Some places in a city are more than geography – they hold memories, habits, emotions, and identity. For Sarajevo, the green stretch between the dam and the Šeher Ćehajina Bridge is exactly that. Loved, visited, debated — but rarely imagined fully.
As part of the URWAN project, Sarajevo invited its citizens to do just that. On 6 November, residents, students, professionals, and curious neighbours gathered at Europe House for the second co-creation workshop, transforming a meeting room into a creative laboratory of ideas, colors, and hands-on imagination.
Sarajevo – Second Co-creation Workshop Brings Community Ideas for the Bentbaša Green Location
Sarajevo – Second Co-creation Workshop Brings Community Ideas for the Bentbaša Green Location
Trees that Speak
Participants began by drawing a tree — not just any tree, but one that, for them, felt like Sarajevo. Once the tables filled with drawings, something magical happened: people started giving their trees a voice.
“I protect the city from heat.”
“I catch the dust.”
“I’m shade for someone’s Sunday walk.”
“I slow down the water when the river rises.”
Through this simple exercise, participants revealed how deeply they understand environmental challenges and the emotional role of nature in urban life.
From Drawings to a Shared Story: The “Bentbaša Story Path”
Next, individual ideas transformed into a collective journey. Long sheets of paper became the canvas for a future walk — not the one people take today, but the one they dream of tomorrow. Sketches, colors, arrows, and words merged into the Bentbaša Story Path, describing a space that is cooler, greener, calmer, and closer to the river — yet still safe and welcoming. Participants imagined moments of rest, movement, meeting, observing, and reconnecting with nature.
during the 2nd co-design workshop in Sarajevo (URWAN Project)
during the 2nd co-design workshop in Sarajevo (URWAN Project)
Hands-On Creativity: Mini Eco-Models
Finally, ideas took physical form. Using cardboard, paper, wood, and natural textures, small groups built mini ecological models representing their visions for Bentbaša. Laughter, discussion, and reflection flowed freely as ideas were tested, refined, and negotiated. Models showed shaded sitting areas, biodiversity pockets, gentle transitions between greenery and pathways, natural cooling solutions, and playful interventions that invite people to pause and enjoy the space meaningfully.
What made this workshop special wasn’t just creativity — it was the honesty and emotional connection participants brought. Many expressed gratitude for a space where their voice truly matters, and excitement at how simple materials could express complex ideas.
All drawings, story paths, and models will now feed into the next phase: the master plan, the final result of the Start Park methodology in Sarajevo. Together with co-design outcomes and the upcoming student session, these contributions form the foundation for a shared vision for Bentbaša’s green future.
The workshop confirmed one thing: when people are invited to imagine the future of their city, they do it with care, creativity, and a deep sense of connection. Sarajevo’s river, its greenery, and its people are now woven together in the evolving story of Bentbaša.
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- during the 2nd co-design workshop in Sarajevo (URWAN Project)
