Abstract
Participatory processes play a crucial role in urban planning, serving not only as tools for co-designing spaces but also as arenas for democratic practice. The project for the transformation of a 16-hectare area in the center of Trento, realized in 2023 through the SUPERTRENTO process, highlights how participation enables the articulation of multiple temporal horizons, integrating ideas for temporary or immediate interventions with long-term urban visions. This contribution underscores how striking a balance between tangible shortterm interventions and long-term visionary proposals—by integrating multiple temporal dimensions into strategic guidelines—can extend the influence of participatory processes beyond design and urban planning, shaping policymaking across various levels. The findings suggest that participatory processes could evolve into iterative, dynamic tools that continuously engage stakeholders, fostering learning and dialogue while addressing urban complexities. They also underscore the potential of participatory approaches to institutionalize democratic engagement in urban development, transforming public involvement from episodic consultation into a structural asset. Ultimately, the paper proposes that embedding participation into planning processes not only enhances urban transformation but also strengthens civic agencies, positioning participatory spaces as essential instruments for contemporary democratic city governance.