Erfolgsfaktoren und Herausforderungen der Öffentlichkeitsbeteiligung: Ein Modell zur Verbesserung der Partizipation in kommunalen Transformationsprojekten

Das Forschungsprojekt PART-COM zielt darauf ab, Bürgerinnen und Bürger aktiv in kommunale Transformations- und Innovationsvorhaben einzubinden, wofür durch nationale und internationale Expertinnen- und Experteninterviews neun Konfliktfelder und zehn Erfolgsfaktoren identifiziert wurden. Die Konfliktfelder wurden in einer Abwärtsspirale visualisiert, wobei sechs Hauptkonflikte (mangelhafte Repräsentativität, fehlender politischer Wille, mangelhafte Kommunikation, fehlende Transparenz, Wissensmangel und hohe Hürden) zu tieferliegenden Problemen wie Entfremdung, Scheinpartizipation und Gleichgültigkeit führen können. Die Erfolgsfaktoren, die teilweise durch eine Bürgerinnen- und Bürgerumfrage validiert wurden, betonen die Bedeutung vielfältiger Kommunikationsformate, einer starken Feedbackkultur, niederschwelliger Beteiligungsangebote sowie der Integration digitaler und analoger Kanäle für eine erfolgreiche Öffentlichkeitsbeteiligung

Urban Transformation Agenda in South Africa: A Spotlight on Designing Theoretically and Evidence-Based Urban Development Strategies

Urban transformation in South Africa presents both significant challenges and opportunities, shaped by the nation’s unique historical, social, and economic context. By critically examining current urban policies and practices, this research identifies gaps between theoretical frameworks and practical applications in South Africa's urban planning and governance. It also highlights the need for strategies that not only address the spatial and socio-economic inequalities inherited from the apartheid era but also promote sustainable and inclusive urban growth. Through a comprehensive review of literature, policy analysis, and case studies, the study offers insights into how urban transformation can be more effectively managed in South Africa. It emphasizes the importance of integrating empirical evidence with robust theoretical models to develop strategies that are both contextually relevant and practically implementable. The findings aim to inform policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders on how to create resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban environments that respond to the complex realities of South African citie

Spatial Planning on Electricity – What smart meter data can tell us about spatial structures

Spatial planning approaches such as densification, the 15-minute city, or net-zero initiatives increasingly promote and necessitate mixed-use land allocations. Traditionally, land use was segmented into distinct categories such as residential, industrial, commercial, or transportation. This zoning-based approach provided clear guidance on expected spatial functions and human activities within designated areas. However, as mixed-use developments become more prevalent, the conventional distinction between living, working, and other activities becomes increasingly blurred. Consequently, traditional zoning regulations use more and more mixed-use zoning to regulate spatial impacts. But the knowledge of spatial impact does not fit the need for coordination and regulation. The dynamics of urban life require planning instruments that go beyond static land-use maps and embrace real-time and usage-based data to inform spatial policies. To address this challenge, planning authorities require an empirical foundation that captures real-world spatial usage and interactions. Conventional spatial data from federal or state topographic offices primarily describe physical land features but lack insights into actual usage patterns. This gap is increasingly critical as mixed-use developments grow in scale and complexity. The key challenge is no longer defining land use but understanding how space is utilized in real-time to inform better regulatory measures. Additionally, understanding peak hours of electricity consumption can provide indirect yet valuable insights into mobility patterns, working behaviors, and residential activity shifts. Smart meter data offers a novel and dynamic source of information to bridge this gap. As Engelke (2017) states, "Not only more accurate and up-to-date geodata is available for planning, but also unprecedented knowledge about the actual use of space." By capturing detailed electricity consumption at the household level, smart meters provide indirect but valuable insights into human presence, activity patterns, and the intensity of land use. The mandatory rollout of smart meters presents an unprecedented opportunity to integrate high-resolution temporal data into spatial planning. The EU has decided in 2009 to implement smart meter in all member states, and e.g. Germany decided obligatory smart meters in all households by 2023. Switzerland intends to cover 80% of Swiss households by 2027. Aggregated smart meter data at neighborhood or district levels allows planners to assess deviations between planned and actual land use, thus informing evidence-based policy adjustments and regulatory interventions. This integration has the potential to refine urban planning strategies, providing a data-driven approach to analyze urban vitality, the success of mixed-use developments, and urban energy efficiency. Moreover, leveraging smart meter data can help policymakers refine zoning laws and introduce dynamic zoning approaches that adapt to real-time conditions. Instead of relying solely on traditional land-use maps, urban planners can create policies based on actual demand, energy efficiency, and mobility behaviors. For example, if a neighborhood exhibits a sharp increase in electricity consumption during typical work hours, it may indicate the presence of informal office spaces or remote work trends that challenge conventional zoning assumptions. By using smart meter data to validate and adjust planning regulations, cities can enhance the efficiency of land use, reduce urban sprawl, and support more sustainable forms of development. This paper explores the potential of smart meter data for spatial planning, identifying its strengths, limitations, and future research needs. Using open data from the Swiss Lucerne region as a case study, the paper investigates how temporal spatial structures can be derived from electricity consumption data. The objective is not merely to analyze a specific case but to examine the broader applicability of such data in addressing spatial planning challenges. Furthermore, this research contributes to the debate on how digitalization and real-time data streams can enhance planning effectiveness, ensuring that cities remain adaptable and resilient in the face of growing urbanization and climate challenges

