The important thing is to participate: neighbourhood-based eco-social urbanism

Abstract

This experience took place in the course Habitat and Development (ULPGC), aimed at introducing architecture students to participatory methodologies framed by Spain's Urban Agenda. Service-learning was situated in the Arenales neighborhood of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where students, through a Research by Design approach focused on process design, combined planning tools with participatory action research. The sequence moved from technical pre-diagnosis to participatory diagnosis and intervention proposals, culminating in an "ideas marketplace" with residents. The outcome was eighteen proposals for urban improvement and meaningful learning in participation, cooperation, and engagement with real stakeholders. The case confirms that service-learning strengthens transversal competences and provides situated knowledge for social transformation processes.