Between Urban Resistance and Participation: The Case of a Civil Initiative for the Preservation of Open Public Space in Banjaluka

pThis paper deals with the role of urban activism and civil initiatives in the process of urban transformation of post-socialist cities. The aim of the paper is to underline the transformative potential of civil initiatives and the importance of activism as an informal tool for involving citizens in the decision-making process in urban planning. The case of a civil initiative for the preservation of open public space in a residential area in the center of the city of Banja Luka is presented. The case indicates the importance of informal and formal forms of organizing citizens to preserve the interests of the community. Finally, the paper indicates the presence of the conflicting participatory planning model and the need for the development of new planning tools with the aim of achieving more effective participation of citizens and social goals of the sustainable development of Banjaluka./p