Exploring Residents’ Attitudes Towards Participation in Urban Renewal: A Case Study in the Xiaopenghu Area in Chiayi, Taiwan

Urban renewal not only transforms the spatial structure of a city but also impacts its social, cultural, and economic structures. Many factors shape residents' attitudes toward urban renewal, influencing their acceptance and willingness to participate throughout the long process. This paper aims to investigate the followings: 1) whether and how residents' attitudes toward urban renewal change over time, 2) the differences in residents’ awareness of urban renewal, and 3) the key factor that influences residents‘ attitude toward urban renewal. This examination is based on interview data regarding residents' reactions to urban renewal in the Xiaopenghu Area in Chiayi, Taiwan, where renewal has been under discussion for a long time. Several things are concluded below. First, residents’ attitudes evolve over time, at first, they may support urban renewal, but as they gain more information, they often become more doubtful, further influencing their willingness to participate in the urban renewal. Second, residents’ awareness of urban renewal varies depending on property ownership. Landowners knew more details about two plans, while non-landowners often only have limited knowledge, mainly about resettlement measures in the second plan. Third, attitudes toward urban renewal are primarily influenced by resettlement measures. Fourth, expressed support in surveys does not always reflect residents‘ true attitudes. This paper highlights the need for planners to focus more on residents’ actual needs, particularly securing adequate housing. It is also crucial to ensure transparency of urban renewal information, allowing all residents to access information equally and participate in the decision making process. Furthermore, more comprehensive methods should be adopted to better capture the complexity of residents’ attitudes and improve policy effectiveness

Retrofitting the Future: Sustainable Development Through Inclusive Community Initiatives in East Germany’s Mitteldeutsches Revier Region

This paper examines community-led innovation efforts in the Mitteldeutsches Revier, East Germany’s coal-producing region undergoing a seismic transition. These initiatives are reshaping the local innovation system, in performing some of the functions of the traditional pillars of industry, government, and academia amid limited resources. The case studies we look at here rely on trial-and-error methods and local knowledge to act as transfer intermediaries between their communities and external actors. They retrofit old factories, repurpose historical landmarks, and redistribute funds from the coal industry to participatory planning, environmental rehabilitation, and other forward-looking projects. Multifaceted, inclusive collaborations involving different demographic groups, craftspeople, and scientists focus on talent retention, digitalization, and sustainability, addressing broader challenges linked to economic transition. But despite their creativity and resilience, these initiatives encounter persistent barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, unstable funding, participant disengagement or distrust, and overburdened leaders who struggle to meet their goals within institutional frameworks. Through interviews with leaders of selected initiatives, this study explores their obstacles, motivations, existing resources, and learning processes. It focuses on how they transform knowledge into actionable strategies and develop the capability to innovate despite persistent local deficiencies and bureaucracy. Beyond technical expertise, these organizations rely heavily on collaborative decision-making and social connectedness, which propel inclusivity and a shared sense of purpose. These elements, we argue, are essential for achieving sustainable local development in resource-constrained areas. Our analysis points especially to the importance of socialization, as we found the nurturing of strong networks, trust, and a collaborative spirit across stakeholder groups to be a core capability to absorb, apply, and transfer knowledge within a local innovation system

