As part of my Master's thesis at HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd—developed in collaboration with Lukas Brendle—we created Parcitypate: a participatory framework that empowers citizens to contribute meaningfully to climate adaptation planning. By combining structured offline methods with a digital platform, the project bridges the gap between expert planning and local knowledge.
Client
Master Thesis
Deliverables
Strategy Framework, Design Concept
Duration
7 months (2023)
Role
Strategic Designer
The Challange
Traditional urban development processes often rely solely on expert knowledge, overlooking the insights of those directly affected—citizens. Yet participation is frequently fragmented or symbolic. Our goal was to create a tool that enables inclusive, impactful, and transparent participation in shaping resilient urban spaces.
The Framework
We developed three participatory methods—each suited to different types of citizen engagement:
Making: Map-based interaction using climate action cards
Telling: Structured dialogue and feedback collection
Enacting: Persona-driven reflection on demographic needs
Tested independently or in sequence, these methods offer cities a flexible structure to gather local knowledge at scale.
Digital Platform
To extend participation beyond the physical space, we designed a complementary digital platform that:
Tracks public input over time
Visualizes long-term climate adaptation strategies
Promotes transparency and follow-up engagement
This hybrid system ensures continuity and gives citizens visible feedback on how their contributions influence city planning.
Impact
Parcitypate proves that with the right tools, structured participation can be accessible, meaningful, and transferable. It offers a replicable model for cities aiming to engage communities in climate resilience—blending strategic design, inclusive methods, and digital infrastructure.