Focus groups on city squares and open public spaces in Kotor

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:

• 1^st focus group – representatives of the local government and public institutions
• 2^nd focus group – business sector representatives
• 3^rd 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.

1^st focus group - Normative and institutional framework / procedures, 30 October 2012

2^nd focus group – Business sector representatives, 31 October 2012

3^rd focus group – Civil society/NGO sector representatives, 1 November 2012

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