Sample Proposal: Sombras Vecinales – Community-Made Shade for Public Benches

Sombras Vecinales is a simple idea: create handmade, removable shade structures for public benches in Madrid’s overheated neighborhoods. Each structure will be co-designed by residents using recycled materials like fabric, bamboo, or wood. The goal is to reduce heat exposure, encourage intergenerational gatherings, and bring beauty and care to overlooked public spots. We’ll start with three benches in a busy plaza in Usera, chosen with local residents. We’ll hold two community workshops: one to co-design the shades and one to build them together. Shades will be decorated with neighborhood stories, drawings, and symbols.

NEB Values: Sustainability: uses recycled, low-impact materials; responds to climate urgency Inclusion: co-created with diverse residents, especially elders and youth Aesthetics: makes public space more beautiful and meaningful through collaborative design Location: Plaza Francisco Ruano, Usera district, Madrid

Week 1: Outreach and co-design session Week 2: Building and installation workshop Week 3–4: Public launch and documentation

Workshop materials and tools – €500 Shade structure materials – €1,500 Artist-facilitator fee – €1,200 Local coordination and outreach – €800 Documentation and care kit – €500 Contingency – €500