Evaluation shows improved well-being from inclusive public space initiatives in Slovakia, highlighting community participation's role.
The article reports on the evaluation of the health and well-being outcomes of inclusive public space interventions co-designed, co-deployed, and co-managed within the IN-HABIT project in Nitra, Slovakia. Based on data from a questionnaire survey, the research highlights variations in perceived benefits across diverse social groups. Psychological well-being improved most among marginalised communities, while social cohesion and spatial satisfaction were significant across all target groups. The most substantial benefits were reported not merely from experiencing improved public spaces but from active participation in their design, implementation, and governance. These findings suggest that genuinely inclusive and impactful urban development should prioritise meaningful community participation, ensuring that interventions reflect the needs, aspirations, and lived experiences of diverse populations. By embedding participatory approaches into urban planning, cities can foster more equitable, resilient, and health-promoting environments.
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Hodnieva et al. (2025) studied this question.
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