Sustainable Urban Spaces. Public art as a catalyst for community engagement and ecological awareness

This study analyses how public art can catalyse community engagement and ecological awareness in urban contexts. The aim is to examine how art installations in public spaces can promote sustainable behaviour and residents' active participation in caring for the environment. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the research combines field observations, interviews with artists and urban planners and surveys of citizens and local associations. The results show that public art installations, especially when developed in collaboration with the community, increase a sense of belonging and stimulate collective debate on biodiversity protection, waste reduction, and the importance of urban greenery. Works that integrate natural elements and sustainable design strategies help improve perceptions of public spaces, creating opportunities for socialisation and awareness-raising. Furthermore, training and participatory workshops promote the transfer of knowledge and skills, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. The conclusions confirm that public art can effectively strengthen social networks and spread virtuous sustainability practices, making urban spaces more resilient and inclusive. To maximise the impact of such interventions, it is recommended that municipalities, artists, designers and citizens be involved synergistically in every stage of the process, from the conception of the work to its maintenance over time. This integrated approach allows urban areas to be transformed into places of dialogue, innovation and environmental responsibility.