Nominated for the polis Award 2024!
Good urban development is the result of dialogue. We have been nominated for the polis Award in the "Communicative Urban Design" category for the participatory process we are implementing in the development of the Singer Quarter in Würselen. The award will be presented on April 24.
"Especially in complex neighborhood developments, we engage in dialogue at an early stage and use our participation toolbox with a wide variety of communication methods that we have developed for ourselves," says Dr. Friederike Fugmann, project manager at Landmarken. "In Würselen, this process consists of several building blocks of a long-term communication strategy and goes far beyond what is formally required. We are delighted that this has been recognized and acknowledged by the jury of the polis Award!"
The neighborhood was first involved in a survey conducted by postcard, before our mobile participation platform wan·del·bar was used several times on the property in a target group-specific manner. In this way, and as part of the dialogue-based workshop process with four participating planning teams, we worked with the ISR office to specifically involve local businesses and gather the wishes and opinions of the younger generations through a children's and youth participation program.
"Previous planning attempts by other developers failed due to various obstacles. Yet new living space is urgently needed in Würselen," says Dr. Sebastiaan Gerards, Head of Neighborhood Development at Landmarken. "To make this possible, we have set up a transparent participation process that will ultimately result in a feasible design."
Together with the city of Würselen, this approach will also be continued in the development plan process. Additional participation formats are planned for the further course of the process, including an online dialogue as a low-threshold option. The joint project between Landmarken and Stadtmarken will create a neighborhood on the approximately 29,000 m² site that will accommodate residential, commercial, and childcare facilities.
The "Communicative Urban Design" category recognizes those who succeed in convincingly involving people in urban development processes, encouraging them to participate in the design process, and overcoming obstacles in planning practice through dialogue on an equal footing.
