The role of stakeholder engagement in sustainable development. NO SIZE FITS ALL—The role of public participation, communication, and design in the development of low-density territories.

The concept of “design for territories,” coined in mid-90s, became recently acknowledged as a pivotal framework in the realm of territorial design, particularly in addressing the unique challenges of low-density territories, regarding the implementation of participatory and user-centered design strategies that foster sustainability and place identity. This research delves into the scientific and practical underpinnings of a novel and comprehensive approach to territorial development, illustrating its efficacy in fostering sustainable development, enhancing connectivity, and preserving cultural and environmental integrity in low-density territories. By proposing a multimethod methodologic approach that considers a comprehensive literature review process, coupled with territorial maps and the analysis of best-practice case studies, as an initial process able to promote the identification of a set of intervention principles that substantiate the appropriateness and effectiveness of design for territories as a normative approach, which is after validated through public participation procedures that consider both general public and experts opinions as a framework to promote specific recommendations for future design for territories proposals, while seizing the multidisciplinary and integrated nature of contemporary design practices. The performed analyses enabled us to conclude that the concepts and design strategies associated with “Design for territories” are relatively recent they stand out as proficient tools for low-density territorial design, offering a nuanced and comprehensive approach to promote attractiveness and development in low-density territories. Moreover, by offering a tailored approach, granted by the flexibility and adaptation capability to the unique characteristics of each territory, of all the proposed independent methods, the envisioned approach highlights the relevance of place identity, participatory design, and user-centered strategies into contemporary design practices, fostering sustainable and resilient development, while addressing the evolving challenges of design for territories.