Participativedesign Planning PDF

PARTICIPATIVE DESIGN & PLANNING
IN CONTEMPORARY URBAN PROJECTS

Christina Rasmussen
Urban Planning & Management, Aalborg University | June 2012

PARTICIPATIVE DESIGN & PLANNING
IN CONTEMPORARY URBAN PROJECTS
Christina Rasmussen
Urban Planning & Management, Aalborg University | June 2012

TITLE:PARTICIPATIVEDESIGN&PLANNINGINCONTEMPORARYURBANPROJECTS
SYNOPSIS
Diplomathesis Complexity and multiplicity are influencing the social and environ
mentalcontextofcontemporaryurbanplanning,herebychallenging
Author:ChristinaRasmussen
thepracticesofurbandesignandplanning.Butwithinthecomplex
and relational urban context new possibilities of approaches and
toolscanbeappliedinplanningcultures.
Taking a departure in the authors own background, the research

Supervisor:HelenCarter
sets out to investigate the values in contemporary urban design
basedandprocessorientedtheories,whichaddressthisincreasing
complexityofurbanareasandsocieties,thenlookshowthoseval
ueswouldinterrelateinthepracticeofurbandesignandplanning
projects.Thisaimstobothbridgeaperceiveddesignplanninggap,
andexplorethepotentialsofthetwofieldsinterrelations.Theanal
ysisthenproposestostudythecaseofDreamhamar,aparticipative
and network design process, occurring in Norway. It offers a con
creteexamplebothofthecurrentcomplexityofplanningprocesses
andoftheinterrelationofdesignandplanninginpractice.Thecase
Amountofpages:103 studyisbasedoninterviewscarriedoutwith10actorsofthepro
cess. The findings show an extensive use of communication and
Amountofappendixes:1andaCD
participation tools and networks as to involve and integrate an in
creasing number of local and professional actors. This made the
simplificationofdesignandprocessinterrelationspointless.Finally
ProjectPeriod:Springsemester2012
Dreamhamar experience illustrates an evolution of collaborative
Ended:June14th2012 andparticipativeplanningpractices,tobebuiltoninthefuture.
PREFACE
This project has been conducted from February 2012 appearing in the introduction and conclusions of the
to June 2012, in pursuit of graduation in the master reportdonotcontainreferences,sincetheyarebased
programofUrbanPlanning&ManagementatAalborg in the my own earlier experiences or in the present
University.Ittakesapointofdepartureinthecollect research. Figures and tables appearing without refer
ed knowledge and experiences gathered throughout encesaremadebytheprojectsauthor.Oneappendix
themasterprogram,inordertopresentandreflecton (Appendix A) is appearing at the back of the report,
contemporarytendenciesinurbanplanning. while summaries from the conducted interviews can
befoundintheappendixes(AppendixesD1D8)onthe
I would like to thank Helen Carter for the con attachedCD.
structive discussions and supervision. Furthermore I
wouldliketothankthefollowingpeoplefortheircon
tribution to the project, throughout discussions and
Enjoyyourreading,
interviews: Architects and municipal planners Geir
CockandKariNilssenfromthePlanningdepartmentof ChristinaRasmussen
Hamar municipality; Architect Belinda Tato from Eco
sistema Urbano; Architects Ethel Baraona Pohl, Paco
GonzalezandNoaPeer;ProjectmanagersKnutSjvold
and Sverre Skram Vatne from STEMA Rdgivning AS;
CultureanimatorJoannaMikulskaandTeacherAudun
Jensen.Iamreallygratefulfortheirhelp,astheirper
spectives and inputs have been of great importance
fortherealisationofthisproject.
Quotes from the interviews conducted in Dan

ish/NorwegianandfromDanishandNorwegianlitera
ture have been translated freely by the author and
markedbya*.Additionallyreflectionsandfindings
4.3. THEORETICALINTERRELATIONSBETWEEN
TABLEOFCONTENTS APPROACHES 44
4.3.1. CORRESPONDING VALUES 44
4.3.2. INTERRELATIONS IN PARTICIPATIVE
PROCESSES 46
1 INTRODUCTION 5
5 THEDREAMHAMAREXPERIENCE,ACASEOF
PARTICIPATIVEDESIGNANDPROCESS 49
2 COMPLEXITYINCONTEMPORARYURBAN
PLANNING 11 5.1. CONTEXTANDDEVELOPMENTOF
DREAMHAMAR 49
3 METHODOLOGICALCONSIDERATIONS 15 5.2. DESIGNANDPLANNINGVALUESEXPRESSEDIN

DREAMHAMAR 56
3.1. SOCIALCONSTRUCTIVISMANDHERMENEUTICAL
5.2.1. REACTION TO CURRENT TENDENCIES IN
EXPLORATION 15 DESIGN AND PLANNING OF URBAN SPACE 57
5.2.2. SOCIAL DIMENSION IN DREAMHAMAR 58
3.2. METHODSFORDATACOLLECTION 19
5.2.3. APPROACHES AND METHODS 63
3.2.1. DOCUMENT ANALYSIS 20
3.2.2. EXPLORATIVE CASE STUDY 22 5.3. INTERRELATIONSANDINTERACTIONSTHROUGH
3.2.3. QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWS 23 PARTICIPATIVEPROCESS 68
5.3.1. DESIGN AND PROCESS INTERRELATIONS IN
DREAMHAMAR 69
4 CONCEPTUALANDTHEORETICALFRAMEWORK27 5.3.2. URBAN ACTORS INTERACTIONS AND
NETWORKS IN DREAMHAMAR 73
4.1. URBANDESIGNAPPROACHTOPLANNING 28
5.3.3. MULTIPLICITY OF PARTICIPATION ARENAS 77
4.1.1. URBAN ACUPUNCTURE 29
5.3.4. CHALLENGES IN THE PARTICIPATION PROCESS
4.1.2. TACTICAL URBANISM 31 AND NETWORK COLLABORATION 81
4.1.3. URBANISM WITHOUT EFFORT 33
4.1.4. EVOLUTIONARY AND EMERGENT URBANISMS 35
5.4. OUTCOMESANDBENEFITSOFTHE
DREAMHAMAREXPERIENCE 84
4.2. COLLABORATIVEPLANNINGAPPROACH 40 5.4.1. LESSONS FROM THE PARTICIPATIVE PROCESS 84
5.4.2. BENEFITS AND OUTCOMES FOR FINAL DESIGN
AND USE 87
6 REFLECTIONSANDCONTRIBUTIONS 91
6.1. INTERRELATIONOFVALUESANDPRACTICES 91
6.2. CONTRIBUTIONTOCONTEMPORARYURBAN
DESIGNANDPLANNING 97
7 CONCLUSION 101
8 BIBLIOGRAPHY
9 LISTOFAPPENDIXES

Participativedesign&planningincontemporaryurbanprojects

1 INTRODUCTION
Thefutureofdemocraticplanning,asproposedbyJebBrugmanninWelcometothe
UrbanRevolution,istoallowallpartiestobeinvolvedsothattheycodesign,cobuild
andcogoverntotheirsharedadvantage.Hecallsthisacitysystemwhereresidents,
communityleaders,investors,developersandprofessionalscocreatethecity.
(Johnson,2011)
Globalised professional networks, new technologies, cultures and urban governance forms can be interro
growing collaborative and communicative values, gated on their adequate incorporation of contempo
combinedwithagenuineclaimforinclusiveanddem raryurbancomplexityandmultiplicity.Ongoingeval
ocratic processes have conducted the field of urban uation and selfreflection is thus necessary as to as
designandplanningtobecomeacomplexwebofrela surethatourchoicesandpracticesasurbandesigners
tions. Complexity and multiplicity are influencing the and planners are fitting the developments of the ur
social and environmental context of urban planning. banreality.
Increasingnumberofprofessional, organisationaland
public actors engage in present urban projects, thus This research started out from my own perspec
providingdesignandplanningpracticeswithnewtools tive, as architect and future urban planner, of two
and approaches inspired from their expertise. The fields,respectivelyurbandesignandplanning,sharing
knowledge of urban areas and dynamics, the urban similar values in their objectives and practices, but
planning expertise, along with the responsibility and rarely addressed simultaneously. Two themes mainly
power in planning decisions is spreading among a spark my interest, with their potential in linking the
growing public, challenging hereby the role of the two disciplines: the focus on productive practices,
planner, his/her practices and responsibility towards suggesting that a little strategically applied effort can
the plurality of public interest. Moreover planning generate great effects in the urban context, and the
focusoncollaborativepractices,withagrowingtrend
Page5|103

Introduction
in urban planning literature of codesign, cobuild, the potentials of collaboration and interrelation be
cogovern or cocreate, such as illustrated by this tweenurbandesignandplanning.
quotefromtheAustralianDesignReview.Thefirstone
takes its basis in my own previous experiences, espe Two objectives can be formulated for the conse
ciallythe4monthstraineeshipatJaimeLernerAssoci quentresearch:examiningthevaluesandpracticesin
ated Architects. Jaime Lerner is probably the most urban design and planning which address complexity
prominentdefenderofurbanacupuncture,whichhe inplanning,andthenobservinghowthosevaluescan
developedthroughhisearlyyearsofpracticeinurban interrelate in a practical case of participative design
developmentprojectsinthecityofCuritiba,Brazil,and andplanning.Thosetwoobjectivesarerelatedtothe
whichhekeepsbuildingonthroughhismanyyearsof twoexplorationpropositionsthatframedmyattention
practice. The definition of urban acupuncture sug tothesubjectandstartedoutthepresentresearch:
geststhatpunctualurbaninterventionsmadeonstra
1. The existence of a theoretical and academic gap
tegic nodes within cities, can generate a spreading
betweenthedesignorientedandplanningoriented
positive outcome for the urban neighbourhood and
professions:
society.Thequestionabouthowthepointofacupunc
turewasselected,howthetacticalcharacterofitwas Generalconceptionofstrongdifferencesbetweenthe
measured,triggeredmyinterest.Thelatterfocusem valuesandnormsofurbandesignandplanningexist,
anates mainly from my academic background, where whichseemtobebasedonalackofinformationand
previous projects and lecture have introduced me to knowledgeabouttherespectivefields.Thegapmight
collaborative and communicative planning, and were thus exist rather within the theoretical and academic
followed up by entering online discussion groups and world. This leads to questions such as: for instance,
platforms, such as Collaborative Planning Practices what advantages can urban design theories bring to
and Research, Social Capital Forum and Practice in theoriesinurbanplanning,maytheybenewperspec
Participation. With those considerations, the report tivesormethods?Ifagapexistsbetweenpresentur
aimstoplaceitselfintheheatofcurrentdesignand ban design and planning theories, does it appear as
planning discussions, and address the growing com wellinpracticeofeachfield?Frommypointofview,
plexity of urban areas and societies, by highlighting thesocalledgaptendsthustorepresentamarginof
unknown or unexploited potentials for enhancing an
Page6|103