TwinCity3D – Neue Möglichkeiten zur Planung der Stadtentwicklung für Klein- und Mittelstädte

Um die Herausforderungen in den Bereichen Mobilität, Stadtentwicklung, Umweltüberwachung und Klimawandel zu bewältigen, brauchen Städte und Gemeinden eine Vielzahl an räumlichen (Geo-) Informationen. Dafür müssen Daten gesammelt, bearbeitet und ausgewertet werden, damit Planer daraus Maßnahmen ableiten und politische Entscheidungen besser und transparenter getroffen werden können. Oft wird in diesem Zusammenhang der Wunsch nach einem sogenannten Urbanen Digitalen Zwilling (UDZ) laut – also einem digitalen Abbild der Stadt. Allerdings stoßen vor allem kleine und mittlere Städte schnell an ihre Grenzen, wenn es darum geht, ein solches digitales Modell ihres Gebiets zu erstellen.Am Beispiel Landsberg am Lech wurde im Rahmen des mFUND-Forschungsprojektes “TwinCity3D” ein “Digitaler Zwilling” für Stadtplanungsaufgaben wie obenerarbeitet. Mit Hilfe einer neuen Technologie zur kostengünstige Geodatenerfassung aus der Luft wurden eine Vielzahl an raum-zeitlichen Geoinformationen erfasst und mittels KI-Verfahren ausgewertet. Zur Datenanalyse werden KI-basierte Algorithmen entwickelt, um das Potenzial dieser “bigdata”-Datenquellen vollumfänglich nutzen zu können. Mutitemporale und multispektrale Luftbildbilddaten bieten ein Informationspotenzial, das bisher Klein- und Mittelstädten nicht zur Verfügung stand. Planerische Fragestellungen wie „Wie viel Fläche nimmt der oberirdisch ruhende Verkehr ein?“, „Wo befinden sich Hitzeinseln innerhalb des Stadtgebietes?“ bis hin zu „Wie hoch ist das Grünvolumen im Stadtgebiet und wie verändert sich dieses?“ lassen sich zukünftig durch den Einsatz der entwickelten Analysemethoden flächendeckend auswerten. Am Beispiel der Förderung umweltfreundlicher Mobilität wird das Potenzial dieser neuen Technologien in diesem Beitrag präsentiert.Im Zuge einer nachhaltigen Stadtentwicklung stellt der Ausbau von Fahrradwegen eine zentrale Maßnahme zur Förderung umweltfreundlicher Mobilität dar. Dieser Ausbau führt jedoch zu Nutzungskonflikten im städtischen Raum: Einerseits könnten Parkplätze reduziert werden, andererseits droht der Verlust von Grünflächen wie Grünstreifen und Alleen. Angesichts der fortschreitenden Klimaerwärmung ist der Erhalt und Ausbau des Baumbestands jedoch essenziell, da Bäume zur Abkühlung des zunehmend überhitzten Straßenraums beitragen und das Mikroklima verbessern. Die Herausforderung besteht darin, eine Balance zwischen nachhaltiger Mobilität und urbaner Klimaanpassung zu finden. Innovative, integrative Planungskonzepte sind gefragt, die sowohl den Radverkehr fördern als auch den Erhalt von Stadtgrün sicherstellen.Eine 3D-Visualisierung der Analysen im digitalen Zwilling verbessert die Kommunikation zwischen Verwaltung und Mitgliedern des Stadtrates, erhöhtin der Folge die Transparenz im Rahmen der Vorbereitung von politischen Entscheidungen, so dass letztendlich die gesamte Stadtbevölkerung profitieren kann

Das Schutzgut Fläche der Umweltprüfung – Beitrag zur Reduzierung des quantitativen „Flächenverbrauchs“ und zur Stärkung eines qualitativen Freiraumschutzes

