New tools for shaping cities, international recognition for Nairobi
For several years, the Urban Fabric Initiatives have been exploring new ways of designing and developing public spaces, bringing together residents, local stakeholders, professionals and public authorities. These experiences, carried out in several African cities, have now been consolidated into a dedicated toolkit for participation in urban development projects.
The result of eight years of experimentation, this resource brings together methods and tools tested in the field, structured around four stages: diagnosing, designing, building and managing. It is intended for urban planning and development professionals, local authorities, future operators of the Urban Fabric Initiatives, and anyone looking for inspiration from participatory approaches.
This work was also recognised at the World Urban Forum in Baku last May. The project led by the Nairobi Urban Fabric Initiative in Kahawa Soweto received first prize in the UIA 2030 Awards in the category “Participatory, efficient and inclusive land use planning”, linked to SDG 11.3. The award recognises the co-design work carried out by the initiative’s team — Kounkuey Design Initiative, Slum Dwellers International Kenya and Akiba Mashinani Trust — together with local communities, as well as the ability of these approaches to create inclusive and sustainable urban spaces.
A toolkit to explore and share: available as detailed chapters on the Urban Fabric Initiatives website or as a PDF.