integrated and transdisciplinary approach to urban Researchquestion
planning,whichleadstothesecondproposition.
Thus the presented study propositions introduce the
2. The potentials of interrelating values and practices explorative approach in defining the scope of the re
inpresenturbandesignandplanning: search in parallel with the literature review and the
choiceofcasestudy.Theyrepresentthebackdropfor
It is assumed that the interrelation of the values ex theinvestigation,directingtheattentionandscopeof
tracted from theories, concepts and experiences in the study, and indicating its purpose (Yin, 2009, pp.
contemporaryurbandesignandplanning,wouldhave 2829).Fromthisbasis,theresearchquestionemerges
a positive outcome for the academics and practition asfollowing:
ersofbothfields.Thetypeofoutcomewasnotclear
yetthough,butitseemedthatcollaborativeandpar
ticipative processes could constitute an appropriate Howdovaluesofcontemporaryurbandesign
arena for investigating this. This orientates thus al based and processoriented theories address
ready the study, and the choice of theories, towards urban complexity, and interrelate with partici
lookingatplanningconceptsandprojectsthatempha pativeplanningpractices?
sisecollaborationandparticipation,andthatarecon
The Dreamhamar participation and network
cerned with social and deliberative dimensions in ur
design process will serve as exploratory case
ban planning. In general, the assumption is made as
study.
well that the mentioned interrelations of values and
practices challenge the definition of contemporary
urbanplanning,andpossiblyopenupforthoughtson Sometermsfromtheresearchquestionmightneeda
alternative urban governance forms. Though men briefclarificationabouttheirmeaninginthecontextof
tioned,thoseconsiderationsonurbangovernanceare the present report. The word values assumes a long
notdevelopedinthepresentreport. setofrelatedideasanddefinitions.Inthisreport,val
ue(s)isconstitutedbyexpressedmeaningsandideals,
outliningasetofeitherdescriptiveornormativecrite
riadefiningtheessenceofcities,thequalitiesofurban
spaces,ofurbanlifeandofprocessesofurbandesign
Page7|103

Introduction
and/or planning. Further specifications on the term thetermusedbytheinitiatorsofDreamhamartode

areprovidedlaterinthereport(seeChapter3.1.).Also fine the process; this choice of words will become
in the report, the contemporary urban designbased clearerthroughoutthecaseanalysis.
and processoriented theories represent theories and
concepts formulated by academics and practitioners The exploration propositions and research ques
reflectingoncurrenturbanchallenges,andhaveelab tionframethescopeoftheforthcominganalysis.The
orated values and approaches to address them. The structure of the present report is a linear translation
conceptual and theoretical framework that presents (seeFigure1.1)oftheotherwiseexplorativeresearch
them is constituted by a sample of them, since con approach, characterised by iterative sequences be
stantlynewinputsandreflectionsbuildontheexisting tweenownwonderings,theoriesandpracticalexperi
considerations. Then it is important to be aware that encesandcasestudy.Firstlyabriefreviewoftheori
otherurbandesigntheoriesexistwhichdonotneces ginsandimplicationsofcomplexityandmultiplicityin
sarilyaddressurbanplanning,ornotasexplicitly(e.g. contemporary urban planning will be presented. It
parametrical design and architecture, which could be appears that the concepts although having been re
appliedtourbandesignandplanning,butnoexamples flected on by different authors keep a degree of elu
of such have been encountered in the present re sivenesswhenitcomestothepracticalimplicationsof
search). Generally the words urban design and plan complexity, and addressing it in concrete urban pro
ningareusedlightlyinthereport,butrefersbackto jects.Followingthischapter,socialconstructivismwill
this formulation as it appear here in the research bepresentedastheepistemologicalstancesubscribed
questionunlesselseisspecified.Thenthetermspar in the report and the methodological approach of
ticipative planning practices refer explicitly to the hermeneuticswillbeoutlinedasbasisfortheinterpre
phase of public participation in urban projects. In the tation and extraction of values from the presented
report,participationwillbetheoreticallyconsideredin theories and case study. Then the development of a
relationtoacollaborativeplanningapproach.Itisthe conceptual and theoretical framework will present
arenachosentostudytheinterrelationsofvaluesand some urban designbased and processoriented theo
practices of urban design and planning, and thus as ries,astoextractthevaluesofurbandesignandplan
well the phase studied in the case of Dreamhamar. ning.Thetheoriesandconceptshavebeenselectedon
Finally Participation and network design process is thebasisoftheircorrespondencewiththeaspectsof
productivityandcollaborationindesignandplanning,
Page8|103

mentioned previously. Furthermore most emerged ing in this particular experience, and then investigate
fromonlinediscussionandnetworkplatforms,orhave their interrelations and outcomes. This will illustrate
beenpresentedasinfluencingcontemporaryplanning the application and interrelation of design and plan
practices; thus their selection contains a criterion of ning values in practice, while also giving the example
immediacyandrelevancetocurrentlyongoingreflec ofhowcomplexityandmultiplicitycanappearinreal
tions. The next chapter exposes the case study of life projects and how various urban actors address
Dreamhamar,aparticipativeandnetworkdesignpro themwiththeirrespectivebackgroundsandexpertise.
cesscarriedoutinHamar,Norway,whereaninterna The last chapter summarises and relates the findings
tionalteamofarchitectshavebeencontractedtoim ofthetheoreticalreviewandthecasestudyanalysisas
plement a collective design and planning process. to propose some reflections and considerations on
Throughtheperspectivesandexperiencesof10inter contemporary urban planning and outline the contri
viewed actors from the project, the case study will butionsofthereport.
outlinedesignandplanningvaluesandfocusesemerg
Page9|103

Introduction

Figure1.1:Linearstructureofthereport

Page10|103

2 COMPLEXITY IN CONTEMPORARY WarrenWeaverandtheurbansociologistJaneJacobs

bothalreadywerereflectingonthedichotomyofsim
URBANPLANNING
plicityandcomplexityintheirrespectivefieldsofstudy
In this chapter, the generally increasing complexity (Jacobs, 1993, pp. 558585). Then reactions can be
encountered in planning is presented as one of the identified, for instance in urban planning, in the at
main points that have triggered the interest into the tempt to answer to simplifications of modernistic
currentlyemergingtheoriesinurbandesignandplan planning approaches, criticised for being homogenis
ning, as well as a curiosity for the forthcoming case. ing, functionalistic and not responsive to differences
Complexity and multiplicity in cities and urban plan (e.g. social, cultural and racial). Todays cities are ra
ningappearinthemanyscalesandlevelsofplanning, ther depicted as fluid, dynamic, heterogeneous,
and in the increasing number and diversity of actors hybrid, turning the focus onto dynamic relations,
engaginginplanningprocesses.Complexityandmulti processesandflows(e.g.migrations,mobility,physical
plicityaretermsthathavebeenappliedtocharacter andvirtualrelations),alsodesignatedasthedynamic,
isethepresentworldandsociety(Hillier,2008,p.38). relational view of urban life (Healey, 2000, p. 526)
These terms emerge for different reasons: mainly as (Bridge&Watson,2000,pp.505508).
reaction or evolution within certain domains, which
seemtogobacktotheoriginsofpostmodernism.The Those perceptions of the urban reality can find
past decades evolution in the perception and repre their origin, for example, in the work of philosophers
sentation of our physical and social environment has and sociologists Henri Lefebvre and Jane Jacobs. The
ledtotheoriseaboutreallifecomplexity;thisresults first describes the complexification of society leading
in the emergence and evolution of theories, such as to the complexification of space, time and activities,
complexity theory, chaos theory, system theory within the process of urbanisation. The scales of the
and actornetwork theoryamong others. Reflections urban phenomenon challenges our understanding
and innovations can be seen simultaneously across and practices (Lefebvre, 2003, pp. 4546;165169).
fields such as urban planning, information and com Then Jane Jacobs, as indicated before, has theorised
munication technology, computer science and math on cities as being problems of organised complexity
ematics (Hillier, 2007, pp. 4751) (Urry, 2003, pp. 8 (Jacobs,1993,pp.558585).Thecomplexcharacterof
15). For example, in the 1960s, the mathematician cities finds its basis in the many interacting elements
andactors,shapingaglobalsetofdynamicsnetworks,
Page11|103

Complexityincontemporaryurbanplanning
which planning theorists and practitioners struggle to age.Inthistask,innovativeandalternativeapproach

grasp;PatsyHealeyspeaksofthedynamicdiversityof esareconsideredasawaytoadaptandadjustcurrent
the complex colocation of multiple webs of relations planningandgovernancetothedescribedurbancom
which transect and intersect across an urban area plexity(Hillier,2007,p.36).Thiscomplexityresultsina
(Healey, 2007, p. 3) (Bridge & Watson, 2000, p. 507). multiplicityofstrandsandstakestointegrateinplan
Shearguesforrecognisingtheconnectivitywithinur ning;thediversityofinterestsgrowshereby,continu
banareasandtheinterplayofmultipleurbandynam ouslychallengingthedemocraticandinclusivenature
ics(e.g.economic,environmental,sociocultural,polit ofprocesses.Indeedthepublicinterestandcommon
ical and administrative). Furthermore she sustains a good that planners aim to address in their work be
newplanningimaginationfocusedonalesstechnical comeincreasinglydifficulttodefine,sinceplannersare
and rational approach to placemaking, based on the moreandmoreplanningformultipleinterests.More
conceptionthatqualitiesofplacesliebothinthesocial overtheindicatedviewsoncontemporaryurbanplan
resources developing collectively the place quality ning suggest as well that knowledge about urban
and place identity, and in the spatial or physical di space,formsandprocessescancomefromothernon
mension of places (Bridge & Watson, 2000, p. 507) professional contributors and thus challenges urban
(Healey,2000,pp.525527).Variousdisciplinesengag planners in the definition of their role (Healey, 2000,
ingwithurbanissues(e.g.urbaneconomies,societies, pp.527528).
environments and governance) provide the resources
to address such new conceptions of urban dynamics Jean Hillier proposes a response to urban com
and place qualities and the consequent urban pro plexity and multiplicity through her multiplanar plan
cesses (Healey, 2000, p. 526). This illustrates thus a ningtheory.Shebasesherpointontheideathatmul
tendency in urban planning of opening up towards tiplicity, connectivity and flexibility can open up for
other fields and disciplines, searching for inspiration potentialsofanewperceptionofspaceandpractices
and resources as to tackle the growing complexity of of planning and governance (Hillier, 2007, pp. 275
urbanreality.Itsuggestsaswellanincreasingfocuson 276).Sheconsidersplanningandplannersasexperi
communitiesandnetworks,maytheybelocalorglob ments or speculations entangled ina series of contin
al, professional or public, as to gather sufficient gent, networked relationships in circumstances which
knowledgearoundtheurbanspacestoplanandman are both rigid (e.g. legally constrained) and flexible,
where outcomes are volatile, where problems are not
Page12|103

