This shift began when Trenčín included placemaking as part of its bid to become the European Capital of Culture 2026. From the outset, the city recognized the importance of placing communities at the center of its vision, embedding culture into the urban fabric using placemaking principles. This commitment brought Trenčín to the Cities in Placemaking programme, where the city learned how to deepen and formalize its approach to creating spaces that truly belong to its people.
Placemaking Without Realizing It
“For years, we were doing placemaking without knowing it,” reflected Omar Mirza from the Trenčín team. Like many cities, Trenčín was shaping its spaces without having a name for its efforts. But joining the programme gave the city clarity and confidence to call its work what it truly was: placemaking.
This realization marked a shift in mindset. As Stanislav Krajči from the Trenčín team noted, “Now the municipality of Trenčín can say loudly in front of our people that the inhabitants are at the center of our policies.” Placemaking became not just a practice but a declaration—public spaces would be shaped by the people who live and move through them every day.
From Grand Plans to Everyday Spaces
Initially, Trenčín’s focus was on Trenčín SiTy, a large-scale vision to regenerate a greenfield area along the Váh River. While ambitious, the city soon realized that meaningful transformation doesn’t always start with grand projects. It often begins in the everyday spaces where life unfolds.
For example, Palackého, a bustling street full of parking, was reimagined for a single day. Cars gave way to shared experiences, turning the street into a lively stage for community connection. This temporary intervention wasn’t about permanent redesign—it was a glimpse into what happens when streets prioritize people over traffic. As a result, the municipality is now preparing a plan for a temporary redesign of the street, providing more space for people and street life.
Tools for Tangible Change
Through the Cities in Placemaking programme, Trenčín gained more than just inspiration; it acquired tools and frameworks to bring its ideas to life. Pilot projects like parklets, play streets, and street festivals allowed the city to experiment with small-scale interventions that had outsized impacts. These initiatives proved that even temporary changes could foster connection and improve public spaces.
As Omar shared, “I didn’t know how to start, but placemaking, especially this programme, gave me useful tips and tools.”
And then there were the Manual for Advertisement and Signage and the Manual for Public Spaces. Let’s be honest: manuals don’t sound exciting. But these documents are more than technical guides; they’re manifestos for coherence and care, laying the groundwork for a city that feels not just functional but beautifully intentional.
Another step in Trenčín’s journey was the establishment of the Institute of Participation Trenčín in 2023 as part of the Municipal Office of the City of Trenčín. Among its primary roles is assisting in mapping the cultural needs of the people and their involvement in participatory processes and projects. For instance, the Institute explores which groups of residents face barriers to participating in events or the qualities that public spaces should fulfill according to the people.
Learning, Failing, and Growing
Placemaking also transformed how the Trenčín team approached their work. “What it gave me was the feeling of a safe space,” said Stanislav. Coming from an artistic background, he appreciated the freedom to ask questions, experiment, and even fail.
This collaborative spirit extended beyond the city. Through the programme, Trenčín connected with other cities across Europe, exchanging ideas and learning from both successes and failures. As Omar put it, “You realize you’re not alone in your failures, and that gives you self-esteem.”
The city’s Lively Neighborhoods initiative exemplifies this spirit. Residents were invited to shape their surroundings through workshops, games, and shared projects.
Lessons for Other Cities
Trenčín’s journey offers practical lessons for cities looking to embrace placemaking:
✔ Start Small: Focus on everyday spaces and temporary projects to test ideas and build momentum.
✔ Listen to Residents: Co-create with communities to ensure spaces reflect their needs and aspirations.
✔ Learn from Others: Collaborate with other cities to exchange ideas, avoid pitfalls, and adopt best practices.
Would Trenčín recommend the Cities in Placemaking programme? “Totally,” Omar and Stanislav say. But more importantly, their experience highlights the power of starting, listening, and experimenting.
Trenčín’s story shows that transformation doesn’t require perfection—it begins with small, thoughtful steps. And as the city gears up for 2026, it’s clear that placemaking will continue to shape its future, turning public spaces into true places for its people.
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