Exploring Service Design as a Commoning Approach: The Engaging Strategy of the Service Master Planning

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of design for urban commons and its role in placemaking strategies that cater to community needs and aspirations. Placemaking is viewed as a collaborative process that involves early engagement with stakeholders to create shared visions. Design, particularly through co-design methodologies, scenario building and service design, can play a role in shaping public spaces for communal value and sustainability. This paper presents and discusses three case studies from Italy to introduce the concept of Service Master Planning, a methodology that combines co-design and service-centred scenarios to facilitate top-down actions that encourage bottom-up activation. It aims to co-create a vision for the future of a place involving the various actors of complex service ecosystems. Unlike traditional urban planning, which focuses mainly on the physical infrastructure, Service Master Planning emphasises services and social ecosystems. The methodology results in a strategic document, the Service Master Plan, outlining future scenarios based on contextual needs and aspirations. The successful adoption of Service Master Plan relies on inspiring spatial design and attracting community interest for co-producing the envisioned services. The challenge lies in transitioning scenarios into concrete actions, involving architectural and urban designers, and facilitating stakeholder consultations for service provision.