Participatory Urban Planning Research Articles

Co-creation and urban transformation: the application of design thinking for participatory solutions in Rio Tavares, Florianópolis

Cities face increasingly complex challenges that demand innovative and collaborative solutions. The lack of participatory urban planning and the need for more humanized approaches have generated negative impacts on the quality of life, including the loss of cultural identity, inadequate urban mobility, and environmental damage. This article analyzes the application of Design Thinking, focusing on the immersion and analysis stages, within a participatory urban transformation process in the Rio Tavares neighborhood of Florianópolis, Brazil. This growing neighborhood faces challenges such as the lack of urban infrastructure and the need for preserving cultural and environmental heritage. This study investigates how Design Thinking can engage the community in identifying and understanding these problems, promoting empathy, and gaining a clear understanding of local needs. The research employed an experience report methodology with data collection through a participatory mural at two cultural events held in the neighborhood. The results revealed the main challenges faced by the neighborhood and highlighted the importance of citizen participation in the urban transformation process.

Civic Engagement in Urban Planning and Development

The scientific literature has revealed that there is often a discrepancy between urban planning initiatives and the actual development of cities. Urban development is a complex process strongly affected by the self-organisation of citizens and entrepreneurs, who produce services and events, create new public places, and shape urban regeneration through everyday practices. However, the actors of self-organised urban development are rarely met in participatory urban planning practices. The gap raises the research problem of how to recognise and facilitate civic engagement in urban development. The authors of this article have been investigating the ontology and methodology of urban planning and development over the past two decades, culminating in the framework of expanded urban planning. The article aims to present multiple approaches to civic engagement in urban planning and development, based on an updated longitudinal study conducted in a Helsinki neighbourhood. The authors argue that urban planning should be updated with expanded urban planning (EP), which extends the focus of civic engagement from public participation to self-organisation and everyday life practices.

Fill the map: Integrating objective data and citizen knowledge for Participatory Urban Planning

Fill the map: Integrating objective data and citizen knowledge for Participatory Urban Planning

Urban planning as ‘great dialogue’? Developing polyphonic planning practices in a process of hybrid participation, case Viiskorpi, Espoo, Finland

ABSTRACT This article delves into participatory urban planning practices through the lens of Mikhail Bakhtin’s theory of polyphony. We explore how polyphonic planning, which requires multiple voices in a dialogue and representations revealing various perspectives, can be achieved in a hybrid participatory planning process. Our action research, conducted as part of an actual planning process, reveals that while hybrid participation can foster dialogue and increase polyphony, it requires participatory knowledge sharing, public assessment of planners’ interpretations, and a clear definition of concepts. We also suggest improving the vertical dialogue between planning levels.

A Democratic and Participatory urban planning for an inclusive school: Models and mechanisms

A Democratic and Participatory urban planning for an inclusive school: Models and mechanisms

A cost-and-effect simulation model for compact city approaches: A case study in Japan

Japan's compact-city policy addresses rapid population decline and aging to ensure sustainable development. However, its implementation requires significant time, financial resources, and complex stakeholder collaborations. Faced with these challenges, we asked: How can the cost-and-effect of planning be simply and automatically recognized by stakeholders? To address this, a simulation model was developed for evaluating urban planning strategies within the compact-city framework. Our model integrates pseudo-people-flow data and includes three fundamental modules and five sub-models to simulate and predict urban metrics, including population, administrative costs, visitors, and traffic volume from 2015 to 2040. Four scenarios-baseline, location optimization, new road and new station installation-were analyzed. Findings suggest that 1) new station project could mitigate population decline, 2) both location optimization and new station projects improve public services efficiency and sustainability, 3) urban vitality could be enhanced by new station construction, generating a new urban core, and 4) compact city policy may also reduce and concentrate traffic volume, shortening car trips. The model's efficiency and uncertainty were examined, and user experiments highlighted the potential of digital tools to democratize urban planning, making it accessible for non-expert stakeholders and fostering informed participation. This research advances the use of technology in participatory urban planning.

Use of the Sociogram in Participatory Planning in Contexts of Social Exclusion: A Comparative Case Study in Cordoba Neighbourhoods, Spain

Urban regeneration and spatial planning have adopted a new participatory approach in recent decades, highlighting the importance of integrating the community in urban decision-making processes, especially in disadvantaged and socially excluded areas. In this context, the sociogram emerges as an essential tool for collaborative governance, allowing the visualization and analysis of the dynamics between the different actors involved. This study employs a comparative case study approach in three disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Córdoba, Spain, to examine how the sociogram can facilitate more effective and democratic participation in urban planning. Using heat maps, scatter plots and average analysis, relationships between actors are identified and characterized, providing a solid basis for more inclusive and equitable planning decisions. This analysis not only reveals the practical utility of the sociogram in participatory research but also underscores its theoretical relevance in building resilient and cohesive communities. Findings confirm the sociogram’s effectiveness in mapping stakeholder dynamics and enhancing participatory governance, ultimately fostering more informed and inclusive urban planning processes.

