Revitalizing İzmir’s Agora Playground Through Community-Led Design

In the heart of İzmir’s historic Basmane district, a small but powerful transformation has taken place. TheAgora: My Parkproject, a participatory architecture initiative, has reimagined a local playground through the voices and hands of the community—particularly its youngest residents. Located across from the ancient Agora, the park’s redesign was guided by local children, residents, and stakeholders, proving that heritage preservation and adaptive reuse can be deeply rooted in community engagement.

Led by the İzmir History Design Workshop in collaboration with KA-Participation Workshops and supported by Konak Municipality, the project followed a four-phase process: Education, Design, Decision-Making, and Implementation. Children in 5th and 6th grade first explored the history of the Agora, gaining a sense of connection to their surroundings. They then shared their own experiences with playgrounds, evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and what they dreamed of. Hands-on workshops encouraged them to step into the role of designers, imagining new possibilities for their play space.

As the design took shape, stakeholders—including local officials and community members—worked together to finalise the vision. When it came time for implementation, children joined forces with municipal teams and volunteers to bring their ideas to life. The result is more than just a renovated park—it’s a space shaped by collective creativity and ownership, promoting social connection and neighborhood pride.

Beyond its physical transformation, the project also tapped into cultural and economic empowerment. Local women, including both longtime residents and refugees, were invited to document traditional Anatolian and Syrian recipes as part of a gastronomic initiative. This led to skills training in food preparation, hygiene, and entrepreneurship, with plans underway to establish a cooperative that will expand into handcrafts and urban farming. The goal: to create sustainable job opportunities that strengthen both community ties and local economies.

More than just a playground, Agora: My Park is an example of the power of participatory design in adaptive reuse. By combining heritage, social impact, and economic empowerment, the project demonstrates how revitalizing historic spaces can go beyond preservation—it can build a more inclusive and resilient future for the community.

About İzmir Metropolitan Municipality

Izmir is a vibrant coastal city in western Turkey, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic urban life. As one of the country’s largest cities, it is a hub of commerce, education, and tourism, with a deep connection to its ancient past, including the ancient Agora and other historical landmarks. The city actively promotes sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, and community engagement in urban development.

Project's Presentation

Publishing date: 6 February 2025

Authors: İzmir Metropolitan Municipality (IMM)