Sarajevo Study – Pandemics and Open Public Space (Sarajevo studija – pandemija i otvoreni javni prostor) is a research project contributing to the ongoing global discussion on the role and changing character of open public spaces, as the social behavior alters under the influence of COVID-19 pandemics.
The project is supported by the Ministry for Science, Higher Education and Youth, and will be implemented by the International Burch University as the lead organization, Institute for Planning and Development of Canton Sarajevo, and company GAUSS.
Implementation of project activities started with a kick-off meeting, held on March 22nd, with participation of all partner institutions representatives. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emina Zejnilović Zebić, as the project coordinator presented the plan of implementation, initial actions and responsibilities of participants.
The project will be implemented by the end of 2021 and will result in an assessment of vulnerability and risk of the city of Sarajevo in terms of use of public areas. It will propose specific spatial interventions related to the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 virus, safer and more efficient use of public space. Such results will be crucial for improving the quality of life under current circumstances for all residents of Sarajevo, but will also be a model for other cities in BiH, the region and beyond, serving as an example of good practice and responsible behavior to combat the spread of infection.