Pruszcz Gdański (Pomorskie Voivodeship) is a city that grows its population every year, and with the population growth comes the increasing number of cars. There is a limited number of parking spots and as a result, people have been parking in spaces that were not designated for cars. Simultaneously, there are no regulations capping the number of cars in the downtown area, or any initiatives promoting public transportation. Our research and conversations with the citizens have shown that there is a need for more attractive public spaces for recreation, meetings, or enjoying nature. Our observations suggest that the challenge remains engaging local government and the citizens in active design of the urban projects and public space utilization. Consultations with the community are often held without previous analysis of its needs, often during the business hours of the municipal office and on already completed projects.

We will address these challenges by completing a diagnosis of the needs expressed by the citizens of Pruszcz Gdański and evaluating already existing public spaces within the city, and any initiatives and activities they may be hosting. We will conduct workshops where, together with members of the community interested in the matter, we will design a concept for public space development for a chosen neighborhood. The changes included in the development plan will encompass reorganizing parking spaces, traffic organization, and introduction of “urban furniture.” After consultations with the City Hall, the plan will be introduced temporarily as a test. We will conduct street surveys asking citizens what are their thoughts about the proposed changes. Finally, we will create a report and a list of recommendations for existing urban development plans and pass those along to the City Hall.