Urban Planning for Social Resilience –
Learn to Build Impact from the Ground Up

Urban Planning for Social Resilience – Learn to Build Impact from the Ground Up

"FLUXUS LABAS" - FLUXUS HELLO

“Fluxus Labas!” (Kaunas, 2018–2022) was a series of community laboratories across all 11 neighborhoods that united residents, artists, and activists to revitalize monotonous Soviet-era residential areas through creative activities. Its “Kiemas” strand engaged neighbors and artists to transform unwelcoming apartment courtyards into cozier, more communal spaces and strengthen local identity.

About The Case Study

The community program “Fluxus Labas!” is a series of community laboratories operating in Kaunas from 2018 to 2022, which brought together residents, artists, creators, activists, entrepreneurs and educators with a common goal – to create a vibrant, creative and inclusive environment. Using artistic and creative activities, these laboratories were in all 11 Kaunas neighborhoods, promoting community spirit and strengthening local identity.

The problem determining the project was the monotonous and uninviting residential areas created during the Soviet era, characterized by mass typical construction. These territories were developed with uniform, unexpressive, and “gray” architecture, lacking individuality and aesthetic appeal. One of the key urban challenges is the unclear relationship between public and private spaces. Residents who live in apartment blocks do not have a sense of community, apartment yards are not suitable for active activities, do not encourage communication, and are aesthetically unattractive.

One of the parts of the project was “Fluxus Labas! Kiemas” (“Fluxus Hello! Courtyard”), it aimed to encourage courtyard residents to actively contribute to improving their environment, in collaboration with neighbors and local and foreign artists. Together, they creatively addressed the infrastructure, social and cultural challenges arising in the courtyard, aiming to create a more cozy and communal space.

Topics:

Community Hubs & Cultural Activities

Resilience Challenges:

Social and cultural resilience

Type of Civic Engagement Supporting Neighborhood Resilience:

Art- and culture-based civic engagement
Collaborative planning projects or processes

Level of Civic Participation:

Collaboration or co-operation
Empowerment or co-production
Involvement or participation

Stakeholders Involved:

Community members
Local Government
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)