From 30 October to 1 November 2012, three focus groups discussing different issues related to city squares and open public spaces in Kotor were organized within the project “Revival of City Squares in Balkan Cities”. The focus groups gathered participants from different sectors:
- 1st focus group – representatives of the local government and public institutions
- 2nd focus group – business sector representatives
- 3rd focus group – civil society/NGO sector representatives
The focus groups discussed the following key topics related to the planning, use and management of city squares and other public places:
-Normative and institutional framework / procedures (legal framework, plans, studies, strategies, bodies; roles and responsibilities; clearly defined procedures; visibility; implementation of the Urban Plan)
- Features/purpose (procedures and criteria, implementation of the Urban Plan; users / use by different target groups: local residents, tourists, children, the elderly ...; the dynamics of use: summer / the rest of the year; multifunctionality)
- Management (Who is responsible for the management? Are all the stakeholders involved?; In what ways? / mechanisms, procedures; incentives; security)
- Appearance/atmosphere and character (elements; urban planning study of the Old Town; accessibility)
The focus groups were attended by 21 representatives of the public, business and civil sectors. The results of discussions during the focus groups will be analyzed and prepared as recommendations for the planning, use and management of squares and public spaces.
1st focus group - Normative and institutional framework / procedures, 30 October 2012
2nd focus group – Business sector representatives, 31 October 2012
3rd focus group – Civil society/NGO sector representatives, 1 November 2012
