Munich's Workshop “Transformative and Equitable Redesign of Places"

How can we create a more inclusive, just, and sustainable culture of participation, considering the needs of all city residents? How can we foster genuine collaboration between all stakeholders? These were central questions at the workshop “Transformative and equitable redesign of places - review and outlook on our engagement in inner-city courtyards”, organised by Munich’s local JUSTNature team from the Department for Urban Planning and Building Regulations (City of Munich) and the Chair for Strategic Landscape Planning and Management (Technical University of Munich). Held at the Munich Urban CoLab in January 2025, the event brought together experts from organisations who actively engage in temporary urban experiments, whether through design interventions, activities on site, planning or research.

Dr. Marleen Buizer from Wageningen University set the scene by sharing approaches to participatory placemaking for transformation from the Netherlands. A handful of the invited experts then shared an example from their experience in proactively engaging citizens in short-term urban interventions. Inspiration was drawn from these experiences to explore how the needs of those already active on-site could be respected better, new insights from collective experiences gathered, less visible groups encouraged to participate, and positive longer term impacts ensured.

The workshop made it clear that placemaking is much more than just spatial design. It is a social process that, if done well, can promote democratic participation and creatively address conflict. But it also requires investing time and energy and funding to be sustainable. “We need much more in public spaces, and for everyone,” one participant remarked. The role of conflicts in placemaking was also discussed: it is inevitable when working in and shaping public space, it can be an opportunity to allow hidden needs and interests to be voiced, and in turn help develop fairer solutions. Many pointed out that changing the culture of participation in a city requires bold approaches and creative formats from both the city administration and other (mostly locally active) organisations involved. Temporary interventions create visible changes quickly, but ideally should be supported to stay for the longer term or be self-sustaining. Reflecting on a previous experience of trying to activate local residents, one participant shared that “At first, people weren’t that interested, but then more and more became engaged.” A good network and shared responsibility between city administration and other organisations can help break down barriers, reduce risks and implement projects quicker and more efficiently. And finally, ongoing reflection and monitoring are crucial to learn from temporary interventions and enable long-term change.

This event also showed that taking the time to exchange on co-creation and engagement experiences with others leading similar processes is vital to learn from and share with peers and adjust ways of doing things on the go. Insights will inform JUSTNature’s next activities on the ground in Munich. The local JUSTNature team is currently planning upcoming activities in the temporary interventions at Bellevue di Monaco and the St. Anna secondary and primary schools, continuing to activate further community engagement and collaboration.