Schutz und Entwicklung unbesiedelter/unbebauter Freiräume innerhalb und außerhalb von Siedlungsbereichen werden als fundamentale Handlungsfelder des natürlichen Klimaschutzes und der Anpassung an den Klimawandel betrachtet. Zugleich gilt der Freiraum als multifunktionaler Träger von Biodiversität und Ökosystemleistungen. In der Raumplanung werden mit Unterstützung des Instruments der Umweltprüfung bereits bisher für Klima und Umwelt wertvolle Freiräume gesichert sowie raumbeanspruchende Vorhaben auf ihre Klima- und Umweltverträglichkeit geprüft und optimiert. Mit der UVP-Änderungsrichtlinie der EU von 2014 wurde das „Schutzgut Fläche” in den Schutzgüterkatalog der Umweltprüfung zusätzlich aufgenommen. Damit sollen weitergehende Fortschritte bei der Reduzierung des sog. „Flächenverbrauchs“ für Siedlung und Infrastruktur erreicht und entsprechende Freiraumverluste begrenzt werden. In diesem Kontext geht der Beitrag der Frage nach, inwiefern das Schutzgut Fläche als Impuls und Unterstützung für die Eindämmung des Flächenverbrauchs und zugleich für einen multifunktional begründeten Freiraumschutz genutzt werden kann. Eine Analyse der aktuellen Praxis der Umweltprüfung zeigt im Hinblick auf die Bearbeitung des Schutzgutes Fläche im Ganzen erhebliche Defizite, in einzelnen Fällen aber auch innovative, über das Thema des quantitativen Flächenverbrauchs hinausgehende Ansätze eines qualitativen Freiraumschutzes auf. Bisher werden die Auswirkungen auf das Umweltschutzgut Fläche aufgrund fachlicher Unsicherheiten wie auch fehlender Bewertungsmaßstäbe nur selten einer fundierten Bewertung unterzogen. Verbindliche Flächenkontingente und Dichtewerte einerseits sowie planerische Festlegungen zu einer stärker multifunktional begründeten Freiraumsicherung und -entwicklung andererseits werden deshalb als Umweltziele für die Umweltprüfung mehr als bisher benötigt

Digital Approaches to Dealing with Ageing-Related Challenges at Different Levels in Japan

The “World Social Report 2023: Leaving no one behind in an ageing world” by the United Nations describes the ageing of the world's population as an irreversible global trend. This trend is particularly significant in Japan. Here, the ageing processes have progressed much further than in other countries, also driven by two age cohorts with particularly high birth rates, known as the baby boom, followed by decades of a baby bust (Nennstiel 2011; Reher 2015). This has fundamental social and spatial implications (Pauly and Pallagst forthcoming). Digitalization processes are being strongly promoted in Japan. As part of the Japanese government's Society 5.0 program, all areas of life are to be digitalized as an approach to overcome social challenges. Cyberspace and physical space are to be merged (Hitachi-UTokyo Laboratory 2018; Pallagst et al. 2024). This raises the question of how the Japanese approach to digitalization actually addresses the social and spatial challenges posed by ageing processes. At national level, the PLATEAU project must be mentioned in this context, in which the Japanese government is developing a national digital twin in which around 500 cities are being modeled (Seto et al. 2023, MLIT n.d.) as well as a national big data analysis tool for strategic benchmarking purposes (Matsuura 2020). On the local and regional level, on the other hand, there is a focus on the development of platforms that create a digital space designed to overcome barriers caused by physical limitations and social isolation. Metaverse environments of communities with use cases like avatar cafés, for example, are emerging. (Pauly and Pallagst forthcoming). The mentioned digital approaches at different levels in Japan are discussed in this contribution and linked to ageing-related challenges that were derived as part of the research project “Ageing Smart – Designing Spaces Intelligently”. Interviews with experts and stakeholders on site in Japan in 2024 provided important insights in this regard

Urbanisation and Mixed-Income Residential Development in South African Townships: A Case Study of Olievenhoutbosch

