#residentialstreetlife

What is it? 

#residentialstreetlife is a tool for transforming “residential streets” (name varies by country) into temporary public living rooms, fostering social interaction, and community engagement.

Why is it useful? 

The tool promotes community cohesion, ownership of public space and active citizenship by encouraging people to creatively use their ‘residential streets’ for social and cultural activities and to co-create public space. It is easy to implement. 

Who should use it? 

Facilitators, local organisations and residents can use the tool. It is aimed at people living in neighbourhoods close to ‘residential streets’ who want to promote social connections and make their streets more liveable and/or create more space for personal recreation. 

How to use it? 

To use the #residentialstreetlife tool, select a ‘residential street’ you wish to transform and create a ‘public living room’ to foster interaction among residents and passers-by. Use simple materials like folding tables, chairs, cushions, or “Art Installations” to occupy free parking spaces, ensuring a lane remains clear for cars or emergency vehicles. Offer activities such as games (chess, dominoes), artistic activities, language learning, clothes swaps, or snacks, and use creative “residential street signs” (e.g., “Come for a chat”, “Please drive slowly”) to enhance awareness. Host small cultural happenings like readings, non-amplified music performances, or picnics, but obtain permission for larger gatherings that may exceed local noise limits.  

#residentialstreetlife can host many of the other StreetForum tools, as well as your own tools, to reflect on neighbourhood challenges or envision permanent street transformation. 

Resources