solved once and for all but which, over the lifetime heterogeneoussocietyitisplanningfor(e.g.themul
of a strategic plan, are constantly recast by changing tiplex city of Healey1). The other level of local scale
actors,situationsandpreferences,tobereformulated interventions,acknowledgesthecombinationofsocial
in new perspectives (Hillier, 2008, p. 26). She claims resources and spatial manifestations of places, as be
thatalthoughthecontemporaryworldandsocietyare ingthethekeysitesofpublicinteraction,thesymbolic
complex and uncertain, and present many fluid and reference points, the design of both neighbourhoods
contingent situations, planning decisions have to be andnodalareaintheurbanfabric(Healey,2000,pp.
taken and projects implemented, even though conse 526527).Theseperspectivesoncomplexityandmul
quences and outcomes can be difficult to define. tiplicity within urban areas and societies call for chal
Therefore she argues for a more experimental and lenging some fixed traditional governance forms and
sequential approach to planning, where decision institutions, which Healey describes as embedded in
making,policiesandplanshaveenoughflexibilityasto narrow and inflexible approaches (Healey, 2000, p.
allowtoadjusttocritiqueandcorrecterrors:planning 527). Of course in such dynamic and relational urban
becomes thus a speculative and creative, yet struc context, planning outcomes can appear uncertain,
tured,experimentationinthespatial(Hillier,2008,p. whichisproblematicforapracticethatgenerallyplans
41).Henceplanningopensupfordealingwithpossibil for a certain future outcome (usually in relation with
ities through fragmented decision processes, possibly politicalstrategies)(Hillier,2007,pp.4142).However,
more sensitive to inclusive and democratic values in according to the presented ideas, a general engage
planning, than some traditional, technocratic and ra mentwouldbeneededastomovethelegacyandcon
tionalpracticesofurbanproblemsolving(Hillier,2008, structive approach from disparate projects to the
pp. 3841). It seems thus important to dig into this comprehensiveplanningculture.
multiplicity of actors, knowledge, practices, tools and
elementswhichconstitutetherealityofcontemporary
cities. Based on the aforementioned, it seems appro
priatetoaddressurbancomplexityandmultiplicityat
twolevels.Onegloballevelacknowledgesthecomplex
1
The multiplex city is, according to Healey, a much more ade
relations at stake in urban planning, as a field influ quatewaytoconceiveurbandynamics,planningandgovernance
enced by multiple perspectives, hereby reflecting the today,ascitiesarenowratherfragmentswithinaglobaljigsaw,
thanselfcontainedorganisms(Healey,2000,pp.517527)
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Complexityincontemporaryurbanplanning
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3 METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERA spectives,recognisingthesociallyconstructedcharac

ter of knowledge about reality and criticising rational
TIONS
andtechnocraticstancesdrasticallybasingresearchon
Before continuing the reader should informed of the quantitativemethods.Socialconstructivismreliesthus
approach subscribed in this research in order to an primarily on qualitative and interpretative approach,
swertheresearchquestionpresentedintheintroduc recognising the significant importance of language,
tion.Fromthestartonwardthereportpursuesanex meanings and experiences in framing the complex,
plorative approach to the topic. The academic back multiple and relational facets of reality (Alvesson &
ground and previous experiences of the author have Skldberg, 2009, pp. 1525) (Hansen & Simonsen,
led to the perception of a gap in the understanding 2004,pp.134141).Constructivismcanpresentdiffer
and knowledge between the two fields of urban de ent approaches to knowledge and reality; this report
sign and planning, and awoken an interest in linking adherestoamoderatekindofconstructivism,which
them through the investigation of theories and con acknowledges the constructed and contextualised
ceptsinfluencingthecurrentpracticesofurbandesign character of our knowledge about the societal and
andplanning(asmentionedbytheexplorationpropo humanreality,nottheconstructionofrealityitselfas
sitions in the introduction). The report adheres to a suggested by ontological constructivism (Collin, 2003,
social constructivist stance, proceeding then through pp. 2324). This relates both to the authors own
hermeneutical exploration of assumptions expressed acknowledgement of the urban realities and to the
in the research question. Those are developed in the subjectofthestudy.
coming section, followed by the description of the
qualitative data collection consequent to the episte The attention of this report on values in urban
mologicaloutlooks. designandplanningandtheinvestigationoftheirin
terrelationsinpracticematchthesocialconstructivist
outlooks.Indeedvaluescanbedefinedhereassubjec
3.1. Social constructivism and herme- tive and intersubjective2 assertions since they are
neutical exploration
2
Social constructivism has often been seen in reaction Intersubjectivity characterizes the knowledge we have and
produce,accordingtoourengagementandperceptionaboutthe
to positivism and associated with postmodernist per worldaspartofacollectivity.Sowhereassubjectivityisdefined
according to one individual, intersubjectivity recognizes the
Page15|103

Methodologicalconsiderations
fosteredthroughthehumanactivityofreflectionand interpretative activity situates the researcher within

debate, and thus represent how individuals come to thefieldofstudy(seeFigure3.1),suggestingthat,be
create and place meaning to their world (Kitchin & ingaswellpartofacommunityandaculture,he/she
Tate,2000,p.12).Valuesdefinewhatisperceivedas has some preunderstanding triggering questions to
good(usuallyforthecommoninterest),appropriateor wardsthesubjectofstudy,andwhichconstitutesthe
ideal;theydonotregulatepracticesinthesameway semantichorizon,withwhichwemeetothermeaning
as norms and rules, but influence individuals fulphenomena*(Hansen&Simonsen,2004,p.122).
acknowledgementsabouttheworldandinformabout Interpretationisherebydefinedasthefusionofmulti
the motivation for certain interpretations and actions ple semantic horizons, i.e. between the researchers
(Jacobsen, Schnack, Wahlgren, & Madsen, 1999, pp. and the one of the studied text or culture. Finally,
8388).Itcanbeconsideredthatvalues,describedas based on the prior description, interpretation in re
such,canbeexplicitlyorimplicitlyexpressed(e.g.val search has been characterised as a dialogue between
ueswhicharewrittenorspokenoutassuch,orwhich the researcher and the text or subject of study,
are underlying actions or the interviewees back through which the researchers understanding devel
ground). The recognition and identification of values ops and transforms in a progressive and constructive
grounding professional practices is considered signifi process.(Hansen&Simonsen,2004,pp.121123).
cantfortheunderstandingandcollaborationbetween
disciplines, even though values might be diverging or
conflicting (Jacobsen, Schnack, Wahlgren, & Madsen,
1999, pp. 8182). In the forthcoming analysis, the ex
traction of those values from literature, debates and
interviews(seetheresearchmethodsinChapter3.2),
andthedeterminationoftheirtheoreticalandpracti
cal interrelations between the fields of urban design
and planning, calls for the use of interpretation. The

relationalaspectbetweenindividualsandtheirsurroundingenvi
ronment as to produce of knowledge and perform research
(Hansen&Simonsen,2004,pp.144145).
Page16|103

Figure3.1:Theresearcherandtheinterpretativeactivity
These considerations refer clearly to hermeneutics, figure3.2)andtotheideathattheresearcherallows

where the interpreting researcher moves between theempiricalmaterialtoinspire,developandreshape
preunderstanding and understanding, between the theoretical ideas (Alvesson & Skldberg, 2000, p.
partsandthewhole,whatistobeinterpretedandthe 249).
context for this interpretation (see Figure 3.2). Her
meneutics constitute the methodological approach
pursuedinthisreportandpresentedbelow.
Theuseofhermeneutics
Theemergenceandformulationofthestudyproposi
tions, the explorative stance in developing those into
theactualresearchquestion,theselectionoftheories
toinvestigateinChapter4(conceptualandtheoretical
framework),andthechoiceofthecasestudyoccurred
initerativemovements,wherepreunderstandingand
understanding,theoriesandcasehaveinfluencedeach
other. This relates to the hermeneutical circle (see
Page17|103

derstandingtheproductsofothertraditionsorcultures
WHOLE cannot be detached from the culture in which the in
terpreterislocated(Blaikie,2003).Thusaccordingto
modern hermeneutics, the researcher cannot under
stand another culture or phenomenon, unless he/she
takes a departing point in his own. This pre
Newunderstanding Preunderstanding
understanding influences not only the interpretation
ofdataasindicatedbefore,butalsotherealisationof
the investigation (e.g. the approach to interviews)
(Arler, 2008). In the present research, for instance,
premiseslieintheauthorsownacademicbackground
PART and experiences in both architecture and urban plan
dialogue ning, which have influenced, to some extent, the
choice of topic, the selection of theories and case
Figure3.2:Thehermeneuticalcircle
study.Ithasledaswelltoafeelingofunderstanding
(basedonHansen&Simonsen,2004,p.122) manyoftheintervieweeswiththesamehybridback
ground, while relating to the overall case project and
itscontext3.Someauthorshaveaddressedexplorative,
Hermeneutics originally meant to contribute in creat
interpretative and subjective forms of research with
ing mutual understanding between two cultures, by
thetermofreflectivity.Reflectiveresearchandanal
meansofinterpretation(Blaikie,2003).Relationswith
ysisputsthefocusonasfaraspossible,aconsidera
thepresentreportappearinthepropositionofinter
tionoftheperceptual,cognitive,theoretical,linguistic,
relatingthecontemporaryvaluesandpracticesoftwo
(inter)textual,politicalandculturalcircumstancesthat
fields,suggestingthattwoplanningculturesaretobe
understood, respectively an urban designbased and
3
This refers to the skill of empathy, one keycharacteristic of
urban governancebased. The use of interpretation,
hermeneuticsthatfocusonthecapacitytoshiftbetweenidenti
linkedtohermeneuticsanddescribedpreviously,sug fying oneself with the subjects situation and distancing oneself
geststhattheanalysisandconclusionrelyonthesub fromthetopic,inthesameiterativemovementbetweenpartand
whole suggested by the hermeneutical circle (Hansen &
jectivity of the researcher, since the process of un Simonsen,2004,pp.120121).
Page18|103

form the backdrop to as well as impregnate the 3.2. Methods for data collection
interpretations(Alvesson&Skldberg,2000,pp.67). Qualitativedatacollectionhasthusbeenimplemented
Inthiscase,thereadershouldthusbeawareofboth intheresearch,inrelationtothepresentedmethodo
the authors background and the interviewees back logicalapproach.Thereportcanbeseenasconsisting
ground (see Appendix A), as to understand, or sense, oftwoparts:onebeingatheoreticalreviewastoex
the reason for presented assumptions, forms of ex tracttheurbandesignandplanningvalues,onatheo
pressionandinterpretation. reticalandacademicbasis;thesecondbeingthecase
analysisthatconfrontsthesevalueswithpracticalex
Such as described, social constructivism and her
perience, and investigate their interrelations in prac
meneutics support the use of qualitative research
tice.Whilethefirstpartreposesmainlyondocument
methods. Those are advocated by some theorists in
analysis, the second part emanates from the analysis
relationwiththeimportanceofareflexivedialogueto
of qualitative interviews conducted with actors from
setinmotionhardenedtakenforgrantedassumptions
thecase.Thesequenceofinvestigationphasescanbe
which have emerged through collective processes of
seen in Figure 3.3, indicating also their influence on
knowledge(Alvesson&Skldberg,2009,p.31).This
thereflectionandresearch.
has of course an interesting point with regard to the
firstpropositionofthestudy(seeChapter1),assuming
thatthereportcancontributetobridgetheacademic
gapbetweenurbandesignandurbanplanning.
Page19|103


