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Making a Difference with Minecraft

The Block by Block Foundation empowers communities to turn neglected urban spaces into vibrant places that improve quality of life for all.

Our unique methodology centers on Minecraft as a powerful tool for visualization and collaboration, actively engaging neighborhood residents who don’t typically have a voice in public projects.

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Empowering Communities

Block by Block projects transform lives and revitalize urban neighborhoods by improving public safety, economic opportunity, access to clean water, sustainability, and livability, block by block.

 
 
“I can see the difference people can make because I am a person who did that. I made a difference, and I will keep making a difference.”
— KOCHA A., Block by block workshop participant
 

Featured Project

 
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COVID-19 Relief Worldwide

Our COVID relief projects in Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Vietnam, Niger, Kenya, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh address a range of issues at the community level.

“For millions around the world, public spaces are key to people’s livelihoods, safety, and health. Access to and use of quality public spaces is a civic right which must be upheld, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 threat.”
— James Delaney, BLOCK BY BLOCK CHAIR
 

More Stories

Projects
Building Peace in Kosovo
Building Peace in Kosovo

Community ideas from a well-attended workshop turn a deserted market into an appealing public space with gardens, a playground, and Kosovo’s first skatepark.

Building Accessibility and Equality in Kampala
Building Accessibility and Equality in Kampala

Block by Block Workshops in Uganda transform a pedestrian area, elevate women and girls, and emphasize safety and accessibility for all.

Building a Kid-Friendly Playground in Dhaka
Building a Kid-Friendly Playground in Dhaka

Block by Block Workshops empower women and children to design a safe, kid-friendly playground in densely populated Dhaka.

COVID-19 Relief Worldwide
COVID-19 Relief Worldwide

Our COVID relief projects in Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Vietnam, Niger, Kenya, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh address a range of issues at the community level.

LGBTQI+ Safe Spaces in Quito
LGBTQI+ Safe Spaces in Quito

This project raised awareness on COVID-19 safety through urban art and mask distribution while addressing the vulnerabilities of LGBTIQ+ community members.

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Global Impact

 
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1M+

Block by Block has catalyzed the revitalization of urban neighborhoods in 37 countries, impacting the lives of more than 1.8 million people.

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30K

More than 30,000 community members—including women, children, elders, refugees, and the disabled—have participated in Block by Block workshops worldwide, including 100 pandemic-relief workshops.

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$6M

The Block by Block Foundation has contributed more than $6M to UN-Habitat to help make the UN Sustainable Development Goals a reality.

 
 
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“As an indigenous woman, I learned to overcome my fears, to interact with men, and to give them our points of view as women—that we too can design public spaces.”
— ANTONIA, BLOCK BY BLOCK WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT, ESCONDIDO
 

Block by Block in the News

Our work adds up to larger impact—from more engaged communities and more livable cities to more forward-thinking public space policies at every level.

Block by Block wins Innovation Award at National Urban Design Awards 2021

The Block by Block Building Peace in Kosovo project was honored for Innovation by the Urban Design Group.

Launch of Her City – a digital platform to support girls’ participation in urban planning

To mark International Women’s Day, independent think tank Global Utmaning and UN-Habitat launched the Her City Toolbox, an open-source digital platform to strengthen girls' participation in urban planning and design.

How Minecraft is Changing the World

Block by Block is featured in the HyperX “Good Game” video series showing how people are making the world better through video games.

Gamifying Urban Design with Block by Block

The development of our public spaces often feels hidden behind complex planning processes, motivated by the visions of a few. This in-depth piece from Assemble Papers highlights participatory urban design through the lens of Block by Block.

Building for Real With Digital Blocks, The New York Times

The original inspiration and broad application of using Minecraft to catalyze community involvement in public space planning.