Researchers from Miastopracownia are exploring feminist innovations in urban planning, conducting research on gender-oriented policies, and visiting initiatives that create more inclusive cities. One such place is a public laundry in Chania, Greece, which won the Innovation in Politics award for social services.
In 2020, the local government of Chania launched this free public laundry, initially designed for refugees. The space also includes a bathhouse, a small shop, and a hairdresser, quickly expanding its services to support a wider community, including people experiencing homelessness and others in need.
Located in the city centre, the laundry ensures safety and anonymity through a semi-transparent window covering. Visitors can wash their clothes, take a shower, receive new clothing shoes, and access basic services. Beyond its physical space, the initiative actively reaches out to people in crisis, informing them about available services. It also participates in the Help at Home project, providing laundry services for those unable to manage household chores, and run a safe space for women experiencing domestic violence.
For Miastopracownia, this initiative is a great example of how feminist urban policies can help transform cities into more caring and equitable environments. It adds to our research on gender-oriented planning in different locations, showing how public infrastructure can integrate care work to support everyday needs. As part of this research, architects from Miastopracownia conducted an interview with the main initiator of the project, Eleni Zervoudaki and published an article about the place in a Polish magazine.