Course Content
Introduction
Here you can get detailed information about the good practice example from Thessaloniki, Greece: Pavlos Melas Municipality Park
0/2
Get to Know the Good Practice Example: Pavlos Melas Metropolitan Park 🏞️
00:00
New European Bauhaus Integration
🏛️ Module 1: Political Dimension
In this module you'll understand the political dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation and heritage preservation through Pavlos Melas Example. The concepts you will learn are: Phased Urban Development, PPP Models, and Policy Alignment
0/1
Key Political Concepts
💼 Module 2: Economic Dimension
In this module you'll understand the economic dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation and heritage preservation through Pavlos Melas Example. The concepts you will learn are: Sustainable Procurement, Circular Economy (CE), and Sustainability Assessment Tools
0/1
Key Economic Concepts
🎓 Module 3: Educational Dimension
In this module you'll understand the educational dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation and heritage preservation through Pavlos Melas Example. You will learn about the concept of Living Labs and how can you create one in the context of green building transformation
0/1
Key Educational Concepts
🫱🏽‍🫲🏼 Module 4: Social Dimension
In this module you'll understand the social dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation and heritage preservation through Pavlos Melas Example. You will learn about the concept of Stakeholder Engagement and Community Well-Being and learn about how to create a participatory design process step by step.
0/1
Key Social Concepts
🌍 Module 5: Environmental Dimension
In this module you'll understand the environmental dimension of creating a large-scale urban park creation through Pavlos Melas Example. You will learn about the strategies for creating climate-resilient buildings and adapting existing buildings to be climate responsive. This module will conclude with Key Principles for Adaptive Reuse.
0/1
Key Environmental Concepts
Asssesment
Please review the Final Exam Instructions for detailed expectations.
0/1
Final Exam
Conclusion + References
0/1
References
GP3: Reclaiming Urban Spaces Pavlos Melas Park in Greece

🫱🏽‍🫲🏼 Module 4: SOCIAL Dimension

The Social Dimension of Pavlos Melas Municipality Park

How can heritage sites and green spaces motivate for social inclusion, community well-being that strengthens the social fabric of our cities?

Social Dimension of Pavlos Melas Municipality Park: Key Concepts

1. Community Inclusion

Definition:

Community Inclusion is the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society in order to improve the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged. In the context of public spaces, social inclusion means actively involving diverse citizens and associations in planning, design, programming, and governance processes, ensuring that spaces reflect and serve the needs of all community members, particularly those historically marginalized or excluded.

Why Social Inclusion Matters in Public Spaces:

  • Exercising Democratic Rights: Public spaces belong to everyone; the development of a public park should reflect democratic principles where all voices count.(Source: Qi, Mazumdar, & Vasconcelos,2024)
  • Equity & Access: Historically marginalized groups (elderly, disabled, ethnic minorities, low-income residents, youth, women) often have limited voice in planning decisions that directly affect them, and social inclusion gives them a voice.(Source: Gupta, Yadav, & Nayak,, 2025).
  • Increased Accessibility: Inclusive processes help address systemic inequalities and increase accessibilty to quality public spaces and their benefits. (Source: Patrick and McKinnon, 2022)

 

2. Community Well-Being

Definition:

Community well-being encompasses the physical, mental, social, and environmental conditions that enable communities to thrive. Urban parks directly contribute to public health through environmental characteristics that have measurable impacts on the physical and mental health of local populations.

  • What is the connection between Urban Park Design and Community Well-Being?
    • Social Interaction: Parks create opportunities for casual encounters, relationship building, and community bonding across different social groups.
    • Reduced Isolation: Public spaces combat loneliness by providing accessible venues for social participation, particularly important for elderly and isolated residents.
    • Intergenerational Contact: Parks bring together different age groups, fostering understanding, mutual support, and knowledge exchange.
    • Cultural exchange and education: Creates opportunities for diverse groups to learn from one another, fostering understanding and inclusion.
    • Community Identity: Shared spaces strengthen sense of belonging and collective identity, creating “third places” outside home and work.(Sources: Larson, Jennings, & Cloutier, 2016; Zhang and Kiyai, 2024)

Lessons in Effective Educational Model From Pavlos Melas Municipality Park

Using the systematic framework based on the Quintuple Helix Model, let’s explore how the Pavlos Melas project teaches valuable lessons for the social sector.

1) Universal Access

The emphasis on universal accessibility of the park, including barrier-free design provides a replicable model for social organizations prioritizing genuine inclusivity.

2) Creating a Community Hub or Third Place

Shared spaces strengthen sense of belonging and collective identity, creating “third places” outside home and work.

3) Participatory Governance

Community engagement engage residents in local civic life and democratic processes. This demonstrates the power of diverse advisory boards and ongoing feedback mechanisms that give residents genuine ownership and influence.

4) Cultural Programming

Cultural and creative programming through museums, open-air cinemas, and artistic installations highlights how arts can contribute to community building and healing. Social programs incorporating storytelling, cultural exchanges, and festivals can foster connection and give a stage to local voices.

5) Local Economic Growth

The local economic development approach creates opportunities while maintaining community control. Social organizations can promote cooperative business models, local procurement, financial literacy programs, and community investment that truly empower local economies.

With an understanding of how social value is achieved let’s now explore Environmental Dimension.

Previous
Next