Participatory design method for improvement of urban public spaces – case study

The article considers the preconditions and informal method of forming public space by a group of residents at the local level and the compliance of these actions with the goals of sustainable development. Examples and own experience of organizing and implementing a public space change project in Hadiach, Poltava region (Ukraine) are given and the use of participatory planning methods to strengthen ties of local communities as well as a way of reducing migration from less attractive settlements is presented. The article describes the advantages of the participatory planning method as helping to equip urban space with facilities corresponding to the needs of users and increases their responsibility for maintaining public space, which is especially valuable with limited financial resources, allotted both for the creation of urban space and for care of it.