As part of the Inclusion Lab project, funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe, we carried out a powerful and creative placemaking initiative in a local school—transforming an unused classroom into a vibrant, youth-friendly Diversity Room. What began as an empty, forgotten space is now a colorful, welcoming environment where young people can gather, learn from one another, and lead their own activities in a safe and inspiring atmosphere.
This placemaking event was more than just a renovation—it was a collaborative, youth-led process designed to promote inclusion, community engagement, and a shared sense of ownership. The initiative brought together two groups of young people: 10 refugee youth who had already completed the Inclusion Lab training modules, and 10 of their peers from the local host community. Over the course of several preparatory meetings, the group brainstormed ideas, learned about placemaking as a methodology, and planned every detail of the transformation together.
The concept of the Diversity Room emerged from the young people themselves. They envisioned a space where youth could come to feel accepted, express themselves freely, and connect with others from different backgrounds. Together, they cleaned, reorganized, and redecorated the room—turning it into a multifunctional space that now hosts peer-to-peer workshops, small events, informal learning sessions, and youth-led initiatives. The room also offers information on youth rights, community opportunities, and social inclusion topics relevant to both refugee and local youth.
One of the most impactful moments of the transformation was the collaborative creation of a graffiti mural on one of the room’s main walls. This expressive and colorful artwork was designed and painted by the participants themselves, giving the space a unique identity and making it immediately feel alive and inviting. The mural is not just a piece of art—it is a powerful symbol of creativity, diversity, and unity.Now fully operational, the Diversity Room stands as a lasting legacy of the Inclusion Lab initiative. It is a space created by young people, for young people—a physical reflection of what can happen when they are given the tools and trust to lead change in their communities. More than a room, it is a living example of what inclusion looks like in practice: diverse voices, shared purpose, and a future built together.
