This pilot action is using a participatory approach to support spatial transformation in the Ostrava Metropolitan Area and Stuttgart Region. It consists of two phases, each addressing pressing needs within the respective territories. This initiative tested the adaptability of the Prototyping Academies tool developed by the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia (GZM) in Poland.
Participatory approach in the Ostrava Metropolitan Area
The pilot action in the Ostrava Metropolitan Area focused on analyzing structural and material issues in Dubina, with the goal of revitalizing the neighbourhood and finding effective solutions. Dubina, one of Ostrava’s largest housing estates, faces several challenges, including a lack of a community spirit due to anonymity, the trade of low-cost apartments rented to socially disadvantaged people or neglected corners of urban infrastructure. Some citizens even refer about drug use and the feeling of insecurity in public spaces. Using a participatory approach, the initiative involved various stakeholders to discuss key challenges, assess data, and develop potential solutions.
The core of the pilot action was a socio-demographic study, combining quantitative research with qualitative evaluation, such as interviews with local stakeholders, a survey among residents, on-site observations, and expert consultations. One of the working group meetings included a guided tour around Dubina with an architect, followed by a discussion on potential actions.
The pilot action proved to be innovative because of its broad scale of prototyping in such a large housing estate and the formalized involvement of partner cities from the Ostrava Metropolitan Area. This added a metropolitan dimension to the participatory method, going beyond local-level activities. The pilot action results included:
- A collection of qualitative and quantitative data on Dubina’s social and spatial challenges. These data provide a solid fundament for small-scale projects, strategic proposals and investment incentives in the upcoming years.
- Initiation of an Action Plan for Dubina, set to be implemented in 2025.
- Formation of a community of local and metropolitan stakeholders.
- Creation of transferable know-how for housing estates in other cities of the area.
Future activities include the creation of a Community and Culture Centre in 2025 to provide safe space for community building with services detected as currently missing, as well as drafting a Development Plan for Dubina in 2026.
Participatory approach in the Stuttgart Region
Stuttgart Region is undergoing economic transformation and grappling with challenges in developing new land for commercial use – mainly due to its dense population. The pilot action in this area focused on a concept to implement the Prototyping Academies model in an existing industrial zone, testing a hypothetical participatory process for transforming a business park into a resilient and sustainable site.
The preparation phase involves defining the scope of action, identifying local authorities to be engaged, and planning the Prototyping Academies process. The project area is selected through a call for tender, followed by direct contact with local authorities and the jury setup. Thr project-specific preparation includes engaging key stakeholders, adapting the procedure, assigning external moderation, defining stakeholders, inviting participants, conducting site visits, and preparing a series of workshops.
The project’s kick-off phase features a meeting to introduce the project goals and the Prototyping Academies process. During the problem definition phase, the local situation is analyzed, external experts are brought in, and project goals are refined. Measures are then developed and defined for implementation. The implementation phase involves establishing a timeline and financing scheme, as well as executing prototyping measures. The process concludes with an evaluation phase, stakeholder recommendations, a final decision, and a public event. Eventually, the pilot generates guidelines for transferring measures to other industrial areas.
The Prototyping Academies tool has not yet been tested in Germany. The innovation of this pilot action lies in applying this tool to industrial areas, where standardized participatory methods currently do not exist. After demonstrating its effectiveness at a single industrial site, this approach could be adapted to address broader metropolitan challenges, such as mobility, housing, and regional development. Key outcomes of the pilot action include:
- Development of action steps for applying the Prototyping Academies tool to industrial transformation, in particular the series of workshops.
- Identification of relevant stakeholders and establishing a timeline for the process.
- Analysis of the participatory approach’s advantages and challenges, emphasizing the need for a stringent moderation / process design.
The next phase will involve implementing the concept on-site in the first half of 2025, with results determining the broader applicability of the tool in regional planning.
Joint development and cooperation
The Metropolis GZM provided expertise and guidance throughout the pilot action for both metropolitan areas. A study visit to Katowice in May 2024, featuring expert presentations and a site tour showcasing the real outcomes of the Prototyping Academies, laid a strong foundation for the development of the pilot action.
Conclusion
The pilot action demonstrated that the Prototyping Academies tool is adaptable to a range of metropolitan challenges. In Ostrava, it contributed to the revitalization of a housing estate, while in Stuttgart, it supported the transformation of an industrial site. The participatory methodology allowed both metropolitan areas to effectively involve local communities and collaboratively develop solutions. This tool can be considered transferable and serves as a valuable example for other metropolitan areas seeking to address urban challenges through participatory approaches. More information about the pilot action can be found here.