The legacy of the poor apartheid planning system still prevails in South African cities, with people of colour mostly being placed on the outskirts of the cities in townships where there is a lack of economic opportunities. Despite the policies that have been implemented in post-Apartheid South Africa to address inequalities and social, environmental, political, and economic challenges, there is still much that needs to be done to achieve a South Africa that is inclusive. Currently, citizens can democratically choose to reside wherever they want, but the ability to afford always determines where one will reside. To promote inclusivity, mixed-income residential development approaches have been applied both locally and internationally to ensure that access to resources and services is shared equally among people of different economic classes. This paper examined the impact of rapid and high levels of urbanisation on mixed-income residential development in South African townships, focusing on the township of Olievenhoutbosch. It also investigated how urbanisation rates have impacted access to and availability of mixed housing. The paper reviewed literature on the impact of urbanisation on the development of mixed communities in the context of South African townships. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with twenty-six residents of Olievenhoutbosch township in Johannesburg. The results highlight inadequate housing units to accommodate everyone thus leading to the invasion of new government-assisted housing projects before their completion and the illegal occupation of land that is not suitable for residential developments mainly attributed to high rates of urbanisation. Thus, to address the housing shortages, homeowners have resulted in building structurally inadequate backyard rooms for rentals to increase accessibility and availability, This study recommends that policymakers and urban planners prioritise the implementation of sustainable mixed-income residential developmental strategies. This will help to address the housing backlog, promote inclusivity, and integrate economically disadvantaged communities into urban centres while ensuring proper planning and infrastructure development

Cities for All: Urban Equity and Cultural Inclusivity in Cosmopolitan Cities: A Case Study of Wadi Hanifa, Riyadh

The concept of “Cities for All” has become a necessity for addressing the challenges of urbanization, multiculturalism, and social equity in the 21st century. As cities are rapidly evolving anddeveloping increasingly diverse multicultural layers, it became crucial to foster inclusive environments that promote equity, equality, and justice. Yet, challenges persist in developing truly inclusive urban spaces, thisacquires a deep understanding of the interlocking complex relationship between social community needs and urban design parameters.This research explores the dynamics of the multicultural societies in urban spaces.It highlights the challenges faced in accessing equitable public spaces. It examines the role of urban design in fostering social cohesion and reducing spatial inequalities. The research aims to studythe capacity of the outdoor public spaces to accommodate people needs with cultural diversity, including individuals of different nationalities, genders, age groups, and cultural backgrounds, enabling them to practice their activities and express themselves in public without conflict, while fostering mutual acceptance.The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysisof spatial data with user experiences and perceptions. The study incorporates observational research, annotated mapping techniques, photographing, and looking for traces to provide a comprehensive understanding of space utilization and cultural dynamics. The research conducts systematic observations of public behavior and space usage patterns across different times of the day. This method supported the documentation of how various cultural groups interact with the urban public space, providing insights into the effectiveness of designelements in promoting inclusivity and equity in multicultural settings.The study utilizes annotated maps to visually represent spatial data, and uses qualitative observations topresent the distribution of amenities and facilities across the urban public space to identify the patterns of use by different cultural groups. Theoverlapping between the observational data with the annotated maps creates a powerful tool for analyzing the relationship between urban design of public spaces and social equity in multicultural environments. The study proposes a robust framework for assessing and improving urban equity in diverse public spaces.The research applies its methodology to analyze a case study within the context of Riyadh city (an evolving cosmopolitan city as the capital of Saudi Arabia) with a specific focus on Wadi Hanifa as a study area. This case study concentrates on understanding the concept of urban equity in designing public spaces to promotesocial cohesion, especially in multiculture communities.The research explores the impact of Wadi Hanifa redevelopment project in promoting spatial justice and equity in public spaces, taking into account the varied requirements of the multicultural community in Riyadh. It examines the project's strategy for establishing welcoming public areas that honor local cultural practices while encouraging intercultural harmony, which provide fair access to parks and recreational areas for all groups.The case study analysis of Wadi Hanifa, demonstrates that its strategyaligns with the macro-movement towards creating “Cities for All”. It emphasizes how important it is to accommodate a comprehensive approach that considers culturally-sensitive design. The public spaces of Wadi Hanifa has a flexible design qualities that serve the whole community. The research shows that the Wadi Hanifa project successfully integrates principles of equity and urban justice, resulting in increased public use and improved quality of life for diverse multi-cultural groups. The study concludes its findings by highlighting the importance of such successful projects in promoting social cohesion in cosmopolitan cities that embrace diversity as well as harmony. This approach is aligned with the kingdom 2030’s vision for Sustainable Development, to create safe, inclusive, and resilient communities