Digital Participation in Urban Mobility Planning
October 2024. A recent paper by researchers Matti Drechsel, Nick Förster, Gerhard Schubert and Frank Petzold from the Chair of Architectural Informatics at the Technical University of Munich explores innovative approaches to urban mobility planning through digital participation. The study is part of "Creating NEBourhoods Together" and focuses on integrating material, contextual, and performative learning into digital toolkits.
Key Points
HYBRID APPROACH
The research combines analogue and digital methods to enhance participatory processes in urban planning. Experimental analogue formats, such as collective drawing and model-building, were used to gather situational knowledge from local stakeholders.
DIGITAL TOOLKITS
Building on these analogue methods, the team developed digital tools that incorporate bodily, spatial, and interactive dimensions. These tools were tested in a design studio by architecture and urban studies students, who translated contextual findings into digital prototypes.
PROTOTYPES
Various digital participation tools were created, including map-based applications, mobile games, and augmented reality apps. These tools are intended to address different aspects of the participation process, ranging from large-scale localization to the design of specific mobility hubs.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The project emphasises the importance of engaging local residents and stakeholders in the planning process. Workshops and collaborative design sessions were held to gather input and ensure that the tools reflect the needs and perspectives of the community.
The aim of this innovative approach is to bridge the gap between digital and analogue participation methods and to foster a more inclusive and effective urban mobility transformation.
The paper, "Situating Digital Participation: Incorporating material, contextual, and performative learnings into digital toolkits", is available via researchgate.
Picture Credits: Chair of Architectural Informatics at the Technical University of Munich
Prototype 1 (satellite view):
"Drifter" is a location-based participation game. As in a treasure hunt, you explore Neuperlach while you search for mobility-related problems and potentials.
Project by Justine Morin, Wen-Shan Cui, Buket Göksen
Prototype 2 (map):
"City Swipe" is a crowd-sourced information-gathering tool. You roam through the neighbourhood until a suggestion pops up. As in a dating app you swipe over the suggestion to leave your opinion.
Project by Bruna Gerling, Carolina Meirelles, Gony Amir, Paula von Houwald
Test Scene 1 (Conversation via tablet):
Digital Tools enable us to establish contact with citizens and gather ideas and situational knowledge on mobility.
Test Scene 2:
Using augmented reality, we playfully develop configurations for NEBourhood hubs.
Project by Lisa Ableitner, Alissa Schulteß, Anna Zieziula