2023 Impact BlockbyBlock Approach

Empowering Communities through the use of Minecraft for Public Space Development


In 2023, UN-Habitat, with funding from the BlockByBlock Foundation, successfully implemented public spaces in six countries: Egypt, Kenya, Indonesia, Senegal, Brazil, and Peru, resulting in a total of 11 constructed public spaces through partnerships with local partners. Moreover, six Minecraft workshops were organized, involving over 300 community members. Additionally, it established two regional networks in Africa and Latin America.


IMPACT STORIES

1

Regeneration Khalifa Market Public Space, Cairo, Egypt

In Egypt within the World Heritage Site of Historic Cairo, the Al-Khalifa district, despite its underprivileged status, exudes immense potential with its rich cultural heritage and close-knit community. However, the neighborhood faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from the poor quality of public spaces and services. The heart of the community, the Al-Khalifa market public space, has long served as a vital hub for daily activities and interactions, yet its condition has deteriorated over time. Recognizing the urgent need for regeneration, UN-Habitat and the Built Environment initiative, in collaboration with the local government, embarked on a transformative journey to restore this central space while preserving its tangible and intangible heritage values. Through participatory co-designing activities, involving users of the market, including children, a comprehensive regeneration proposal was crafted, focusing on enhancing overall conditions, improving accessibility, and redesigning the visual identity of the space. The outcomes of these workshops, coupled with community feedback and government collaboration, culminated in the implementation of various interventions in 2023, ranging from the redesign of street vending stands to the establishment of a waste collection system. The impact of this initiative extends beyond physical improvements, as evidenced by the words of community members like Ali, Youssef, Malak, and a street vendor, who express newfound hope, confidence, and gratitude for having their voices heard. In revitalizing the Al-Khalifa market, this initiative not only preserves the neighborhood's heritage but also empowers its residents to envision and create a brighter future for their community.

2

Co-Designing an Inclusive Public Space along a Riverbank in Solo, Indonesia

In Solo, Indonesia, the Rivers as Inclusive Common Space program  addresses the neglect of neighborhood common spaces, particularly the riverbank of Pepe River, which offers immense potential for inclusive development. Through a collaborative effort involving UN-Habitat, Surakarta City Government, Kota Kita, Urban+ Institute, and Ayo ke Taman, the initiative aims to transform the riverbank into a vibrant public space accessible to all residents. Over six months, more than 60 residents, spanning all ages, actively participated in co-designing the space, utilizing tools like Minecraft to visualize their ideas. The resulting Taman Rukun Mangkubumen, or Mangkubumen Harmony Park, serves as an active hub for community interaction, benefiting over 80 households. Emphasizing inclusivity, the park incorporates features such as ramps and handrails to ensure usability for all, while sustainability measures like rainwater harvesting are implemented. Voices from the community, including residents like Iswan Fitradias, Gancar, Fitri, Sri, and Agus, highlight the profound impact of the park on their lives, emphasizing its role as a gathering spot and a source of joy and community spirit. Through direct engagement with stakeholders and the creation of a model inclusive public space, the program sets a precedent for future development initiatives, promoting inclusivity principles and enhancing community well-being.

3

Women Builders Initiative in Lima, Peru

In Peru, the Women Builders Initiative addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by Peru, including climate change impacts and urbanization strains, which have led to poverty, inadequate public spaces, and social disparities. Led by UN-Habitat, AVINA Foundation, Ocupa tu Calle, and Mano a Mano with funding from Block-by-Block Foundation, the initiative focuses on empowering women through urban regeneration in La Ensanada and Pamplona Alta districts. By engaging over 135 women and 62 men, the project equipped participants with digital tools like Minecraft and Inhabit Place, enabling them to assess public space quality and implement improvements. Through the creation of four green public spaces, benefiting over 40,000 individuals, the initiative not only enhanced accessibility but also fostered economic independence for women and girls, enabling them to actively shape their cities. Moreover, the initiative's legacy extends through the launch of the Pact for Public Spaces, advocating for inclusive and sustainable urban policies across Latin America, with a focus on community engagement and well-being. This initiative signifies a transformative step towards creating resilient and equitable cities in the face of environmental challenges.

4

Community in the valley: new uses for the creek banks Belo Horizonte, Brazil

The project in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, addresses the pressing issue of irregular settlements along the Onça creek banks, aiming to mitigate safety and public health concerns while preventing further irregular occupation. Through a collaborative approach involving extensive community engagement, the project has transformed the area into two linear parks featuring recreational spaces, green areas, and community gardens. This initiative, developed in partnership with local residents and authorities, seeks to provide sustainable, accessible, and safe public spaces, thus improving the overall quality of life for the community. The participatory nature of the project, which included workshops with students, teachers, and community members, ensured that diverse voices were heard and incorporated into the design process. With an emphasis on sustainability and resilience, the project not only addresses immediate challenges but also sets a precedent for future urban renovations in the city. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents underscores the project's success in fostering a sense of community pride and well-being. Benefiting over 8,287 residents of the Novo Aarão Reis area and 16,020 residents of Ribeiro de Abreu, the project has brought significant social, economic, cultural, and political benefits to the region, enhancing urban design, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring further revitalization efforts across the city.

