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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.

 
 
“Today I discovered I have a passion for design. When I grow up I want to be an architect to design nice spaces in my neighborhood. And with Minecraft I can make my design as alive and colorful as I want!”
— Nancy, workshop participant, Beirut
 

Featured Project

 
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Bridging Ethnic Divides in Kosovo

Community ideas from a Block by Block Workshop attended by both Albanians and Serbs turn a deserted market in the capital of one of Europe’s poorest areas into an appealing public space that includes gardens, a playground, and Kosovo’s first skatepark.

“I came up with the skatepark idea and some trees surrounding the park. Something I worked on is being made in real life!”
— Lian Loxha, youth participant, Pristina
 

More Stories

Projects
Building Community Ownership in Mumbai
Building Community Ownership in Mumbai

A series of Block by Block Workshops transforms a dilapidated playground in one of Mumbai’s most neglected neighborhoods into a bright and well-used public space, empowering the community to continue improving their living conditions.

Building a Model for Participatory Urban Planning in Nairobi
Building a Model for Participatory Urban Planning in Nairobi

A catalyst for change in the way city officials and community members viewed public space, the Jeevanjee Gardens project in Nairobi established the Block by Block Methodology used today. Since the original project in 2012, the mayor has committed to transforming 60 more public spaces citywide.

Building a Place to Play in Palestine
Building a Place to Play in Palestine

Palestinian youth build confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a three-day Block by Block Workshop to transform a neglected space into a vibrant neighborhood playground.

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Global Impact

 
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30

Block by Block has catalyzed the revitalization of urban neighborhoods in more than 30 countries.

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1k

More than 1,000 people, including children, women, elders, refugees, and disabled community members, have participated in collaborative Block by Block Workshops worldwide.

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25k

More than 25,000 children and teenagers have participated in Block by Block Competitions to crowdsource ideas for transforming public spaces throughout Mexico.

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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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“In the past, we did not get a chance to be involved in deciding what our community needs. Today, we are creating a design for our public space as a team, and I cannot wait to see it come true.”
— Ro'a, Block by Block Workshop participant, Mumbai
 

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.

Real-World Minecraft Mod: How the Popular Video Game is Transforming Parks and Other Public Spaces 
A look at how Block by Block is transforming neighborhoods around the globe 

Block Party, Microsoft Story Lab
Learn more about some of Block by Block’s most inspiring projects and the history of the organization.

Building Real-World Community with Minecraft
How Block by Block makes landscape architecture and urban design more inclusive

When Children Design Tomorrow’s Cities
When you give kids a chance to shape the city of the future, the results are colorful and creative.