Citizenlab
The Citizenlab project is a collaborative effort between public institutions and citizens. The project was developed with the aim of promoting citizen engagement in discussions about urban planning and civic participation. The project achieves this through a combination of interactive workshops and physical installations that encourage participation and dialogue.
The adoption of New Public Management in Sweden has shifted the relationship between the state and its citizens towards a customer relationship model. This trend has resulted in citizens being viewed as customers of services provided by the state, rather than co-creators of their citizenship, with significant implications for citizenship and accountability. This shift towards individualistic preoccupations has led to a lack of collective responsibility necessary for sustainability, and declining civic engagement. The consequences of this change in the relationship between the state and its citizens can undermine citizens’ trust in their government, leading to disengagement from public services.
It was decided to create a workshop that aimed to empower citizens to participate in the democratic process. The idea was to create a space that would encourage reflection and interaction among citizens, making them aware of their social role and responsibility. The focus was not just on creating tools or props, but on designing an inviting atmosphere that would foster a sense of community and engagement among participants.
During the Citizenlab workshop, participants engage in a series of interactive activities that encourage them to share their ideas and opinions on a range of urban planning and civic participation issues. These activities are facilitated through a physical stand that houses several interactive installations, such as a city map where participants can mark their favorite places and a survey to collect data on participants’ opinions.
The Citizenlab project’s collaboration with public institutions has ensured that it provides a platform for citizens to have a voice in urban planning. The project creates an accessible and engaging environment that appeals to a broad range of people, from children to adults, regardless of their background in urban planning or civic participation. This collaboration has also made it possible for the project to be implemented by local governments to engage citizens in discussions about urban planning and civic participation. The project could also be used by community organizations to promote dialogue and encourage participation on a range of issues. Additionally, Citizenlab can be used in educational settings to teach students about the importance of civic engagement and the role of citizens in shaping the future of their cities.
If you would like to delve deeper into the details and findings of my thesis work, I invite you to explore my comprehensive thesis document. It provides a more in-depth examination of the project, including the research process, methodology, and analysis. To access my thesis, please follow the link bellow.
