Community Participation and the Regeneration of Heritage Public Spaces

This study examines the evolution of public space from an open arena of spontaneous encounter to a regulated and often privatized domain shaped by economic interests and institutional control. Drawing on contemporary theoretical perspectives, it frames public space as a dynamic social construct where memory, practices, and power relations intersect. Community participation emerges as a crucial tool to counter exclusionary processes and promote inclusive regeneration. The research focuses on three emblematic Berlin case studies—Tempelhofer Feld, Mauerpark, and Park am Gleisdreieck—analyzing how participatory governance, adaptive design, and informal uses contribute to the protection and enhancement of heritage-rich sites. Through an integrated methodological approach combining spatial, economic, and social analysis, the study demonstrates that active local involvement fosters resilient, sustainable public spaces capable of adapting to ongoing urban and cultural transformations.