Co-designing smart and circular urban furniture in Mascalucia

As part of the SET-PED activity “Co-designing SET-PED use-case scenarios”, the project is working with local stakeholders to explore how smart and circular urban furniture can respond to different public-space needs in the pilot cities.

The activity aims to identify possible locations, users and functions for future urban furniture interventions inspired by the SET-PED prototype. Through participatory workshops, local actors are invited to reflect on community needs, public-space challenges, circular materials, energy integration and the potential social and environmental value of these interventions.

Developing local scenarios in Mascalucia

The workshop in Mascalucia was hosted by the Municipality and organized by Urbasofia, with facilitation from the University of Catania. It brought together four municipal experts to discuss how smart and circular urban furniture could be imagined, implemented and used within the local context.

The session combined an introduction to the SET-PED approach with a collaborative co-design exercise and an open discussion. Participants reflected on the needs of different users, the functions that urban furniture could provide, and the types of public spaces where future interventions could create the greatest value.

Through the collaborative activity, the participants developed four possible use-case scenarios for Mascalucia. The proposals explored how urban furniture could support everyday public-space activities while contributing to social interaction, accessibility, environmental sustainability and improved quality of life. The scenarios will support the next stages of the SET-PED co-creation process and provide a basis for further discussions regarding the local implementation of the project’s solutions.

Exploring the renewed Villa Comunale

Following the workshop, participants visited the recently reopened Villa Comunale in Mascalucia’s historic centre. The park has undergone an extensive redevelopment, transforming it into a multifunctional public space designed to bring people together and respond to the needs of residents of different ages.

The renewed park includes children’s play areas, an outdoor fitness trail, an open-air arena for performances and community events, a café with seating areas, dedicated spaces for studying and relaxation, and a fully fenced dog area with sand surfaces and play equipment. Colourful murals also contribute to the identity of the park, creating a more attractive and welcoming environment.

The park hosts the new “Dr. Vincenzo Zappalà” Senior Citizens’ Centre, dedicated to the memory of a respected local physician. The centre offers additional opportunities for social interaction, active ageing and participation in community life.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to connect the workshop discussions with a concrete example of public-space regeneration. Villa Comunale demonstrates how thoughtfully designed public spaces can support physical activity, cultural activities, relaxation, intergenerational interaction and a stronger sense of community.

Within the SET-PED project, such initiatives highlight the role that public-space regeneration can play in creating healthier, more inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods. Beyond environmental considerations, future Positive Energy Districts should also provide accessible and welcoming spaces that strengthen social connections, support well-being and respond to the everyday needs of local communities.

The four scenarios developed during the workshop, together with the observations gathered during the visit, will contribute to the continued development of the SET-PED use-case scenarios in Mascalucia.

We warmly thank the Municipality of Mascalucia for its availability, valuable contribution and warm welcome.