The objective of this thesis is to investigate and implement systemic tools to address the challenges of the current urban system in order to transform public spaces into bridges to connect citizens and shape healthier, livable and shared public environments through sustainable and participatory urban practices. The theoretical foundations, methodologies investigated and their application have been focused on the challenges faced by the binational San Diego-Tijuana World Design Capital 2024, carried out during an international mobility project in San Diego (CA, USA). The topic has been theoretically analyzed through a bibliographic research that traces the historical and socio-anthropological evolution of the urban system, critically demonstrating the need to change current processes, habits and mindsets.