Revitalizing “Espacio Verde”- an urban commons initiative.
By Vittoria Valletta & Diana Filomeni.
The concept of the urban commons has been extensively discussed in academic circles, particularly following Elinor Ostrom’s principles of collective resource management (Ostrom, 1990). Furthermore, recent studies emphasize the role of the urban commons in enhancing democratic participation and social equity in urban settings (Iaione and Foster, 2016).
This chapter builds on these foundations, exploring how the principles of the urban commons are applied in the Ciudad Luz project. It is focused on identifying key elements of the project’s success, including stakeholder collaboration, economic and social pooling mechanisms, and the integration of technology in governance processes.
In fact, The Ciudad Luz (City of Light) project, inspired by the Fundación Parque Cuscatlán, in San Salvador, serves as paradigmatic example of urban commons transition, integrating community-led initiatives with support from governmental and private sectors. Furthermore, many urban areas worldwide face challenges related to safety, inclusivity, and sustainability. That’s why the project was conceived as a response to those challenges faced by urban areas in San Salvador, including safety concerns, lack of community spaces, and economic issues. In this regard, the primary objective is to reclaim these public spaces for the community, turning them into areas of social interaction, cultural exchange, and economic activity.
Therefore, San Salvador’s local government, once passive, became pivotal enabler for Espacio Verde, recognizing the potential of urban commons to enhance city life, local authorities transformed from regulatory overseers to active partners. The evolution was marked by substantial allocation of resources, including financial investment and the designation of land specifically for project use, which underscored the commitment to long-term sustainability of these spaces. Furthermore, the government implemented policy adjustments that supported community governance of public resources, establishing a durable legal framework that acknowledged communal rights over public assets.
At the heart of Ciudad Luz was its innovative approach to social and economic pooling, fostering community ownership and management. In fact, this paradigm shift facilitates not just a physical transformation of spaces but also a social revitalization where local communities were intricately involved in the management of these newly transformed public areas, fostering a profound sense of ownership and accountability. Interestingly, economic activation of these spaces proved vital; pop-up markets, cultural events, and community became bustling centers of activity, providing not only social value but also economic opportunities, particularly benefiting women and young generation. Moreover, integrating social programs like job training and educational workshops directly addressed issues of unemployment and education.
The project’s success was further amplified by its experimental and context-specific approach to urban development, where each intervention was uniquely tailored to the cultural and social fabric of the neighborhood, ensuring relevancy, and enhancing community acceptance. For example, areas with robust artistic communities might feature enhanced public art installations, whereas others might focus on sports facilities or parks, depending on local needs and interests. Therefore, sustainable practices were a cornerstone of the project, with initiatives ranging from the use of recycled materials and solar panels to rainwater harvesting systems, which not only served the practical purpose of sustainability but also acted as educational tools for the community, promoting environmental stewardship.
Moreover, one key innovative aspect of Ciudad Luz was its commitment to tech justice, ensuring that technology enhanced inclusivity and participation. In fact, the project utilized digital tools to foster engagement and maintain a transparent dialogue with the community. In this regard, different tools were used to, for instance, report issues on public spaces easily, while community event schedules and project updates were made available on dedicated website and interactive maps.
Additionally, efforts were made to ensure these digital tools were accessible to everyone, including those with limited technological skills or access, through community training sessions and public access points.