2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

Cuenca, one of the main cities in Ecuador, has been the setting for the implementation of ARTERIA, a public space transformation project on Av. Elia Liut. This project was part of a youth initiative within the Safe and Sound Cities Program aimed at improving the safety and well-being of young people in urban areas. Designed by students from the Salesian Polytechnic University, it includes sidewalk rehabilitation, urban furniture installation, lighting improvements, bike lanes, and murals, creating a safe and accessible corridor.

Funded by the Safe and Sound Cities program and executed in collaboration with the Cuenca City Hall and several consortia, the project was carried out in five phases: youth awareness, hackathons, mentoring, project selection, and execution. With an investment of $20,000, ARTERIA covered 1,750m2 of public space, added 459.94m2 of green areas, and improved biodiversity by planting 3,449 trees and endemic plants. Murals were also painted, and 15 solar street lights were installed, enhancing the safety and well-being of the residents.

This project has been recognized for its potential for replication, with approximately 1,478 people benefiting from it daily. Seventy-five percent of users feel safer, and 99% reported greater comfort while moving through the area. Its sustainability is ensured with support from the Municipal Corporation and community involvement.

• https://www.huasipichanga.com/s2c-cuenca  (External link)
• PPT (External link)
• video (External link)