Pilot process update: innovative tools and community engagement drive on Letnjikovac revitalisation

The City of Šabac and the Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning of Serbia (IAUS), have introduced key initiatives to enhance participatory urban planning and sustainable development at the Letnjikovac pilot site. Recent milestones include the launch of a GIS platform, the analysis of survey findings, and the announcement of a creative competition, all aimed at integrating public perspectives into the future development of this important urban space.

GIS Platform: A cutting-edge tool for data-driven planning

To enhance transparency and facilitate evidence-based urban planning, the City of Šabac has launched a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform dedicated to Letnjikovac. This interactive digital tool provides comprehensive spatial data, allowing stakeholders, urban planners, and decision-makers to visualise land use, infrastructure, and ongoing urban development efforts. The GIS platform plays a pivotal role in mapping assets, identifying areas for green investments, and supporting strategic decision-making, ensuring that all interventions are guided by accurate and up-to-date information. The system is designed to enhance collaboration among stakeholders by streamlining planning processes and promoting accessibility of urban data.

Explore the GIS platform here: GIS Portal – Letnjikovac and Smart Portal – NONA Šabac.

Public access to the platform allows for greater community involvement, aligning development strategies with local needs. By integrating GIS technology into urban planning, the city aims to streamline participatory processes and enable data-driven policy-making, reinforcing Letnjikovac’s role as a model for sustainable and inclusive urban regeneration.

Survey insights: Understanding community needs for future planning

A fundamental aspect of participatory urban development is the understanding of local perspectives, priorities, and expectations. In this regard, extensive surveys have been conducted to gather direct input from residents, stakeholders, and users of the Letnjikovac area.

Survey results highlight several key concerns and aspirations:
Green infrastructure enhancements – Increased tree coverage, improved landscaping, and sustainable design solutions;
Public space activation – The need for community-oriented facilities, recreational areas, and intergenerational meeting spaces;
Accessibility improvements – Better pedestrian pathways, inclusive design features, and optimised mobility solutions.

By integrating these insights into future planning phases, the project ensures that Letnjikovac's transformation is community-driven, responding to actual needs rather than imposed solutions. The findings will directly inform the next stages of urban revitalisation, ensuring a balanced approach between heritage preservation, sustainability, and contemporary urban functions.

Fostering creativity and inclusion: The "Letnjikovac I want for all of us" competition

To further engage the community in shaping Letnjikovac's future, an artistic and literary competition titled "The Letnjikovac I Want for All of Us" has been launched. Open to children (ages 5–18) and pensioners, the competition invites participants to express their visions for the site through drawings, paintings, collages, poetry, essays, videos, or models.

The initiative aims to:
Inspire public dialogue on urban transformation by incorporating diverse creative perspectives;
Encourage intergenerational exchange, reinforcing the social value of Letnjikovac as a space for all;
Generate fresh ideas for urban improvement, with selected submissions serving as inspiration for tangible interventions.

The competition aligns with the project’s participatory planning approach, encouraging residents to take an active role in reimagining their shared urban environment. The results will contribute to future discussions on public space enhancements, fostering a sense of ownership and long-term commitment to Letnjikovac development.

Towards a sustainable and community-driven future

The recent initiatives at Letnjikovac highlight the City of Šabac and IAUS's commitment to transparent, participatory, and sustainable urban planning. By integrating digital tools like GIS, gathering community insights through surveys, and fostering creative participation, the project is setting a new standard for inclusive governance and urban regeneration.

Through these efforts, Letnjikovac is steadily evolving into a more accessible, vibrant, and environmentally sustainable urban space, where stakeholder collaboration and community-driven initiatives shape its future.