post-industrial areas.

For more information and to learn more about proGIreg, click here.