Prototyping Dialogues

Abstract

This report documents Prototyping Dialogues, a participatory design project exploring how residents can be continuously involved in the transformation of Svarte mosse, a park in Biskopsgården, Gothen burg (see Image 1). Our main research question asked: How can participatory design methods bridge the gap between residents’ and municipality’s knowledge to convey the value of local knowledge in urban planning? Through a series of workshops in the public space, we developed and tested methods for open-ended participation. Key findings highlight that residents value being informed, involved, and listened to more than influencing specific design outcomes. Our project emphasizes the importance of care in materials, language, and presence, and argues for the need of long-term municipal roles dedicated to public engagement. The resulting tools and formats offer replicable ways of maintaining meaningful dialogue over time and advocate for participatory approaches as integral to urban development