Co-Creating the Future: Youth & Urban Living Labs
March 27, 2025Twenty participants, two walkscapes, fifty kilometers covered, seven stories shared, two roundtables, and one theory session: these are the key figures that capture the richness and intensity of the second PS-U-GO Training Event, held in Naples.
The event was a significant moment of exchange and learning among project partners and representatives from the four active Urban Living Labs in Petralia Sottana, Cottbus, Nicosia, and Naples. Through a well-rounded program combining theory sessions, on-site explorations, and group discussions, participants delved into the vibrant ecosystem of urban commons in the city.
The journey began in Bagnoli, a symbol of post-industrial transformation, where participants engaged with local initiatives such as Villa Medusa, Circolo Ilva, and Lido Pola. These visits opened up reflections on key issues including the reuse of abandoned spaces, bradyseism, landfills, and environmental degradation, while highlighting how local communities are actively reclaiming and regenerating contested territories.
A core theme of the training was protagonism in Living Labs, with a focus on how individuals can evolve from passive participants to active changemakers.
The experience concluded on the shores of Mergellina with a powerful visit to Bagni Elena, where the group met with the Comitato Mare Libero, a grassroots initiative advocating for accessible and inclusive coastal spaces. Together with a representative from the SET network, participants explored the concepts of touristification and foodification, reflecting on how these dynamics are reshaping the territory and affecting access to common goods.
Once again, the Training Event left participants with new insights, stronger connections, and renewed energy to co-create meaningful, community-driven transformations.
You can watch the video of the training here
