The DemoS Living Lab has taken place from September 2019 until May 2020. The research was set up in four phases: research & pilot, development, implementation and the exhibition. A description of the research and the results can be found here.
Phase 1: Research & Pilot
During this phase the Living Lab was focused on conducting research and a pilot respectively involving experts and citizens of IJburg. The research aimed to identify the main actors/stakeholders in the field of participation and spatial planning in Amsterdam and to explore different participatory methods. Some short summaries about the experts are found below. The pilot aimed to support the establishment of the HalloStrandeiland community by increasing its visibility, to collect tips and tops for their website and to test some assumptions about the pilot itself and the Living Lab in general. To get a sense of the taken interviews with IJburgers, check the video below!
Phase 2: Development
In this phase the focus was on the co-creation sessions with the Participation Team and the development of both the Parliament of Place as well as the FreeSpace. The aim of these sessions were to shape the Parliament of Place method by setting up criteria it needs to meet and by creating the possible exercises for this method. The idea of the FreeSpace was developed during this phase, but rather theoretically than practically.
EXPERTS WE SPOKE TO
BUILDING CONVERSATIONS
Building conversations is a platform of performers executing, facilitating conversations with citizens, aiming to contribute to a changing and inclusive society. Inspired by different conversation techniques, BC perform conversations based on listening and personal connection. Their expertise inspired us in how to find shared values and create a personal connection in both our method, and participation with our stakeholders.
PLACEMAKERS
Placemakers focuses on urban activation to create inclusive and lively urban spaces through collaboration with residents, entrepreneurs and other local parties. Their experience in facilitating initiatives such as collecting ideas in the neighborhood to helping them with the realisation of these helped us in how to do similar activities.
HOODLAB
Hoodlab is a temporary living lab placed in different neighborhoods in Amsterdam. It is a toolbox to facilitate a conversation between the residents and professionals to improve the social and public spaces of the neighborhood. Considering their expertise in citizen participation, they provided insights on how to connect with residents.
DR. ASTRID HENDRIKSEN
Astrid Hendriksen wrote her thesis about the involvement of stakeholders in decision-making process of sustainable issues. This knowledge fits the goal of this Living Lab: to give citizens the opportunity to influence public space. She shared interesting thoughts on how to engage people during co-creation events.
Phase 3: Implementation
The aim of the third phase was to test the Parliament of Place and the FreeSpace concept that was co-created with the Participation Team. The focus group was a group of MSc students who enthusiastically responded to our method. Based upon their feedback the Parliament of Place was adjusted again.
Phase 4: Exhibition
Initially a co-creation event with IJburgers would be held. Considering the COVID-19 outbreak this was unfortunately not possible. The idea of the Parliament of Place and the FreeSpace could be held after this outbreak, but we also wanted to create something that could be of use nowadays. Instead of this event an online participation tool was developed: a family-friendly roadmap. Aiming to encourage citizens to think and change their neighborhood. This roadmap will be available on the HalloStrandeiland website, where the Parliament of Place and the FreeSpace concepts will also be elaborated upon.
DemoS 