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

ULLoi Aglantzia

ULLoi Aglantzia a SURF Lab initiative at the University of Cyprus under the Erasmus+ PS-U-GO project, used participatory urban design—workshops, mapping, and design-build interventions—to revitalize public spaces and boost youth engagement in Aglantzia. It offers a replicable model for combining academic learning with civic participation to strengthen neighborhood resilience.

About The Case Study

ULLoi Aglantzia is a civic-academic initiative developed by the Society and Urban Form Research Lab (SURF) at the University of Cyprus as part of the Erasmus+ PS-U-GO project. Implemented in collaboration with the Municipality of Aglantzia, the Youth Board of Cyprus, and the Cyprus Youth Council, the project aimed to address spatial and social challenges in the area through participatory urban design. Key issues included inactive public spaces, weak community ties, and a lack of youth engagement. The project unfolded in three phases—design, implementation, and evaluation—engaging students, residents, and local stakeholders through workshops, mapping, exhibitions, and small-scale design-build interventions. Notable outcomes included improved public spaces, such as a mural and seating structure, enhanced student learning, and stronger civic partnerships. Despite challenges in maintaining long-term engagement and coordinating among diverse actors, the initiative demonstrated the value of hands-on, inclusive approaches to neighborhood resilience. It also provided a replicable model for integrating academic learning with civic participation in real-world urban contexts.

Topics:

Community Hubs & Cultural Activities
Public Space Development & Management
Urban Design & Planning Processes
Urban Regeneration & Rehabilitation

Resilience Challenges:

Social and cultural resilience

Type of Civic Engagement Supporting Neighborhood Resilience:

Advocacy and capacity building
Art- and culture-based civic engagement
Long-term, more institutionalized engagement
Resident-led and grassroots initiatives
Short-term, more flexible project-based engagement
Volunteer and community service projects

Level of Civic Participation:

Empowerment or co-production
Involvement or participation

Stakeholders Involved:

Academic and research institutions
Community members
Local Government
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)