One size does not fit all: Three tools and approaches for soundscape simulations

We present a reflection on three prototypes of real-time interactive soundscape simulators aimed at supporting participatory urban sound planning and interventions. These prototypes were developed as part of the Sounds in the City cross-sectoral partnership through an iterative process involving various stakeholders. Each prototype enables different ways to manipulate soundscapes through tailored interfaces and audio/visual outputs, targeting different types of users. The first version is audio-only and uses live music tools for Ambisonics spatialization, with limited environmental modeling for co-design exercises with urban and sound professionals. The second version builds on the idea of the first and adds acoustic modeling. It was used to assess the impact of sound installations in public spaces through research-creation involving sound artists and residents. The last version utilizes (desktop or head-mounted) virtual reality with binaural rendering, immersing the user in an audio-visual city to raise sound awareness and support urban soundscape design. We emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all tool. Rather, we highlight how different tools are needed for different auralization tasks and target user groups. These tools are presented through examples of early-stage conceptualization, educational components, creative processes, laboratory-based soundscape assessments, and both individual and participatory design sessions.

Analysis of Citizen Participation in Urban Planning of Comala, Colima, Mexico – A Secondary Publication

The objective of this study was to determine the degree of citizen participation in urban planning processesin the municipality of Comala, Colima, Mexico to have a broader vision of the citizens and the environment in which they live. An instrument was designed specifically to perform this study and the instrument was validated by calculating Cronbach’s Alpha. The results showed that citizens were highly involved in issues concerning their urban environment, and the main problems of the public spaces were also identified.

Zoning, Land Use Management and Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Planning, Where Sri Lanka is Standing

Urbanization rapidly changes the land use pattern in Sri Lanka. Cities are important economic centers and provide opportunities for quality of life. Zoning creates prospering urban planning environments, improves construction permit efficiency, enables agency coordination, and provides widespread participation in urban planning. A comprehensive zoning plan with environmentally conscious zoning contributes to the conservation of natural resources, enhances the ability of climate change adaptation and mitigation, fosters a greener urban environment, and ensures urban sustainability. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are incorporated by nature; use, or mimic, natural processes to contribute to improvement in given landscapes, small or large scale. Attention to NBS has significantly increased in the recent past and is trying to mainstream NbS into a wide range of policies, and urban planning. This study aimed to explore how zoning and NbS can be incorporated in an urban setting to increase urban resilience in water-born cities. The administrative capital of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardhanapura-Kotte was selected due to unique inland urban wetland characteristics and vulnerability to wetland ecosystem due to rapid development in the area. Sri Jayawardhanapura-Kotte is rich with its unique landscape and is a part of Ramsar-Colombo wetlands. The Sri Jayawardhanapura-Kotte Capital City Development Plan (the Plan) 2020 and other relevant national policies were assessed in terms of zooning and application of NbS as a strategy of a sustainable and resilient city. Environmental changes and disaster risk areas were assessed (spatial and temporal changes) utilizing earth observation and GIS techniques, and secondary data were obtained from official records and reports. Sri Jayawardhanapura-Kotte covers 78% of the Greater Colombo flood retention area, and 55% of the area is suitable for flood retention. However, 40% of Colombo wetlands have been lost during the last 30 years due to urbanization. Data shows that most of the wetlands are being filled for infrastructure development, including housing, and it is critically important to conserve remaining wetlands in the area with strict regulations including zoning. The Plan has no signs of incorporating or recognizing NbS in the objectives, strategies, and actions for restoration wetlands, proper zoning system for flood mitigation. Analysed policies lack recognition or incorporation of zoning for environmental conservation and disaster risk reduction. The importance of urban areas for future cannot be underestimate and proper urban planning is a necessity in Sri Lanka for mitigate precent anthropogenic climate change impacts ranging but not limited to urban flooding to public health.
 