Figure3.3:Projectdesigndiagram
presence in recent debates and discussion among

3.2.1. Document analysis planning practitioners and academics through confer
Thetypeofliteratureusedforthedocumentanalysis ence proceedings, workshops and fairs, as well as
in the conceptual and theoretical framework differs online networking platforms and discussion groups
slightlybetweentheurbandesignandtheurbanplan such as Collaborative Planning Practices and Re
ning theories. While the latter is based on academic search (Mota, 2012), show the relevancy of those
and scientific articles, the first comprehends mostly theories,conceptsandexperiencesintheactualityof
online articles, written debates and discussions. This the urban planning field. This links up as well to the
illustrates the emergent character of those design preselection of the presented theories in Chapter4:
basedtheoriesandtheirnoveltycomparedtothecol which were the guidelines or reasons for choosing
laborative planning theory. It corresponds with their thosetheories?Theresearchaimstoinscribeitselfin
empirical basis (e.g. planning experiments, onetime contemporaryoutlooksonurbandesignandplanning,
projectsanduniqueurbaninterventions,tryoutsand as to outline their interrelations on a relevant time
innovativeworkshops)andthecontinuousinputsthat basisforpresenttheoristsandpractitioners.Theactu
theyaresubjectedto.Somemightquestiontheirlegit al and emergent character of those theories is thus
imacyincomparisontothetheoriesformulatedwithin one first choice criterion. Then the authors back
thesphereofacademicdebatesandreflections.Their groundcontributedwithapriorknowledgeofsomeof
Page20|103

the designbased theories and issues that they ad frame the administrative and regulative backdrop of
dress, which has led to investigate further into other theproject,whileindicatingtheMunicipalitysstrate
theoretical or methodological planning approaches gies according to urban spaces. Online information,
dealing with the same issues. For instance the acu postsandarticlesfromthevariouswebsitesandblogs
punctural or tactical aspect, described by some of contributedtodescribethegeneralcontext,evolution
those theories, has been a triggering point to the se and objectives of the Dreamhamar project, from the
lection, or their focus on the social dimension and perspectives of the main curators, i.e. Hamar munici
productionofspace.Ingeneralalltheoriesproposeda pality,EcosistemaUrbanoandtheartistLlusSabadell
reflection on the productivity of urban interventions, Artiga. Documents and sources, such as the booklet
projects or developments, and the collaborative ap Futurehamar(Hamarkommune&EcosistemaUrbano,
proachthroughouttheirrealisation. 2012)ortheonlinepresentationofNoaPeeronThink
Commons(Peer,2012),havebeenindicatedbyinter
Literatureusedinthecasestudycomesfromdif viewees as to complete their answers and perspec
ferent sources (See Table 3.1). Documents and plans tives.
from Hamar municipalitys website contributed to

Table3.1:LiteratureaboutDreamhamar
Differentsourcesusedinthecasestudy
Documentsandplans BookletFuturehamar(Norwegianversion)
Reports,proceedingsandplansfromHamarmunicipality,accessibletheir
website
Mainwebsites& Hamarmunicipalityswebsite
blogs MunicipalPlanningdepartmentsblog
EcosistemaUrbanoswebsite,blogandFacebook
LlusSabadellArtigaswebsiteandblog
Dreamhamarprojectsblog
OneThousandSquarepropositionsblog
Onlinevideosand ThinkCommonsonlineplatformandnetworkforknowledgesharingandvir
conferences tualconferences
YouTubevideos,usuallyaccessiblefromthedifferentblogsandwebsitesas
well
Page21|103

Documentanalysisinthecasestudyisthusmainlyto Casestudyitselfisdefinedasanempiricalinquiry
describe the context or to confirm or detail some that investigates a contemporary phenomenon in
commentsmadebytheinterviewees.Theapproachto depth and within its reallife context, especially when
the case analysis and the qualitative interviews are theboundariesbetweenphenomenonandcontextare
describedinthefollowingparagraphs. notclearlyevident(Yin,2009,p.18).Indeedthecase
analysisofDreamhamarshouldcontributetohighlight
3.2.2. Explorative case study contemporary tendencies in collaborative and partici
pative practices, where urban design and planning
Thechoiceofthecasestudybasedresearchisexplor
values interrelate. Both the time and reallife per
ative and relational (Neergaard, 2007, pp. 3639): ex
spectives are important in the report: the conceptual
plorativebecauseitoccurredthroughthesameopen
and theoretical framework contributes to determine
ness for inputs (e.g. from discussions and networking
currentvaluesinplanning,whilethecasehelpstosit
platforms) and iterative movements that motivated
uate them in the reallife practice of planning (e.g.
the selection of the urban design and planning theo
accordingtothevarietyofurbanactors,theirrespec
ries,andrelationalbecausethecasehadclearconnec
tive background and experiences, their views and ex
tions to the presented theories in Chapter 4. Indeed
pectations about contemporary urban spaces and ur
thecasestudyappearedinterestingasitencompassed
banplanning,theadministrativeandpoliticalplanning
a concrete example of tactical urbanism workshop,
context).Althoughthevalueswillhavebeenextracted
developed by some interviewed actors who also had
fromtheoreticalreviewbeforethecaseanalysis,their
contributed to define the concept of tactical urban
interrelation is rather abstract. The case is thus the
ism (see Chapter 4.1). Then when looking into the
reallife illustration of an abstraction (Yin, 2009, pp.
context for this particular workshop, the comprehen
3233).Furthermorethecasestudyshouldenlighten
siveparticipativeprocessshowedfascinatingelements
thosesituationsinwhichtheinterventionbeingevalu
andapproachesinthefieldofurbandesignandplan
ated has no clear, single set of outcomes (Yin, 2009,
ning, such as an extensive professional collaboration
p. 20). The previously presented study propositions
and participation, integrating multiple disciplines and
introduce the explorative approach to the research
interests, and making this a unique experience to in
from the start onward, but they assume as well that
vestigate.
thesocalledinterrelationsofvaluesgeneratebenefi
Page22|103

cialoutcomesforurbanplanning,bothintermsofthe definitionandchoiceofthetypeofinterviewtocarry
studiedcase(e.g.qualitiesofurbanplace)andingen out,andtheirrealisation,weremademainlyaccording
eral in terms of urban planning field (e.g. new inputs to the book Conducting Research in Human Geogra
to academic debates and practical experiences). This phy,Chapter7.3inKitchin&Tate(2000).
constitutes part of the exploration the case study. Fi
nallytheresearchmakesuseofasinglecasestudyas WithinthecaseanalysisoftheDreamhamarpro
to investigate the interrelations of urban design and ject,qualitativeinterviewshavebeenusedsequential
planning values in practice. With the social construc lywithdifferentpurposes(seeFigure3.3).Firstlytwo
tivist perspective, generalisation is difficult and inap keyactors were met through explorative interviews
propriate given the importance of the relational con astobuildupanunderstandingoftheprojectandits
text for the construction of knowledge (Alvesson & implicationsforthetwoparts,i.e.thelocalNorwegian
Skldberg,2009,p.11);thesinglecasestudyisthusan planning team and the Spanish designing team. The
example or illustration among others. In the report, two interviewees were Geir Cock, architect and land
the case of Dreamhamar illustrates one way of those use manager4 in the Planning department of Hamar
mentioned values to interrelate, without defining municipality, who was considered to represent the
norms or generalcriteria for their interrelation. How public planning institution in the project, and Belinda
everthisopensupforfurtherexplorationsoncurrent Tato,architectandcofounderofEcosistemaUrbano,
interdisciplinary interrelations and collaborative prac who represent here the contracted private designing
ticesinurbandesignandplanning;maybetendencies firm. Those interviews were semistructured, carried
could be identified or confirmed through the use of outfromarespectivelyDanishandinEnglishinterview
multiple case study. The single case study presents guide of around 4 pages of questions related to the
thus an innovative or unique character (Neergaard, process and context of Dreamhamar. The two inter
2007,p.21). viewguideswereelaboratedhereastoenlightende
tails and complete information already accessible on
3.2.3. Qualitative interviews thedifferentwebsitesaboutDreamhamar(i.e.Hamar
municipalitysownwebsite,EcosistemaUrbanosblog
Theanalysisofthecasestudywascarriedoutempiri and website, the projects own blog and various arti
cally on the basis of the qualitative interviews with
variousurbanactorsfromtheDreamhamarcase.The
4
TheoriginalNorwegiantermisarealplansjef.
Page23|103

cles describing or commenting theproject). The sum towards the opinions, perspectives and experiences
maryofthetwointerviewscanbefoundinAppendixB presented by the respondents, and welcomed gladly
andAppendixC. information which the respondents might want to
share next to the prepared questions. In the written
The second round of interviews was carried out interviews as well the respondents had the liberty of
with actors, which had been named as especially en answeringaccordingtowhattheythoughtimportant,
gaged in the project, adding interesting perspectives ending up in some very short responses from some
to the discussions that took placeunder the two first interviewees and rather detailed descriptions from
interviews. The two first interviews helped thus to others. In this second round, 9 actors responded the
frame the questions for this second round (see Fig mail interview, while 4 did not, generally for reasons
ure3.3).Theywerestructuredwrittenmailinterviews of work rush; 2 were from the Municipality as well,
of 11 openended questions, formed as a question while2werefrompublicorganisationsorassociations.
naire divided in the following themes: the interview Table3.2givesthenameandprofessionofthevarious
eesbackground,theirspecificroleandcontributionin actors of Dreamhamar interviewed throughout the
the project, their experiences in the process and the project period. Appendix A presents a further devel
followed procedures or methods, and finally the out opment of this table, detailing the interviewees pro
comes and expectations after Dreamhamar. Those fessionalbackgroundandexperiences,aswellastheir
themes correspond to the three themes articulating roleinDreamhamar.Thistablewillhelpamorethor
thecaseanalysis:values,interrelationsandoutcomes. ough appreciation of the interviewees reasons for
TheinterviewsaretobefoundinAppendixD1D8.The enunciatingcertainaspectsinthewaytheydo,suchas
two series of interviews had a subjective character supported by hermeneutical outlooks on interpreta
takingapointofdepartureintherespondentsexperi tionoftexts.
ence and perspectives. In the two spoken interviews,
this subjective character was addressed by openness
Page24|103

Table3.2:Listofinterviewees,theirprofessionandtheirroleinDreamhamar(*Respondedaswelltothe2ndroundinterviews,writteninterview)
ST
1 ROUNDINTERVIEWS EXPLORATIVEINTERVIEWS
Interviewees Profession|Firm Roleindreamhamar
Municipalarchitectandplanner, ProjectleaderandfacilitatorrepresentingHamar
1 GeirCock* Landusemanager| municipalitysPlanningdepartment
Hamarmunicipality Localactorandparticipant
Projectleaderandmaincoordinatorcontracted
Architect|
2 BelindaTato byHamarmunicipality
EcosistemaUrbano
Internationalactor
2NDROUNDINTERVIEWS WRITTENINTERVIEWS
Interviewees Profession|Firm RoleinDreamhamar
ProjectmanagerforStortorgetandKulturhuset
Constructionengineer|
3 KnutSjvold contractedbytheMunicipality
STEMARdgivningAS
Localactor
AssistantprojectmanagerforStortorgetand
Civilengineer|
4 SverreSkramVatne KulturhusetcontractedbytheMunicipality
STEMARdgivningAS
Localactor
Architectandfounder| Onlineworkshopmanager(Tacticalurbanism)
5 EthelBaraonaPohl dprbarcelona(independentpub contractedbyEcosistemaUrbano
lishinghouse) Internationalactor
Onlineworkshopmanager(Tacticalurbanism)
Architectandfounder|
6 PacoGonzlez contractedbyEcosistemaUrbano
radarq.net&BeCity
Internationalactor
Onsiteworkshopmanager(StoryHamar)con
Cultureanimatorand
7 JoannaMikulska tractedbyEcosistemaUrbano
eventorganiser
Localactorandparticipant
Onsiteworkshopmanager(PlayHamar)contract
Primaryschoolteacher|
8 AudunJensen edbyEcosistemaUrbano
Storhamarbarneskole
Localactor
LandscapearchitectandPlanning CoordinatingmunicipalplannerfromHamar
9 KariNilssen departmentmanager| municipalitysPlanningdepartment
Hamarmunicipality Localactor
Networkdesignerandfacilitatorcollaborating
Architect|
10 NoaPeer intheEcosistemaUrbanoteam
OfficeforUrbanInnovation
Internationalactor
Page25|103

