The creation of public spaces in response to the rapid growth of urban residential areas is a global challenge. Algeria faces issues of degraded public spaces due to unclear ownership and use. The state has implemented urban improvement projects, but many fail due to resident opposition or deterioration. This study investigates the reasons behind this, focusing on Ain Smara, Constantine, Algeria. The hypothesis is that insufficient resident involvement (lack of information and shared diagnosis) and inadequate supervision are primary causes of project failure. The study aims to highlight the importance of resident participation and identify effective engagement mechanisms within the Algerian context. The study focuses on two case studies in Ain Smara, illustrating the effects of citizen participation and project rejection due to inadequate information dissemination, disregard for resident preferences, and exclusion from the diagnostic process. The overall goal is to identify strategies for genuine and efficient resident engagement tailored to the Algerian context.

The literature review explores the concept of citizen participation in sustainable development, particularly in urban planning. It discusses participation as a process for active citizen involvement in decision-making, highlighting its benefits in increasing project effectiveness, sustainability, and acceptance. Different levels of participation are examined, ranging from information and consultation to co-production. The review analyzes various instruments for participation implementation in Western countries, such as community planning, citizen juries, and participatory budgets. It also examines experiences in Maghreb countries, including Tunisia and Morocco, noting the influence of international institutions and the existence of traditional participatory practices in Algeria (like Twiza and Tadjmait) that haven't been fully integrated into modern urban planning. The review concludes by discussing the inclusion of citizen participation in Algerian legislative texts, particularly in the context of urban improvement programs. Key factors influencing participation, such as information access, trust in public authorities, place attachment, and cultural considerations are discussed, highlighting the challenges of applying Western models to the Algerian context.

This study uses a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection. Quantitative data was gathered from a survey distributed to residents of Ain Smara, covering demographic data, project awareness, and participation. The survey included questions about the residents' use of the space, their knowledge of the project, and their opinions about it. The survey focused on heads of households and their family members’ behaviors and opinions. Qualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews with residents and project managers, exploring their perspectives on the projects' success and failures and the reasons for resident opposition and vandalism. On-site observations were conducted over several years (2015, 2017, and 2022) to document changes in the spaces and supplement the survey and interview data. Documentary research was also used, including scholarly publications, government reports, and data from the Ministry of Housing, Town Planning, and the City. The study focused on two specific projects in Ain Smara: a playground development and an initiative led by residents to improve their neighborhood.

The study area, Ain Smara, has experienced rapid population growth, resulting in challenges regarding public space management. The quantitative survey data revealed that the majority of residents were not informed about the playground development project. Only 3% of the residents were aware of the project. Many were indifferent or opposed to the project at its inception. However, after its destruction, universal opposition was reported. The qualitative data revealed several reasons for this opposition: a lack of information and prior consultation; disruption of established neighborhood practices (parking, informal commerce, social gatherings); and the loss of a football pitch for older children. The playground, originally intended for young children, was also used by older children, residents, and informal parking, which was lost due to the project. In contrast, the resident-led initiative to install water features and green spaces was more successful due to active participation, clear communication (posters, Friday meetings), and collective funding and labor. This project however began to deteriorate after the project’s main instigator left the area, revealing the need for a robust and sustainable management system.

The findings highlight the critical role of information and resident participation in the success of urban improvement projects. The failure of the playground project demonstrates the consequences of a top-down approach that lacks information, consultation, and consideration of pre-existing social and spatial practices. The success of the resident-led initiative underscores the importance of bottom-up approaches, collective action, clear communication, and a shared understanding of the project’s goals. The study highlights the need to move beyond merely informing residents and to instead actively involve them in a participatory process where their needs and perspectives are considered and integrated into the project design and implementation. The failure of the resident-led project after the departure of its main instigator also highlights the need for long-term planning and community-based management strategies.

This study emphasizes the crucial role of resident engagement in successful public space development within Algerian urban improvement programs. It demonstrates that a lack of information, consultation, and understanding of existing community practices can lead to project failure. Conversely, successful projects prioritize resident participation, collaboration, and sustainable management structures. Future research could explore the development of culturally appropriate participation models and the integration of traditional community-based practices into urban planning. The findings advocate for legislative changes to mandate and regulate citizen involvement in urban projects in Algeria.

The study's findings are specific to Ain Smara, Constantine, and may not be generalizable to all contexts in Algeria. The sample size of the survey and the qualitative interviews could be expanded for greater representativeness. The study could be improved with longer-term observations on resident-led project sustainability. While informed consent was obtained, the lack of a formal ethical review board in Algeria limits the methodological rigor of participant recruitment and data collection.