 Keywords: Urban planning, Zoning, Nature-based Solutions, Resilience, water-born cities

Revolutionising the Quality of Life: The Role of Real-Time Sensing in Smart Cities

Revolutionising the Quality of Life: The Role of Real-Time Sensing in Smart Cities

Digital Participatory Model as Part of a Data-Driven Decision Support System for Urban Vibrancy

Digital participation relies on computational systems as the instruments for expert engagement, data-driven insight, and informed decision-making. This study aims to increase expert engagement with the Bayesian-based decision support model in evaluating urban vibrancy decisions. In this study, urban vibrancy parameters are defined using “economic, use, and image value” measures. This article focuses on the visual aspect of vibrancy, defined as the image value of place. The image value is evaluated through likability and likability features. The case study area is the Eminönü Central Business District in the Istanbul Historic Peninsula due to its distinctive urban dynamics derived from the duality of being a cultural and cosmopolitan city center. This research presents a method as a decision support system (DSS) model based on the Bayesian belief network (BBN) and spatial BBN for supporting urban vibrancy decisions. The spatial BBNs monitor spatial outcomes of variables’ dependencies that form through the BBN relationship network. Spatial BBN tools monitors the spatial impact of decisions for informed urban interventions. The results demonstrate that urban greening, pedestrianization, and human-scaled streetscapes should be prioritized to make streets more likable. The most significant intervention areas are Tahtakale for signboard regulation, Sultanahmet and Vefa for cultural landscape improvement, and Vefa and Mahmutpaşa for planning building enclosures. The participation is achieved by evaluating urban vibrancy with what-if scenarios using BBN. The developed DSS model addresses which parameters should be prioritized, and what are their spatial consequences. The use of spatial BBN tools presents certain limitations in terms of interoperability and user interaction. Overall, this research contributes to participatory urban planning by incorporating both conditional and spatial dependencies. This unique approach not only promotes a more holistic understanding of urban vibrancy but also contributes to the advancement of digital participation in urban planning decisions.

Evolvable case-based design: An artificial intelligence system for urban form generation with specific indicators

This research proposes a design system that combines a case-based learning algorithm with a rule-based optimization algorithm to automatically generate and revise urban form prototypes based on historical cases and user requirements. The system aims to address the challenges of existing generative methods for urban forms, such as the lack of flexibility and organicity of rule-based methods and the insufficient manipulability and interpretability of the newest GAN-integrated case-based methods. It can help designers generate multiple solutions with specific indicators in the conceptual stage and has the potential to facilitate citizen participation in urban planning and design. This research demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the system through a case study in Shenzhen. The research further extends the discussion about the application of the proposed system and the alternative evolution approach for the next generation of automatic design methods.

People's Participation and Governance Principles Shaping Inclusive Urban Planning

This research investigates the intricate interplay between participatory democracy and urban planning, with a focal point on fostering inclusiveness and sustainability. The literature review delves into existing perspectives on public participation, elucidating its connection to local democracy and emphasizing the symbiotic relationship with principles of good governance. The paper outlines key objectives for public participation in urban planning, underscoring the importance of transparent communication and early engagement. Examining diverse urban scenarios, the case studies spotlight instances of public participation, including the protest against Bengaluru's elevated road network, the alternative master plan in Dharavi, and environmental advocacy in Goa. These cases exemplify the transformative potential of community engagement and the challenges inherent in reconciling economic considerations with unique socio-economic fabrics. In conclusion, the research emphasizes the global impact of public participation in shaping urban development. The commitment and resilience demonstrated by citizens underscore the vital role of active community involvement in shaping the destiny of their regions. Early participation emerges as crucial for informed decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and contributing to a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global future. Key Words: People's participation, Urban Planning, Inclusiveness, sustainability, Community involvement

The Role of the Territory in an Educating City: Two Italian Laboratory Examples of Participatory Urban Planning

The aim of this article is to stimulate further reflection on the concept of the Educating City by presenting two Italian participatory planning initiatives. The analysis focuses on the benefits of knowledge of the surrounding territory for the development of an informed and engaged citizenry; the key role of the city for education and participatory space in a learning society; and finally, the strategies that have been implemented to educate the community about its territory and encourage active participation in its development. The focus of the reflection is thus the city as an 'open' educational environment, made up of spatial elements that are closely connected through social relations. In this environment, actors influence each other and engage in constructive communication and cooperation to co-create shared living spaces. In this sense, a comprehensive knowledge of the territory can contribute to the development of a cooperative citizenship whose actions influence both the communal living spaces and the social fabric that populates them. Through continuous learning about the territory, the urban community can acquire skills of conscious self-determination and participate effectively in the shaping of urban space. This is a fruitful process that cannot avoid taking into account the 'situated context' and the education that enables the integration needs of the urban community to be incorporated and expressed in the decision-making processes about the future development of its own territory.

