The Impact of Participatory Planning Approach on the Quality Urban Design of Former Riverbank Brownfield Sites

Abstract

Processes of brownfield sites redevelopment are very well known and welcome especially by city councils. The new trend of reurbanization with focus on derelict and brownfield sites has reached the Central-East European space, too. City investors are reacting in prompt manner in order to attract new users of the redeveloped sites by good design of public spaces achieved and communicated by public hearings. The topic of participation processes in any development has solid theoretical framework, but the implementation phase often tends to fail. Successful and effective public participation uses properly chosen and appropriately applied tools and methods of participation at the most suitable time of the development process. The aim of the paper is to present how a good participatory planning can have a direct impact on the urban design quality. This participatory approach is explained on case studies of former brownfield sites situated on riverbanks in the cities of Trenčín and Bratislava. In both former riverbank brownfield sites the approach of public participation has been used in different phases and manners. The outcome varies due to the different stages of projects, but nevertheless both can provide a high quality urban design outcome.