Itisrelevanttoremarkthatafirstpropositionforthe (e.g. recommendations based on the experience of

finaldesignofStortorget(i.e.mainly3Dvisualisations) several processes of same kind). Then of course the
was published and discussed between the moment research could have been based on another method
thattheinterviewsweresentoutandthatKariNilssen ology: for instance doing a discourse analysis or ana
enteredheranswerstotheinterview.Sheistherefore lysing the network of Dreamhamarbased on the Act
theonlyonementioningthisfinaldesigninherreflec antNetworkTheoryofBrunoLatour.Whilediscourse
tions.Furthermoretheinterviewsaretheperspectives analysiscansometimesfeelveryclosetothepresent
and experiences of individuals. Nonetheless the case analysis, it would still suggest completely different
analysisshouldnotbeseenastheanalysisofindividu outcomes, such as the citizens understanding of the
alities, but rather the identification of design and process,andthuscontributeforinstancebyinforming
planningvaluesexpressedmainlyonthebasisoftheir about ways of communicating the process out to the
roleandprofessionalbackground. public.Thelattermethodologywouldsuggestagreat
er focus on the interrelations (both human and non
Generalreflectionsandcritiques human)withintheDreamhamarnetwork,anditsout
come would probably inform rather about the mean
Somecommentsandcriticalpointscanbementioned
ingoftheDreamhamardesignandplanningnetwork,
in consideration to the use of methods and choice of
and could for example propose an alternative way of
methodology. Regarding the chosen methods, firstly
buildingit(Collin,2003,pp.7477).
one could wish that interviews were made with an
extended number of actors, given the multiplicity of
participants in Dreamhamar. The broad network of
international actors engaged in Dreamhamar was a
challengehereastogettheoverviewofthismultiplici
ty and in regard to the spread geographical locations
ofcontributingactors.Forthislatterreason,theuseof
SkypesessionwasmadeforinterviewingBelindaTato
forinstance.Secondlythechoiceoftypeofcasestudy
could have been different (e.g. multiple cases) but
thentheoutcomeswouldhavebeendifferentaswell
Page26|103

4 CONCEPTUAL AND THEORETICAL asurbanplanners)andthattheorisingplannersoften

haveasocialornaturalsciencebackground.Thiscor
FRAMEWORK
respondstotheissueofmultiplicityinplanningandto
This chapter aims to outline the values from design Ernest Alexanders perspective on the presence of a
based and processoriented theories, hereby extract diversityofpracticesinplanning(Allmendinger,2009,
ing the elements for answering the first part of the p.12).AccordingtoAlexander,thediversityoftheo
research question, i.e. how do those values address riesrepresentsanadvantageforplanningpractitioners
urban complexity. Then it explores the possibility for (i.e.meantasplannerswitheitherasocialscienceor
theoreticalbridgingofdesignandplanning.Indeed,as designbackground),sothattheycanpickandchoose
alreadymentionedintheintroduction,perceptionofa as to develop their own hybrid approach
gapbetweenurbandesignandplanningexist,proba (Allmendinger,2009,pp.2329).Somemightconsider
bly most in academic and theoretical discussions and the gap unbridgeable, but a potential in reducing the
literature.Inmyperspective,thisgapcanbelinkedto gapisseeninenhancedtransdisciplinarityandcollab
the one mentioned by Philip Allmendinger, i.e. the oration,especiallybetweenurbandesignandplanning
theorypractice gap in urban planning. He explains professionals, since design theories comprehend an
how academics develop planning theories for practi empiricallybased nature, and their values seemingly
tioners to apply in the realworld and justify their correspondwithplanningvalues.
approach,whilepractitionersclaimthattheacademic
theories have little meaning for practices based on a Beforeproceedingwiththeoutliningofthosecor
practicalcommonsense(Allmendinger,2009,pp.23 respondingvalues,itshouldberemarkedthoughthat
24). This finds some relevance when looking at con the different planning approaches present diverging
temporary urban planning and design theories: the ontologies of space. Indeed practitioners might per
first is strongly academicallybased and the latter is ceivespaceindifferentways,accordingtotheirback
usually empiricallybased. Furthermore it seems that groundorthefocusoftheirwork.Inanarticlespeak
manypracticingplannershaveabackgroundandedu ingofdifferentiatedrealitiesorthepluralontologies
cationindesignorengineering(e.g.architectsworking of reality, Llewellyn outlines five layers or ontologies
ofreality(seeTable4.1).
Page27|103

Conceptualandtheoreticalframework
Table4.1:Differentiatedrealities(Llewellyn,2007,p.57)
Reality Content
1 Physical Bodiesandobjectssituatedinspaceandtime
2 Structural Institutions,rolesandrulesreproducedbypeople
3 Agential Projectsundertakenbyhumanagents
Knowledge,concepts,values,beliefsandideologiesthatarearticu
4 Cultural
latedand/orwrittendown
Thought,feelings,emotions,interestsandmentalconstructsof
5 Mental
individuals

Although planning would or should encompass them (i.e. the physical and mental realities in Table 4.1).
all, it is plausible to think of the different planning Urban design and planning would then be influenced
practices as emphasising one or two ontologies over bythedifferentontologies.Thiscanbeseenasachal
theothers.Forinstance,inthetaskofplanningapub lenge for collaboration between the differentpractic
licsquare,alanduseplannerwillprobablyemphasise es,butalsoapotentialforurbanprojectsresponding
theconceptionofspaceinregardtoanormativecrite more thoroughly to all perception of space through
ria regulating the diversity and mixity of functions transdisciplinarycollaboration.
around the square (i.e. the structural reality in Table
4.1); a social planner will conceive space in terms of
4.1. Urban design approach to planning
social relations in and around it, influencing aspects
such as community building or social capital, through Inthefollowingparagraphs,someurbanplanningthe
the activities on the square for example (i.e. the cul ories, which have emerged lately from the urban de
tural and mental realities in Table 4.1); finally the ar signfield,willbepresented.Thosetheorieshavebeen
chitectandurbandesignermightfocusonspaceasan developedorintroducedmostlybyarchitectsandde
aesthetical and sensual experience according to the signers, based on their own observations of current
physicalformsandspatialitydevelopedonthesquare urban challenges and transformations, or emanating
Page28|103

from their own practice and views on qualities of ur forinstance.Thismatchestheconsiderationsmadein
banspaces,urbanlifeandthefuturedevelopmentof theverybeginningofthischapter.
cities. The increasing focus of designers on the urban
processes has a saying both in what planning and 4.1.1. Urban acupuncture
planning values represent today, and in what are the
Threemainnamesappearastheinitiatorsofthecon
roleofplannersincontemporaryurbanprojects.Gen
ceptofurbanacupuncture,ametaphorforapproach
uinely a whole set of urban actors and activists, pro
ing city planning and design: Jaime Lerner (Brazilian
fessionalsandnonprofessionals,arecurrentlyjoining
architectandurbanplanner),ManueldeSolaMorales
the reflections, debates and urban actions, hereby
(Spanish architect and designer) and Marco Casa
influencing and (re)defining contemporary urban
grande (Finnish architect). The first developed the
planning. The presented theories will be urban acu
practice of urban acupunctures throughout a set of
puncture, the oldest of all concepts presented here;
projects carried out in Curitiba, Brazil, in the years
tactical urbanism, which encompasses many recent
19601990s (Lerner, 2011 (A)): in his opening speech
emerging urban approaches and concepts; urbanism
attheTEDconference,JaimeLernerstatedthaturban
without effort, a single concept but linking up to the
acupuncture reclaims the ownership of land to the
prior ones; and finally evolutionary and emergent
public and emphasizes the importance of community
urbanisms.
development through small interventions in design of
Beforeproceedingintothetheoreticalreview,itis cities. (Joon, 2010). The second one, Sola Morales,
relevant though to notify the open use of the word used the idea in several projects, as a possibility of
theory in the following sections, used as a starting interveningatasinglemeridianpointinsuchawayas
point to speak of the following design and planning toreleasetensionsandtoengendernewenergyflows
concepts.Wewillseelaterthatthedesignbasedthe within the situation, not only in terms of the specific
ories presented in the first parts of the chapter, are site but also with regard to future developments
stronglybasedonempiricalexperiencesandobserva (Frampton, 2003, p. 76). Finally Casagrande has been
tionsandtheirtheoristsarepractitionersandconsult developingit,incooperationwiththeNationalTaiwan
ants, and not academics such as the theorists behind Universitysdepartmentofsociology,asaparadigmof
thedevelopmentofthecollaborativeplanningtheory theThirdGenerationCity,orpostindustrialcity,being
a complex energy organisms in which different over
Page29|103

lappinglayersofenergyflowsaredeterminingtheac passes; to sustain urban regeneration with focus on

tionsofthecitizensaswellasthedevelopmentofthe mobility, environmental and social sustainability, in
city (Casagrande, 2010). With focus on environmen such a way that current actions will have longterm
talism and urban design, Casagrande defines urban effectsonfutureurbandevelopments. Inordertodo
Acupunctureasadesigntoolwherepunctualmanipu so,thescaleoftheinterventionsandtheirnature(e.g.
lationscontributetocreatingsustainableurbandevel architectonic, social or mobilityoriented), as well as
opment, such as the community gardens and urban theirstrategiclocation,issignificantastogroundthe
farms in Taipei (Casagrande & Ruin Academy, 2010). action in concrete challenges and issues, which the
Generally the concept has been related to various concerned city or urban neighbourhood is facing. Ad
theories and inputs: e.g. the Tipping Point aspect ditionally the diverse contribution to urban acupunc
developed by journalist Malcolm Gladwell5, the Bro turerespondtoanobservationoflossoflifequality,
ken Window Theory from criminologist George Kel identity, feeling of responsibility towards contempo
ling6 and the Barcelona urban revitalisation interven raryurbanspaces,bothfromthepublicsectorand/or
tionsfromthe19801990s,wheretheoriginofcertain the local community. The expected longterm effect
developmentoftendenciesorpatternsinurbansocie liesthusalsoinassuringthecontinuityofthequalities
tiesorareaswerelinkedtoindividualattitudesorlo added by the urban intervention and by activating
calisedactions(Shieh,2006,pp.4548). collective awareness and engagement. The small size
and costeffectiveness of the interventions is im
The aims of urban acupuncture are to revitalise portant.Moreovernodesignorinterventionisbetter
the city with the potentials that it already encom thananyother;whatmattersiscreativityandinnova
tion (Casagrande, 2010) (Lerner, 2011 (B)) (Shieh,
5
Specific reference is made to observations of individual and
collectivebehaviouralpatternsinrelationtotheirsocialenviron 2006,pp.4548).
ment, pinned down by political scientist Morton Grodzins and
developed in the book The tipping Point: How Little Things Can Urban acupuncture is thus mainly an empirical
MakeaBigDifferencebyMalcolmGladwell(Shieh,2006,p.45). lybasedtheorywithnormativeconsiderationsonap
6
TheorydevelopedandappliedinNewYorkCityinthe1980sis
basedontheobservationthatonelittlevandaliseditemsuchasa proachestourbandesign,planningandmanagement.
broken window has extended effect on the perception of built Although formulated by design professionals (i.e. ar
environment.Backthenthetheorywasmainlylinkedtopolicies
and strategies for reducingcrime and insecurity (Shieh, 2006, p.
chitects),ithasbeeninspiredbytheoriesandreallife
46). cases from very different disciplines, where actions
Page30|103

