How can urban regeneration learn from global best cases and adapt to local contexts?

3 Implement a participatory approach

The third step is to implement a participatory approach that engages and empowers the local community in the design, implementation, and evaluation of urban regeneration. This means creating spaces and platforms for dialogue, feedback, and co-production, as well as ensuring that the benefits and burdens of urban regeneration are equitably distributed. A participatory approach can enhance the social capital, trust, and ownership of the community, as well as the quality and legitimacy of the outcomes. For example, the participatory approach for the Granby Four Streets in Liverpool involved a community land trust, a social enterprise, and local residents, who reclaimed and renovated derelict houses and created a vibrant neighborhood.

4 Integrate multiple dimensions

The fourth step is to integrate multiple dimensions of urban regeneration, such as economic, social, environmental, and cultural aspects. This means adopting a holistic and systemic perspective that considers the interrelationships and synergies among different sectors, scales, and stakeholders. It also means balancing short-term and long-term objectives, as well as local and global impacts. For example, the integration of multiple dimensions for the Medellin River Corridor in Colombia involved a comprehensive strategy that combined urban infrastructure, public space, mobility, housing, education, culture, and security, to transform a neglected and violent area into a catalyst for urban development.

5 Monitor and evaluate the results

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate the results of urban regeneration, both during and after the process. This means collecting and analyzing data and indicators that measure the inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts of urban regeneration, as well as the satisfaction and perceptions of the stakeholders. It also means using the findings to inform learning, improvement, and adaptation, as well as to communicate and disseminate the achievements and challenges. For example, the monitoring and evaluation of the results for the Hammarby Sjostad in Stockholm involved a sustainability assessment tool, a citizen survey, and a knowledge exchange platform, to assess and share the performance and lessons of a low-carbon urban district.

6 Learn and adapt from best cases

The sixth step is to learn and adapt from best cases of urban regeneration around the world, while respecting the local context and culture. This means identifying and analyzing the success factors and the transferability potential of different urban regeneration models, methods, and practices, as well as the barriers and risks that may hinder their implementation. It also means fostering exchange and cooperation among urban regeneration practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, to share knowledge, experiences, and innovations. For example, the learning and adaptation from best cases for the Seoullo 7017 in South Korea involved a benchmarking study, a study tour, and a collaboration agreement, to transform an old highway overpass into a pedestrian sky garden inspired by the High Line.