On 10 October, KALELAGUN was officially launched in Beasain, a pioneering European initiative aimed at transforming public spaces. During the event, the design guide was also presented, which will serve as a model for creating inclusive and accessible urban spaces.
Barrendain Square: an European example
Barrendain Square will be the first in Europe specifically designed to mitigate unwanted loneliness. Its design focuses on creating welcoming and functional spaces that encourage interaction among residents, promoting social connection, autonomy, and the well-being of all individuals.
This initiative turns the square into a living example of how urban innovation can transform community life and serve as inspiration for other cities seeking to address loneliness through collaboration and creativity.
Collaboration between institutions and the community
The project is carried out in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa (Gipuzkoako Foru Aldundia), ADINBERRI, the City Council of Beasain, CAVIAR EHU research group, and researchers and students from the Faculty of Psicology, the Department of Architecture, and the Faculty of Informatics at EHU.
This multidisciplinary team ensures that the project combines expertise in architecture, urban planning, psychology, and computing to create truly inclusive and functional spaces.
KALELAGUN design guide
During the presentation, the KALELAGUN design guide was unveiled, showing how to create squares and urban spaces that help mitigate unwanted loneliness while fostering social interaction, autonomy, and well-being for all. The guide thus becomes a key tool for replicating this experience in other municipalities.