andeffectshavebeengenerallyrelatedtotheirphysi evolution and growth of some urbanised neighbour
cal and/or social environment. This somehow makes hoodsincontemporarycity.Theyarethusratherlocal
urbanacupunctureaprocessorientedtheory,rather andcontextbased,enhancingtheneedforrevitalising
than designoriented, although emerging from the public spaces, while raising the public, political and
field of design. It acknowledges the spatial and social professional awareness about life qualities, and man
relations within a city and acts out of them. While agingeffectivelyexistingresources.
clearlyvaluingparallelandcreativethinking,itsmeth
odologyisvague:howarethosestrategicintervention 4.1.2. Tactical urbanism
nodesdefined?Howcantheexperiencefromonecity
Tactical urbanism pretends to promote shortterm
be translated to another one, given the divergences
actions, causing longterm changes in the city. In the
betweencitiesandculturesallovertheworld?Lerner
reportpublishedfortheopeningoftheTacticalUrban
was politically active in Curitiba when many of those
ismSalonofthe28thApril2012,MikeLydondescribes
acupuncturalprojectswereinitiated,givinghimthus
the intention of assembling, under a same term, a
theauthoritytogettheprojectsthrough.Furthermore
growing number of shortterm often selffunded ef
the urban acupunctures in Curitiba occurred in an
forts that were demonstrably leading to longer
urban and political context which are space and time
change (Lydon, 2012, p. v), such as guerilla urban
specific, and thus can make it difficult to apply or
ism, popup urbanism, city repair, DIY urbanism
translateintootherurbancontexts.TheSpanisharchi
(Lydon, 2012, pp. v, 7). Generally tactical interven
tectSolaMoralesusedtheideabutinformationonthe
tionsarelowcostinitiativeswithanillegalcharacter7.
practicaltranslationofhisideaswasnotfound.Finally
The socalled urban interventionists are architects,
Casagrande bases his formulation on elusive philo
planners, product designers, artists, transportation
sophicaltermsandexperienceswheretheroleofthe
engineers, municipalities departments, community
plannerorarchitectisunclear.Thisshouldthoughnot
activists and other active members of associations or
devaluatetheseideasandtheories,buthighlightthat
NGOs,peoplefrombothprivatefirmsandpublicsec
urban acupuncture is a conceptual framework ex
tor, representing a new generation of citymakers
pressingessentialvaluesandpotentialstoconsiderin
currentandfutureurbandesignandplanningprojects.
Thesevaluesaredevelopedinreactiontounreflected 7
Theillegalcharacterassertsthespontaneityoftheurbanaction,
ratherthanitslawbreakingaspect(Lydon,2012,pp.942).
Page31|103

(Lydon, 2012, pp. 942) (Street Plans Collaborative, tweenpartners,interestgroupsandlocalleaders;itis

Collaborators,2010)(StreetPlansCollaborative,2012). presentedasasmallandbeneficialinvestmentinthe
futuredesignsandplanningprocesseswithinalocality
Tactical urbanism criticises the largescale pro (Lydon, 2012, pp. 13) (Arieff, 2012). Finally tactical
jectsandtransformationsstillinfluencedbymodernis urbanism proposes to connect people in society by
ticplanningviewpoints.Indeeditperceivesthosepro means of new technologies. Ethel Baraona and Paco
jects as aiming to control and resolve the numerous Gonzlez, two architects and researchers in architec
currenturbanchallenges,whilefailingtosupportlong ture and urban planning, link thus tactical urbanism
termeconomicandsocialbenefitsandtointegratethe up with communitycentred design methodologies8,
citizenscontributionsthroughaprocessofincremen which argue that tools and technologies can support
taltransformationoftheirneighbourhood.Insearchof the building of open organisations and participative
increasing the liveability of urban spaces, tactical ur actions within a community, in order to give back ur
banismprovidesanapproach[that]allowsahostof ban spaces to the city dwellers and users. From this
local actors to test new concepts before making sub perspective, tactical urbanism deviates thus more
stantial political and financial commitments (Lydon, towards ideas of opensource planning and
2012, p. 1). Tactical interventions can occur for in crowdsourcing approaches to urban design and plan
stanceonparkinglots,culdesacs,vacantlandorun ning(BaraonaPohl&Gonzlez,2011).
derrated spaces in cities, always with a focus on the
human scale of the intervention. They emphasise a Tactical urbanism is thus a term used with
deliberate approach to citymaking, established on opennessandflexibility:practitionerskeepbuildingon
fiveprinciples:adeliberateandincrementalapproach with the latest innovations and urban experiments,
toactivatechange,theuseoflocalideastorespondto which are carried out by professionals of other disci
localchallenges,ashorttermcommitmentandrealis plinesthanurbanplanningorproactivecitizenshaving
tic stake, a lowrisk approach, and the focus on the a say in the quality of urban life in their neighbour
developmentofsocialcapital,creativityandorganisa hood.Thus,asurbanacupunctureisaconceptbased
tionalcapacityforinstitutions.Tacticalinterventions, on a collection of experiences, tactical urbanism as
or temporary experimentations, should offer the ad

vantagetoinformplanninganddesigninordertoas 8
OpenP2PDesign,developedbyMassimoMenichinelli,isone
sure the success of the final design, build trust be exampleofsuchmethodologies(Menichinelli,2012).
Page32|103

well is more of a conceptual framework than an aca localandconcreteinterventiontothemoreglobaland
demic planning theory. In this case, the concept has general effect on urban governance. They desire in
beendevelopedbyanevenlargerpanelofpeople,i.e. deedtostimulatequalitiesofurbanlifeandrevitalise
professionals and nonprofessionals of planning. This urbanplacesandneighbourhoods,whileactivatingthe
couldbeperceivedasoneofthesignsofurbandesign urban actors and dynamising planning processes. The
and planning opening up to a broader set of urban focusbeyondthephysicalproductoftheintervention
actors,leavingouttosomeextenttheplanningpracti and the longtime time perspective adopted by the
tioners or challenging them in the definition of their interventionists placea responsibility on the citizens
role.Thisissuewillbediscussedlateroninthereport. andtheauthority,whoareleftwiththeinputsofthe
The proactive character of the actors nonetheless is intervention for future applications. But if the open
remarkable in those projects, and in the terminology ness, flexible and vague definition of tactical urban
usedtodefinetheirinterventionascitymaking;this ismcanleadpeopletothinkthatitisnotsomething
veryactiveapproachtourbanplanningcouldbeinter forthem,asitwassuggestedpreviouslybytheprevi
preted as the clue to what is expected of planning ousquote,theymightjustinterprettacticalurbanism
practitionerstoday. asonemoredebatebetweenactivistsandprofession
alsofplanning.Thecommunicationtothepublic,the
However, trying to frame so many concepts and integration of the concept in local governance and
urban planning practices could also be the weakness politicalsupportseemthusnecessary,inordertogive
of tactical urbanism: the risk is that the term be tactical urbanism the credibility and legitimacy in
comes a branding mark swiftly applied to any kind of order to influence the qualities of and awareness to
urbanaction,herebyblurringthevaluesandperspec wardsurbanspaces.
tivesthatitbringstourbandesignandplanning.Inan
onlinediscussiongroup,theremarkismadeaboutthe 4.1.3. Urbanism without effort
impactofprofessionaltermssuchastactical,onthe
publicinclusivenessofplanningapproaches:theydis Inanarticleanticipatingtheissuesandhottopicsfor
tances the consumer/client from understanding what urban planning in 2012, Chuck Wolfe, an American
isbeingofferedandhowtheycanbeinvolved(Kent, environmental and land use lawyer with a degree in
2012).The objectiveoftacticalinterventionsreveals regional planning, presents ongoing importance of
the double scale of their focus and effect, from the urbanismwithouteffortandadditionalwaystocon
Page33|103

ceive of urban opportunity as imminent central planning (e.g. stormwater management and system
themesintheplanningofcities(Wolfe,2011(A)).He maintenance, regulations and maintenance of road
positionsthisargumentasaresultofongoingdiscus infrastructure),hestatesthatthisisthephysicalbase
sionsaboutplacemakingandinterestsinurbanplaces for reinventing spaces and generating streetlife with
and gathering places, such as squares or street cor the pedestrian in scale. Therefore he recommends
ners, and the potentials to come with new ways of urbanpracticesthatnurtureexistingpotentialsincit
apprehending the city. His argument, theoretically ies(Wolfe,2011(C)).Accordingtothisexample,those
vague, is sustained by empirical examples of such ur potentialsseeminglyliewiththeactivationofthelocal
banopportunitiesorurbanisms:neighbourhoodinitia communityinneighbourhoods.
tivesformovienightswhichtakeoverspacessuchas
driving alleys, or the 24hours city which is magnetic Urbanism without effort is presented by Wolfe
andattractive,providingurbanvitalityandquality9to asaformofpracticesinurbanplanning.Itcanhardly
places, all day round (Wolfe, 2011 (A)) (Wolfe, 2011 beconsideredasatheoryassuch:itsbackboneliesin
(B)).ThePlanetizen10referstoWolfesarticle,quoting some empirical observations and experiences, and is
that planners might try awfully hard () toextol the mainly a reflection or questioning to current urban
virtues of the city by proselytizing and debating ideas planning practices. Furthermore till this day, only
and opportunities (Urban Insight, 2011). Wolfes ar Wolfeseemstohaveelaboratedaroundthetermur
gument is that places and neighbourhoods already banismwithouteffort,usingitmoretobrandpractic
have what is needed to foster better cities, shared esandexperiencesthathepersonallyvalues.However
placesandtobuildthelocalcommunity,andthepro referencetohisargumentwasmadebydiscussionand
fessionals debates can thus be excessive. While rec networkingplatformsconcernedwithknowledgeshar
ognising the technical and regulative necessity of ing about urban planning and collaborative practices,
and constituted of practitioners and academics. In
deedtheconceptpointstocriticalaspectsofcontem
9
Qualityismeasuredhereintermsofsafety,spurredbythefour poraryurbanplanning,andoffersaperspectiveonthe
criteriaofmobility,proximity,commerceandinteraction(Wolfe,
2011(B)) potentials to be recognised and used in order to re
10
Planetizen is an American network and information exchange spond to the failure, weaknesses or lack of current
platform, aiming to gather urban planning news, commentaries,
interviews, reviews, etc., to inform professionals of urban plan
public places and urban life in cities and neighbour
ning,designanddevelopment. hoods.Itadheresaswelltothetendencyoffocussing
Page34|103

