The research conducted at Urban Gorillas is centered on the analysis of the use, access and revitalization of public spaces in Cyprus. It is based on a wide range of research approaches: A nation-wide survey, on-site observations, interviews, focus groups and behavioural mapping methods were applied in order to carry out empirical research. Research so far reveals that public spaces in Cyprus are currently underused and under-utilised, thus preparing the ground for new and innovative methods of public space designs. Through the study of the Green Urban Lab (GUL) events that took place in Cyprus in 2015, the research exposes the positive social impacts that can be gained through the means of participatory design and inclusive events. Urban Gorillas will publish at the end of 2015 a comprehensive presentation of the result.
Senior Research Executive,
Dr. René Carraz
Urban Gorillas
Urban Gorillas presented an interactive and thematic series of spatial interventions at the BoCCF through the Summer of 2016 to set the scene for the Foundation’s Faneromeni16 programme of events. The Foundation’s courtyard is a private space that is offered for public use during the opening hours of the Foundation itself. Urban Gorillas were also …
A new publication has been released on public spaces by UG members Veronika Antoniou, René Carraz, and Yiorgos Hadjichristou. Abstract: The Green Urban Lab took the form of public installations that were placed at various locations in four cities in Cyprus. These installations – through which a series of events, activities, workshops and research …
Read more “Publication by UG members: “Inflating the public: A Series of Urban Interventions””
Best practices for designing urban spaces. The handbook is a guide for municipalities and urban planners on best practices on urban spaces and spatial interventions that focus particularly on: participatory design; community-led initiated projects; DIY urbanism; urban gardening that promote social and environmental awareness. Download the report
University Professor and Urban Gorillas member Yiorgos Hadjichrisou presented the Green Urban Lab research finding at Kyoto University, Japan: — Kyoto University, Global Environmental Studies Department, Master course, 11.11.2015, 16:00-19:00:— Kyoto University, Architecture Department, Architectural and Environmental design, Takeyama Kiyoshi lab, Seminar, 9.11.2015, 16:30-20:00: The discussion was very instructive and managed to combine view points …
This report has been undertaken by Urban Gorillas as part of the Green Urban Lab (GUL) project that was made possible with funding from the EEA Grants/Norway Grants. It presents the research and urban interventions that have been conducted from April 2014 to October 2015. The overarching aim of the GUL project was to investigate …
Read more “Research and Design Findings: Green Urban Lab 2015:”
Urban Gorillas will be presenting a paper together with Anna Merry from Frederick University at the upcoming Tenth International Conference on the Arts in Society at Imperial College London, 22-24 July 2015. This year the Conference focuses on ‘The Work of Art in the Age of Networked Society’. The paper entitled ‘Art and Play: Promoting social …
“People tend to sit the most where there are places to sit,” concluded William H. Whyte (1988:110) in his book City: Rediscovering the Center. As obvious as this may seem, even useless, it is at the same time a powerful fact that has been tested in many settings – from Manhattan to Oslo via Copenhagen; …
