The tile as a co-creative opportunity to (re)inventing the public space

Abstract

This essay addresses the (re)invention of the urban space through co-creative approaches and contemplates in specific the use of tiles for this end. On one hand, it takes as reference the European Project C3Places, to discuss the potential of co-creation as  modus operandi of producing an urban public space. On the other hand, aspects of mapped co-creative experiences – in Portugal and Brazil – that use tiles in the (re)invention of the public space are noted. The article highlights the potential of the co-creative initiatives, namely in increasing the collective awareness with heritage and the urban environment. Noting that these initiatives do not come from big actions, but from small, localized and urban approaches. The aptitude of tile material to increase collective and collaborative actions is highlighted. This contributes to observe that from the continuity-renovation logic, the tile enables the invention of heritage, and to increase the collective attention to the urban environment. The transformative co-creation of space also promotes an intimate connection to the public sphere. This highlights that collaborative initiatives in public space are important to encourage collective conscience, boost higher involvement with urban places and increase awareness about memory, heritage, and the environment.