on the user of urban space and the important social bythearchitectsofthe1960s.Heobservesthesearch
function of public places. Finally urbanism without for various ways of dealing with cities through map
effort reserves a technical and regulative post for ping, parameterising, observing, while avoiding any
plannersandprofessionals,seeingthemasthetechni visionaryproduction.Thisleadseithertoadisbeliefin
ciansofthecity,adjustingtechnicalandinfrastructural urbanismandurbantheories,ortotheopportunityof
aspects and establishing regulations. The role of the producing new theories. Hence emerges the oppor
plannerinthisperspectiveisatechnocraticcivilserv tunity to include the latest technologies, in this case,
ant, facilitating the spontaneous urban interventions modelling programs, to understand and evaluate in
ofthepublic. teractions and relations in design and processes of
urban planning. Environments, and especially urban
4.1.4. Evolutionary and emergent urbanisms ones,arehereseenaswebsofcomponentsconstantly
in relation to their surroundings. Within those global
Two concepts have been gathered here: evolutionary
networks, communication technologies transform the
urbanismandemergenturbanism.In2005,aresearch
way places are related: the dynamic interaction of
studio from the Berlage Institute, located in Delft in
componentsandactorsisreferredtoasawaytoad
theNetherlands,decidedtoaddressthedensification
dressthecomplexityofcities(BerlageInstitute,2006,
and complexity of growing and constantly changing
pp.837;4968;141151).Basedonthoseperspectives,
cities. This studio was created in relation with Winy
Maasandhisstudioproposetodevelopavirtualplat
Maas publication of the book KM311, in which Maas
form for simulating interactive urban developments
explains on one hand the challenge of contemporary
andexploretheirchainreactionsincomplexandglob
urbanism as having to respond to growth and muta
al urban networks, just like a computer game. Maas
tionsofcities,andontheotherhandthechallengeof
recognisesthatthismightchallengetheplannersrole,
definingthenotionofpublicrealmafterthefailureof
if computers can deal with all those information in
the modernistic and idealistic urban visions proposed
steadofplanners,oritcanbecomeanewmethodfor

11
KM3 (or cubic kilometre) addresses the architects three planners to deal with urban complexity (Berlage
dimensionalapproachtospace,butextendingthescopeofstudy Institute,2006,pp.2637).
tothedensity,complexity,enlargedscaleandlimitlesscharacter
of nowadays cities (illustrated by the transition from metre to
kilometre, the first being the architects usual working unit)
The term emergent can of course be applied to
(Actar,2012). anything newly occurring, and therefore many refer
Page35|103

encescanbefoundonemergenturbanisms,butnot phasisestheimportanceoflateralthinkingamongpro
withthesimilarframework.Nonethelessanothercon fessionals.
tribution to the reflection was found to have quite
comparable ideas: Mathieu Helie, a web developer Those concepts show the extreme standpoint of
and complexity scientist with a background in eco developing a technologicalassisted kind of urban
nomics and interest for urban planning, has used the planning, which some of the previous conceptual
workofStephenWolfram,acomputerandcomplexity frameworkshadbutindicated.Thisexampleofemerg
scientist, to address the organized complexity of cit ingplanningconceptisthusprobablyevenmoretech
ies pointed to by Jane Jacobs. He comments on the nologicalbased than designbased, but the objective
statisticalapproachtourbanplanninginthe19thcen lies again in sustaining and improving planning pro
tury,whichreducedcitiestoasetofvariablestoman cessesandinmanagingcontemporaryurbancomplex
age, while using the concept of common good to ity. The word process here concerns as well the ur
gatherpublicaccept.Heliearguestousethepastles ban development process, and not only the planning
sonsinordertounderstandandtacklebettermodern or design processes. The focus of the architects and
challenges.Heperceivesthusemergenturbanismas designersfromDelft,althoughbeingstillverycloseto
a way to use computational patterns to tackle con the network perspectives and to the perception of
temporaryproblems().Itdoesnotprescribeanyspe urbanism as an assemblage of interacting elements,
cificplanofactionforanyparticularplace,butitpro seems more turned towards the spatial dimension of
videstheinspirationforanycityonwhattodonextto urbandevelopment,thanonthesocialdimensionpre
improveitself(Helie,2012).Desiringtoaddressurban sented by previous concepts. Whereas emergent ur
complexity,hereferstocomputationaltechnologyand banismaspresentedbythewebdeveloperandcom
complexity science as to contribute to a new kind of plexityscientist,stillpresentatheorisingandabstract
urbanism: searching for models of complexity and perspectiveoncities;thiscanbesupportedbythefact
applyingthemishowweturnthenewkindofscience that no concrete project exist with the application of
intoanewkindofurbanism(Helie,2012). Thissug thiscomputerisedmethodology.Table4.2sumsupthe
geststhattheevolutionofurbanplanningcanoccurin various theories and concepts encountered in this
relation to fields, which might seem distant, and em chaptersofar.

Page36|103

Table4.2:Summaryofthepreviouslypresentedconceptualframeworks.(Sourcesarethesameasthoseusedinthetext)
AUTHOR(S)& INSIPIRATION
PLACEOF REFERENCE
NAME CONTRIBU FIELDSTOAP AGE KEYELEMENTS
ORIGIN PROJECT
TOR(S) PROACHCITIES
Practicedsince
Combinationofsustain
the19601970s Numerousur
Curitiba, ability,mobility,sociodi
JaimeLerner anduptilltoday banprojectsin
Brazil versityinurbanrevitali
Publishedin Curitiba
zationprojects
2003
Practicedand
Architecture
formulated
UrbanAcu Urbanplanning Catalyticaspectofthe
ManueldeSola Barcelona, duringtheur Variousarchi
puncture Medicinalrefer interventionforfuture
Morales Spain banregenera tectureprojects
ences developments
tionofBarcelo
nainthe1980s
Community
Published Anarchismandsocial
MarcoCasa gardensand
UK researchin movementsinthepost
grande urbanfarmsin
2010 industrialcity
Taipei,Taiwan
Smallurbanactions
Architecture,
withgreatandspreading
design&planning
20112012,but effect
Advocacyplan
StreetPlansCol basedonfor Numerouspro Humanscaledurban
ning U.S.A.
laborative mertheories jectinU.S.A. interventionsandpeo
Engineering
andmovements pleorientedplaces
Eventsandpop
Sensibletransportation
Tactical upinterventions
solutions
Urbanism Socialconnectionsand
Architecture Onlinework
EthelBaraona communitybuilding,as
Urbansociology shoparoundthe
Pohl(dpr preliminarytodesign
(referenceto projectforthe
barcelona)and Spain 2011 Newtechnologiesto
HenriLefebvre) mainsquarein
PacoGonzlez getbacktherighttothe
Opensource& Hamar(i.e.
(radarq.net) cityandachievedemo
networkplanning Dreamhamar)
craticplanning
Environmental& Neighbourhood
Urbanism Neighbourhoodinitia
landuselaw moviesnight
without ChuckWolfe Seattle,U.S.A. 2011 tives,occupationofodd
Regionalplan andcome
effort andunderratedspaces
ning togetherevent
Page37|103

WinyMaas(archi Searchforaresponseto
Architecture
tect,urbanistand moderntransformations
Referencesto
professor)and Spacefighter andcomplexityonboth
Evolutionary Darwinsevolu Delft,Nether
BrentBatstra 20052006 platformand localandgloballevelsby
urbanism tiontheory lands
(PhDstudentat game meansof:
Virtualplatforms
DelftSchoolof Computergenerated
&ITworld
Design) urbanism(asscenario
generation,heuristic
WinyMaasand
device,learningdevice)
CamilloPanilla Spacefighter
Architecture Delft,Nether Informatisationoftime
(PhDstudentat 20052006 platformand
Systemtheory lands andspace
DelftSchoolof game
Communicationand
Design)
networks
Searchformethodsto
tacklecurrenturban
Emergent complexity
MathieuHelie
urbanism Urbanplanning Possibilitytomodel
(economistand
Economics complexityinsimple
computerscien
Scientificcom Canada (Reflectionand computations,which
tist),basedon 20022012
puting (andUK) theorising) wouldmatchcomplexity
StephenWolfram
Complexsystem ofhumanbehaviours
(computerscien
research andactions
tist)
Legitimisingoftradi
tionalurbanismthrough
newscientificoutlooks

Generalreflectionsandcritique should be considered as conceptual frameworks12,

whichoffernewperspectivesonurbanspaceandval
This theoretical reviewpresent some recently emerg uesinurbanplanning,suchastheintegrationofcom
ing designbased concepts developed with a perspec municationandnetworktechnologiesinthereflection
tive on urban planning processes. As indicated previ about the qualities of urban spaces and life. Their
ously,thetheoriesarenotfoundedonthoroughtheo
retical research and academic debates, such as some
12
The background for speaking of the terminologies of theory
urban planning and governance theories. Hence they
lies in Allmendingers reflection on what is theory?
(Allmendinger,2009,pp.1018).
Page38|103

backboneliesinempiricalobservationsandinacollec beenpartofarchitectureandurbandesignpracticesin
tion of single experiences or projects; their formula thepast,andstillisinmanycountries.Thusarchitects
tion can therefore sometimes be associated with the and urban designers occupy themselves also with ur
brandingofaproject,morethanareflectiononurban bandevelopment,butitseemsthattheynowopenup
design and planning. The theorists here do not give more and more to parallel thinking and look into ur
anyclearmethodinhowtotransformurbanplanning ban processes prior to the design, where the user is
and design according to the potentials they highlight. the keyelement as to give meaning to their task and
Theideaofsprawlingeffectfromasingleurbaninter tothefinal designoutcome.Secondlyurbanplanning
vention,likeringsinthewater,somehowcanillustrate as an independent education and academic field can
observed consequences to projects that have been seemforeignforurbandesigners,sincetheyconsider
carried out, but the methodology to assure this themselvesasplanners;heretheconfusionliesmostly
spreading effect is still unclear when one desires to intheignoranceormisunderstandingofthedifference
reproduce the same phenomenon in future projects. andsimilaritiesbetweenurbandesignandurbanplan
Indeed the theorists present concrete examples ning.Throughthepreviouslypresentedtheories,obvi
where planning alternatives have been tried out and ouslinkscanbedrawnbetweenurbandesignandur
had a positive result on the outcome, without outlin ban planning processes. This project intends to draw
ingguidelinesforfutureprocesses.Thisallowsthusto onthesepotentialinterrelationsandmakethemmore
questiontowhichextenttheprocessisimportantfor explicit in contemporary urban planning practices.
them,orisitstillthefinalproductthemostimportant Next section looks into collaborative planning, which
resultinplanning.Howevertheprojectsusedasrefer was intuitively identified as a theory and approach
enceandempiricalbackgroundforthosetheoriesare with corresponding urban planning values, to which
ratherlocalisedandcontextspecific,herebychalleng those designbased theories could be related as to
inganygeneralisation. bridgethedesignplanninggap,mentionedatthebe
ginningofthechapter.
Additionally the design backgrounds of the au
thors and contributors to those theories, as well as
thehybridinspirationfieldsindicatedinTable4.2,in
dicate some reasons for confusion about contempo
rary urban planning field. Firstly urban planning has
Page39|103

