• Combination of scientific expertise with local knowledge and experience
• Contribution to the collection of data and information that is difficult to evaluate with conventional methods
• Enhancement of the acceptance and adoption of design interventions by the end user and society
• Favouring the development of innovative solutions that adapt to local needs and conditions
• Promotion democracy and social inclusion as a whole
• The course is an innovative addition to the academic education of spatial planning in Greece, responding to the institutional and social requirements of contemporary spatial planning in our country and internationally
• The course aims to enhance understanding and deepen knowledge on the issues of the transition from conventional, centralised (“top-down”) planning to co-planning (“bottom-up”) processes, in accordance with modern European Directives and the relevant funding frameworks (NSRF, Green Fund, Interreg, URBACT, Erasmus+). Also, the aim of the course is the specialisation and practical application of participatory processes in the institutionalised planning framework (e.g. SEA, EIA, SUMP, SDB, Local Urban Plans) as well as in neighbourhood-scale initiatives

Knowledge

• Understanding the basic theories of public participation, the levels of citizen involvement (e.g. Arnstein’s “Participation Scale”) and the added value of participation in spatial governance and local/regional development.
• Comprehension of the European and national institutional framework that regulates or imposes public consultation.
• Knowledge of the range of participatory methods (Focus Groups, Planning Charrettes, Participatory Budgeting, Deliberative Polling, etc.) and digital tools of public participation (e-participation), as well as the criteria for selecting the appropriate method/tool.
• Skills
• Familiarity with participatory methods: Selection, design and practical application of appropriate participation methods, adapted to specific case studies.
• Experience in the use of digital participation technologies: Handling and utilization of electronic participation platforms (e-participation).
• Soft/horizontal skills: Coordination and facilitation of public participation, negotiation and management of conflicting interests, communication of complex technical and urban planning data in simple and understandable language, as well as codification of citizens’ opinions/requests in technical design specifications.

At the end of the course, students will be able:

• To integrate the participatory dimension in spatial planning and development in a systematic, methodological and institutionally established way.
• To bridge the gap between technical/scientific knowledge and local experience, producing socially acceptable and sustainable designs.
• To assume the role of coordinator/mediator in consultation and co-planning processes.
• In particular, the course aims to develop the following skills:
• Search, analysis and synthesis of data and information: Collection and processing of qualitative and quantitative data from consultation using modern technologies.
• Teamwork and interdisciplinary cooperation: Collaboration in teams with distinct roles and synergy with other specialties to address complex spatial problems.
• Respect for diversity and multiculturalism: Enhancing social inclusion, gender equality, and accessibility of vulnerable or underrepresented social groups.
• Adapting to new situations and decision-making: Flexibility and problem-solving in real-world case study settings.
• Promoting free, creative, and inductive thinking: Developing innovative solutions and original co-design approaches.
• Self-evaluation and criticism: Public presentation, documentation, and critical evaluation of proposals and participatory actions.