Transformations of public spaces are an integral part of city life. These processes although addressing site specific problems are universal for the urban centres across European countries struggling with deurbanization, social exclusion, massive tourism, climate change and pollution. The study is based upon the outcomes of the series of international workshop showing the approach to public space in different location. The aim of research is to show what problems addressed during the design workshop had a universal dimension and which ones were more site specific, addressing the needs of the local community. The basic research question asked was also how to transform public space in order to create active, reach, inclusive and climate neutral environment for the inhabitants. What are the factors in the public space creation that would result in active public space? The research methodology was based on a multi-criteria comparative analysis of activation factors in selected public spaces and evaluation of students’ proposals ac-cording to those factors. These transformations were often driven by specific objectives, such as creating iconic landmarks, improving public safety, or generating economic activity on the other hand some of the proposals were concentrating on local community needs introduced by the meetings with local stakeholders. A hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both approaches provided by the workshop methodology was proved effective didactic method.