Youth participation in cultural heritage management: a conceptual framework

ABSTRACT The management of cultural heritage is no longer exclusive to heritage professionals. The engagement of various stakeholders, particularly underrepresented groups in communities, is crucial to promote inclusiveness in heritage management practices. As future decision-makers, youth are vital to be engaged, yet their participation remains at a low level due to the underestimation of youth capacities and a lack of motivation among youth. Little research has been done to comprehensively conceptualise youth participation and frame it in the context of cultural heritage management. To fill this gap, an integrative literature review was conducted using academic and grey literature from participatory urban planning, design, governance, and heritage management fields. The results show that existing theories have made valuable insights into approaching youth participation by identifying the definition and roles of youth, levels of participation, and methods of engagement. However, they have so far failed to fully address the fluid nature of youth engagement and lack reflections from youth perspectives towards their initiatives to participatory practices. Drawing on the results, we propose a new conceptual framework consisting of four dimensions: purpose, positioning, perspectives, and power relations, which define youth participation theoretically and methodologically in cultural heritage management.

Developing child-friendly cities: Young children’s participation in urban planning

This article is based on a collaborative project between a municipality and a research team, aiming to investigate participatory methods that promote young children’s interest and participation in, and access to express their views in connection with, urban planning processes. The research question was: What characterizes a child-friendly city for young children and their families? The article is framed within the perspective of children’s rights, affordance and child-friendly outdoor environments. The project has employed multiple research methods. The participants were children (aged 3-6) and parents from three early childhood education and care institutions. The children (n=16) participated in guided tours, field conversations, drawing and constructive play using Lego. The parents (n=14) participated by identifying the locations that they preferred to frequent with their children, and a structured survey was used to identify what the parents liked and disliked about the places they identified. Our findings indicate that there are four important features that characterise a child-friendly city: 1) The availability of ‘green lungs’, 2) Creative and challenging play opportunities, 3) Places for the whole family, and 4) Safe playgrounds and walking routes. We discuss how better knowledge of what characterizes a child-friendly city can contribute to planning processes.

Blockchain for citizens' participation in urban planning: The case of the city of Berlin. A value sensitive design approach

The aim of the paper is to investigate how a blockchain-based platform for citizens' participation in urban planning should be developed adopting a Value Sensitive Design approach (VSD). VSD can be considered as an overarching methodological framework for new technologies development which takes into account moral and human values of all the direct and indirect stakeholders which might be impacted by the technology. By considering the perspectives of the different involved stakeholders, the paper specifically addresses the call for more research about blockchain-based services which adopts a human-centred approach instead of technocentric.The paper is based on the empirical analysis of a DApp called BBBlockchain which was specifically created with the purpose to improve citizens participation in urban planning decisions in two major residential development projects in Berlin, Germany. BBBlockchain is a proof of concept which is currently running on its own in-house test network but it can run on every EVM compatible blockchain. From the analysis of the information layer of participation, it can be argued that the most important values include transparency, inclusiveness and confidentiality.

The efficacy of statutory public hearings for planning: A comparison of four Canadian jurisdictions

ABSTRACT Statutory public hearings for urban development proposals are among the oldest venues for public participation in urban planning in the U.S., Canada, and many other jurisdictions, and the most common venues for resident participation in planning. A number of scholars discuss public hearings in their work. However, such depictions are often contradictory and do not test nor examine whether public hearings allow residents to influence planning decisions. This paper tests the efficacy of statutory public hearings and examines whether institutional difference (at-large vs. ward-based councils) and contextual difference (suburban municipalities vs. their urban cores) affect residents’ ability to influence municipal councilors via public hearings. The paper finds that resident opposition to development at public hearings does not result in substantial changes to development proposals. However, contextual and institutional differences do alter how councilors respond to resident opposition.

Issues of public participation in the management of urban space development

The subject of the study is public participation in solving issues of urban environment development. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as: the role, significance and benefits of public participation in urban planning, forms of public participation in the development of the urban environment and factors that positively affect the level of involvement of residents, as well as restrictions on participation. The author notes that effective interaction between authorities and the population can help to qualitatively identify the main problems and tasks of management in the field of urban environment development, identify the needs of local communities, public sentiment and in the future minimize urban conflicts.The author's contribution to the research of the topic is to conduct a survey of residents in the city of Tyumen to study their readiness to participate in solving issues of urban environment development. The survey of respondents showed that more than half of the respondents are interested in participating in urban planning and landscaping. The survey also revealed the main reasons limiting participation, such as: uncertainty that the opinion of residents will be taken into account and will affect the final decision, misunderstanding of the forms and methods of participation. The difference between the real and potential activity of residents in relation to the improvement of their yard, area of residence is revealed. The factors that can contribute to an increase in the share of citizens participating in urban development and improvement projects are highlighted.