Mikro 020 – Reviving abandoned urban pockets in Podgorica

Project Mikro 020 (Micro 020 in English, with 020 being the area phone code for Podgorica) was launched in 2019 with an idea by the local government to engage the citizens and professionals (Union of Architects of Montenegro) in identification and transformation (breathing new life9) into neglected urban pockets in Podgorica. The pockets are abandoned micro locations recognised as having potential for becoming green urban gathering places for the local communities, thus building links which would help the inhabitants feel they own these public spaces and are responsible for keeping them in good condition. The micro locations were mapped by the citizens who were invited to join the project with their proposals. In the second phase, the local government collected the funds for the interventions to be implemented upon designs made by professionals willing to revive the pockets with their creative solutions. In the crucial third phase the citizens enlivened the Micro 020 locations by starting to use the spaces that, no long ago, were uncared for. The selected locations are mostly in the vicinity of public schools or other public buildings.

The selected locations are discussed with the local architects and solutions for their revitalisations are proposed, designed and implemented as small-scale investments throughout the city. Local businesses are invited to contribute with the funding for the implementation of the designs. The action was launched in 2019 and continues to this day through a variety of solutions adapted to specific requirements of the selected micro locations – neglected urban pocket with a potential for reviving.

Depending of the specifics of the selected micro locations, different technical solutions are chosen for every single micro location transformed through the Mikro 020 project. Some pockets need greening, or additional greening, with unsealing of surfaces. In some cases removal of illegal dumping is necessary. Where suitable, and in line with the planned repurposing, street furniture is installed and/or playgrounds for children are built. In one case mounting of white, sun reflective canopies helped make the place suitable for public gatherings and outdoor expositions. In two locations monuments are placed. One location has been revived with pictures in vivid colours created by local young artists.

Citizens of Podgorica are invited to participate in identification of neglected urban pockets to be revamped through the initiative Mikro 020. It is upon their proposals that the intervention sites are selected, transformed from derelict or unmaintained micro locations into revived public spaces, and eventually, as such, returned back to the citizens.

Revitalisation of the sites of Mikro 020 intervention has resulted in public use of the locations citizens previously stayed cleared of for being derelict and unmaintained. From the start of the project 15 locations across the city have been transformed.

Limited public funds for revival of neglected urban pockets in Podgorica are overcome through collaboration of interested citizens and the local architects organization providing free-of charge technical designs for the interventions. Under this approach, the participants are demonstrating a high level of commitment to the improvement of public space through collaboration.

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