5

Community-Led Urban Nusery Initiatives, Dakar, Senegal

In Dakar, Senegal, community-led urban development initiatives are gaining momentum, particularly through the establishment of the Urban Fabric Initiative. These experimental projects, supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), aim to collaboratively develop public spaces and facilities, fostering citizen participation and enhancing collective well-being.

The Urban Fabric Initiative in Dakar, initiated in June 2020, focuses on improving urban transportation infrastructure, including the Regional Express Train and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. One such project involved the development of pedestrian paths in an alley perpendicular to a BRT station in the Unit 4 neighborhood of Parcelles Assainies, Golf Sud Commune.

Engaging various stakeholders, including residents, local authorities, and community organizations, the project team utilized innovative methods such as exploratory walks and co-design workshops with the Minecraft tool. These activities aimed to gather input from the community and ensure that the development meets the needs of users, particularly pedestrians.

In addition to physical improvements, the project emphasizes community engagement and sustainability. Local associations, such as PRODEV4, play a crucial role in the management and maintenance of developed spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents.

Through initiatives like mural painting and reforestation activities, the project not only enhances the physical environment but also promotes civic education, road safety, and environmental stewardship among residents, particularly students.

Overall, the Urban Fabric Initiative in Dakar exemplifies the potential of community-led urban development initiatives to create inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant public spaces, ultimately contributing to the well-being of urban communities.

6

Mukuru Riverfront Public Space Project, Nairobi, Kenya

The Mukuru Riverfront Public Space Project, situated in Nairobi, Kenya, was a collaborative effort between the Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI), UN-Habitat, and the Mukuru Youth Initiative (MuYI) to address environmental challenges in the Mukuru informal settlements. With support from donors like Block by Block, Jeffrey Cook Trust, and the Global EbA fund, the project aimed to create inclusive public spaces and employ nature-based solutions to combat issues like poor waste management, sanitation, and flooding.

The project involved extensive community engagement through workshops and Minecraft training sessions to gather design input and ensure resident participation in construction activities. The development of a construction committee promoted equitable inclusion of community members, including women, men, and differently abled individuals.

Through the integration of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure interventions, such as improved drainage and surface runoff management, the project enhanced the resilience of the settlement to climate-related challenges. It also fostered community-level stewardship and empowerment, as residents actively contributed to the project's implementation and maintenance.

The project's impact extended beyond physical transformation, empowering the community to take ownership of their surroundings and actively contribute to their well-being. Testimonials from community members and stakeholders highlighted the project's success in creating flood-free, aesthetically pleasing spaces and fostering a sense of pride and inspiration among residents.

REGIONAL PUBLIC SPACE NETWORKS


The Centre of African Public Spaces

The Centre on African Public Spaces (CAPS) was established by the City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality in collaboration with the UN-Habitat Global Public Space Programme and the GIZ Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention Programme. It serves as a resource hub for various stakeholders dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise related to African public spaces. CAPS recently achieved significant milestones, including its Inaugural Advisory Board Session and strategic planning session. Throughout 2023, with the funding support from BlockbyBlock Foundation, CAPS made impactful appearances at five regional and international events, receiving recognition and awards for its contributions. Notable activities include highlighting the importance of public spaces at conferences, launching the Urban Spaces and Public Life Photo Challenge in collaboration with the Market Photo Workshop, and fostering knowledge exchange and activism through photography.


The Latin America Public Spaces Pact

In recent years, the significance of public spaces has surged, driven by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and legislative efforts to enhance urban areas. The enactment of laws such as the Management and Protection Law of Public Spaces and the Sustainable Urban Development Law has catalyzed the creation of the transformative Pact for Public Spaces.

This collaborative initiative, spearheaded by citizens, has become a potent force shaping public policy and urban planning towards fostering sustainable cities. Emphasizing inclusivity, environmental consciousness, sustainable mobility, and neighborhood infrastructure, the Pact aims to improve collective well-being through recreation, leisure, walking, games, and collective activities.

At the 7th International Festival of Urban Interventions in Lima, Peru, a crucial moment occurred with a panel dedicated to the Public Spaces Pact. Key stakeholders from various organizations and municipal officials from several cities convened to assess progress and initiatives. Four roundtables tackled specific themes, engaging officials from 13 municipalities and fostering a collaborative environment for change.

Social media played a vital role in disseminating discussions, amplifying achievements, and encouraging new subscriptions to the initiative. Thousands engaged with posts highlighting successes, municipal reports, and the benefits of the pact.

Expansion efforts included a systematization process and operational model development, offering insights into growing interest and fostering a comprehensive approach. The official announcement of the Pact's scaling-up during the 8th International Festival of Urban Interventions and Placemaking Meeting in Latin America marked a milestone. With 185 representatives from regional organizations in attendance, the groundwork was laid for the expansion across Latin America. A subsequent social media campaign and registration generated interest from 24 organizations and individuals, forming a committed network of allies for the collective transformation of public spaces in the region.