The POSEIDON project supports Mediterranean cities in the development of Positive Energy Districts through integrated approaches that address energy, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability. Antalya is one of the project’s observer demo sites and plays an important role in testing participatory methods and strengthening local engagement.
On December 26th, the Wonderland platform for European architecture visited the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality to carry out a POSEIDON Urban Living Lab activity. The visit focused on sharing participatory tools, exchanging perspectives with municipal representatives, and exploring local conditions related to Positive Energy District development.
The Urban Living Lab event introduced the POSEIDON Labs concept, along with an exhibition presenting participatory approaches used within the project. The workshop brought together municipal staff and local stakeholders and provided a structured space for discussion around sustainability, energy transition, and citizen involvement.
A key activity during the workshop was the personas game, a participatory tool designed to explore urban challenges from the perspective of different citizen profiles. Through this exercise, participants reflected on everyday needs, concerns, and expectations related to energy use, public space, and neighborhood development. The activity supported the collection of qualitative insights grounded in local realities and citizen viewpoints.
In the afternoon, the visit continued with a tour of the local Positive Energy District area, which includes a municipal building, a nearby school, and the city cemetery. During the site visit, participants exchanged ideas on potential solutions related to energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, public space use, and environmental comfort.
Discussions addressed topics such as shading strategies, green infrastructure, adaptive reuse of public spaces, and the integration of sustainable concepts across different building types and urban functions. The visit created an opportunity to reflect on how sustainability measures can be adapted to complex and diverse urban settings.
Visiting the Environmental Education and Innovation Center
The following day, the Wonderland team visited the Environmental Education and Innovation Center of the Antalya Municipality, hosted by its manager Ahu Nur Sahin. The center serves as a hub for education and awareness-raising activities and includes workshop spaces, a virtual reality exhibition, and a 360-degree projection room featuring films focused on sustainability and environmental topics.
In addition, the center hosts a collection of sculptures and artworks created from recycled materials by various artists, demonstrating creative approaches to reuse and environmental awareness.
The visit highlighted opportunities for collaboration between POSEIDON, the municipality, and the center. With COP31 taking place in Antalya in 2026, plans include local workshops, screenings, exhibitions, and public events aimed at raising awareness and promoting the goals of the POSEIDON project.
Wonderland’s Role within POSEIDON
The transformation of urban space relies on civic initiative and the active involvement of local actors. For this reason, POSEIDON implements its POSEIDON Labs concept, which places participation, learning, and exchange at the center of the energy transition.
As Wonderland, we are responsible for the creation and curation of content for the Urban Living Labs and exhibitions across the project’s demo sites. Each site is accompanied by a unique Living Lab that promotes sustainable habits and a shared understanding of sustainability concepts through activities such as workshops, film screenings, discussions, and games.
Throughout the project, a continuous exchange is maintained with local authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure their needs and visions are reflected. At the same time, residents are actively involved through participatory and digital strategies. This approach supports social acceptance, activation, and participation, while aligning governance and practical application.
Looking Ahead
The visit to Antalya strengthened collaboration between local stakeholders and the POSEIDON project while demonstrating the role of Urban Living Labs in connecting policy, planning, and citizen perspectives. Through ongoing engagement, shared learning, and public-facing activities, Antalya contributes to POSEIDON’s broader objective of advancing Positive Energy Districts across Mediterranean cities.