4.2. Collaborative planning approach hasanincreasingimportanceandpresenceinthefield

Tworeasonsappearforpresentinganddiscussingcol of urban planning research and practices
laborativeplanningastheplanningtheorytobesetin (Allmendinger & TewdwrJones, 2002) (Mota, 2012).
relation with the previously described urban design Collaborative planning is thus one more theory to be
basedtheories.Firstlyongoingreferencetotheterm investigatedastomatchthepurposeofthisreportto
collaborative was encountered in discussions and relate contemporary urban design and planning prac
literature about the socalled urban design theories, tices in the complex context of contemporary cities.
presentedpreviously;secondlytheauthorseducation The following table present succinctly the main au
and knowledge about collaborative planning ap thors and contributors to the collaborative planning
proaches made evident the theoretical interrelations. theory, together with the keyelements of the ap
The latter is though a personal viewpoint. Moreover proach.ThistablecanbesetinrelationtoTable4.2.
thecommunicativeorcollaborativeplanningparadigm

Table4.3:Collaborativeplanningtheory.(Sourcesarethesameasthoseusedinthetext)
AUTHOR(S)& INSIPIRATION
PLACEOF REFERENCE
NAME CONTRIBU FIELDSTOAP AGE KEYELEMENTS
ORIGIN PROJECT
TOR(S) PROACHCITIES
Democraticanddelib
erativeplanningculture
Institutionand Recognitionofthe
policyanalysis pluralisticcharacterof
PatsyHealey,
Urbanplanning Severalexam contemporarysociety
Collabora JudithInnes, U.K.
Communicative plesinAustralia, Localandglobalinter
tiveplan LeonieSander Canada Sincethe1980s
turnandIdeal Canadaand relationsandnetworks
ning cockandJohn Australia
SpeechSituation U.S.A. Communityandcapaci
Forrester
(referenceto tybuilding
Habermas) Inclusionofthemany
stakeholdershavinga
sayinurbanprojects
Page40|103

Collaborativeperspectivesandvalues thus her outlook on planning, emphasising the social
andinteractivestrandsofplanning.Hillieraswellhigh
The socalled communicative turn in planning ap lights,inherbookStretchingBeyondtheHorizon,the
pearedfirstlyinthe1980sasaresponsetotheprevi inherent relation between collaborative planning and
ous practices of comprehensive or rational planning, urban governance approaches, but with focus on the
whichgeneralscopeconstitutedalimitingbarrierdue involvementofinteractivenetworksofsocialactorsin
to lack of meaningful public debates and mismatch publicagenciespracticesofplanning(Hillier,2007,pp.
between the public interest and technocratic means 3454).Althoughthecollaborativeparadigm,present
of measuring it (Innes, 1996, p. 460). Since then it ed by Healey and Hillier, theorises mainly on govern
evolvedintoasetofvarioustheoreticalconceptsput anceforms,itpromotesvaluesthatcanbetransferred
forward by planning theorists such as Healey, Innes from the urban governance and power spheres to
and Forrester. The names of planning through de practicesinurbandesignandplanning.
bate,communicativeplanning,argumentativeplan
ning, collaborative planning and deliberative plan Collaborative planning enhances the importance
ningreflectthevariousnuancesincollaborativeplan of critical, dialogic and discursive practices within de
ning values (Allmendinger & TewdwrJones, 2002, p. liberative and democratic planning processes, as to
5). In her book Collaborative Planning, Healey devel promoteattentiontothevaluesofsocialjustice,envi
opsthecollaborativeplanningalternativeasonesug ronmental responsibility and cultural sensitivity
gestion to embed urban governance practices and (Healey, 2006, p. 317). Mutual understanding of all
institutional design in more democratic planning pro stakeholders and their respective interests, equal ac
cesses,matchingherebycontemporarypluralistsocie cess to the process and collective decisionmaking as
ties.Itoutlinesanormativepositionsuggestingshared torealisejointbenefitsarethusessentialincollabora
powerandequalaccesstospeakoutsinplanningpro tive processes (Sager, 2009, pp. 6869) (Innes &
cesses,basedoninstitutionandpolicyanalysisofpast Gruber,2005,p.183).Whereasthetheoriespresented
planning trends (Healey, 2006, pp. 36; pp. 2830). in Chapter 4.1 lack in concrete methodologies or ap
Healey defines planning and policy making as social plication criteria to translate their values in practice,
processes through which ways of thinking, ways of collaborative planning, with its strong theoretical
valuingandwaysofactingareactivelyconstructedby backbone,hasdevelopedovertimesomecharacteris
participants(Healey,2006,p.29).Thisquotereveals ticsinherenttocollaborativeprocesses.Abriefoutline
Page41|103

of those characteristics, based on the main authors Itisthereforenotmeanttoserveasaframeworkfor

and contributors of collaborative planning theorising, theforthcomingcaseanalysis,butthemesmentioned
can be found below in Table 4.4. The table is not an here by the planning theorists will be related to the
exhaustive and definitive framework, but outlines themes presented by the urban design theorists and
someimportantaspectsofthecollaborativeapproach. exemplifiedthroughouttheDreamhamarcase.
Table4.4:ConcretecharacteristicsforcollaborativeprocessesaccordingtoHealey(2006),Hillier(2003),Forester(1999),
Innes&Gruber(2005),Sager(2009),Allmendinger&TewdwrJones(2002),Huxley&Yiftachel(2000)andMcCarthy(2007)
Characteristicofcol
laborativeplanning supportedby Spillovereffectsandoutcomes
processes
discussionanddeliberation
Strategiesrelatingto knowledgesharingbetweenmultiplestakeholders
collectivelearningandmutualunderstanding coevolutionofstakeholders
citizensvalues,
coherenceofinstitutionsandpolicieswiththespecif reflectioninaction
needs&demands icrelationalcontextofplaces(i.e.particularhistory
andlocalassets)
useofcommunicativeactions,predicatedupon
assumptionsofsharedrationalnorms,ofmutualun
derstanding/reciprocity,thepossibilityofcommunica
fosteringofcommunityempowerment
Consensusbuilding& tionwithoutconstraintandfreedomfrompowerplays recognitionofdiversities
inordertoreachcommongroundofconsensus
collectivedecision developmentofdiscursivelocaldemocracybeyond
(Hillier,2003,p.53)
making theconfinesofspecificissues(Huxley&Yiftachel,
focusonthepublicinterest
2000,p.333)
responsiveness,freedomofspeech,equalopportuni
tiesforaction,justiceandbureaucraticneutrality
withintheprocess
useofnetworksandpartnershipsasactivecoalition consistencyrelationalaspectofplacesasemerging
Partnerships&impli ofinterests withinnodesofcrossingtransdisciplinarynetworks
promotetrustandunderstanding enhanceddynamisminprocesses
cationofallrelevant
recognitionofnewcombinationsandarenasfor productionofknowledgeinspecialisedfields,con
urbanstakeholders involvementofactors structionofsocialandintellectualcapital
interactionofdiscoursecommunities institutionalcapacitybuilding
Distributionofpower understandingofmutualdependencies planningprocesseswhicharenotdefinedbythe
criticalstancetolistenbeyondspecificpoliticaland
&responsibilityinthe politicalandculturalmajorityonly
culturalissues
process developmentofmutualrespect
transparencyofdiscussionarenaandspeakouts
Page42|103

useofinformationtechnologiesandinspirationfrom
theinnovativetechnologicalrevolutionsemergingat
Creativity&innova effectivedialogueandcommunication
thesametimeascollaborativeplanning
tionindeveloping renewedattentiontothequalitiesofplacesforpoli
recognitionandactionsinrelationtocontemporary
spatialstrategies tics,localdwellersandstakeholders
complexityofnetworksandmultipleconceptionsof
space

Furthermore Healey has defined some normative cri to the individual practitioners interpretation of what
teriatodeterminethequalitiesofprocesses,andthen is sufficiently collaborative. This will be illustrated as
the qualities of places, which are collaboratively well through the case analysis, where Dreamhamar
plannedandshaped.Firstly,thequalitiesofprocesses canbeconsideredasanexampleofcollaborativeand
areevaluatedbythecoherencebetweentherelation participativepracticesextendedtotheirextreme.
al context and the institutional capacity, the con
sistency with cultural values, the sustainability over Generalreflectionsandcritique
timeandthedevelopmentofsocialorintellectualcap
In the critique of collaborative planning, some theo
ital (Healey, 2006, pp. 6971). Secondly, the qualities
rists indicate for instance that some premises or rec
of places result from economic, social, environmental
ommendations are simply unrealistic (e.g. the ideal
andpoliticalinterrelations,whereallstakeholdersare
speech situation and fair dialogue); they end up in
implicated on a longterm perspective. Qualities of
overlooking noncommunicative actions and factors
placeswouldconsequentlyleadtoqualityofenviron
intervening in the process, and hiding critical power
ments, social justice and economic productivity.
play at stake (Flyvbjerg & Richardson, 2004, p. 50)
(Healey,2006,p.317)Thishighlightsthesequencesof
(Healey,2006,pp.336338).Addingtotheearlierindi
interrelations between urban processes and urban
cated argument that the integration of collaborative
places, which the collaborative planners recognize in
planningvaluesareleftverymuchuptotheinterpre
theory,butwhichthisprojectregardsasnotintegrat
tation and proactive attitude of individual practition
ed to its full potential. Indeed although some practi
ers, questions can be made on how the collaborative
tioners seem to develop and integrate the collabora
stancecanfitintoexistingplanningsystemsandinsti
tive values in their work, those values have little
tutions.Thismightconstituteoneofthegreatestchal
methodological framework and visibility, leaving it up
lenges for the application of collaborative planning,
Page43|103

and can be interpreted as well in the collaborative 4.3. Theoretical interrelations between
planning approaches existing in several experiments approaches
butnotreallyimprintingthoroughlyplanningcultures. From the presented conceptual and theoretical
Allmendinger & TewdwrJones highlight as well some framework, it becomes clear that many values and
weaknessesoftheparadigmintermsofattractiveness focuses correspond between urban design and plan
for practicing professionals: its dominant theoretical ning theories, i.e. respectively the presented urban
debateisnotlinkedsufficientlytotherealityofpracti designbased concepts and the collaborative planning
tioners (Allmendinger & TewdwrJones, 2002, p. 5). theory. This illustrates thus the theoretical interrela
These latter critiques are also addressed through the tionsbetweenthetwopracticesandindicatesthatthe
present report which studies a case of collaborative designplanninggapisratherafluidmargin,wherethe
andparticipativedesignandplanningprocess,inorder delimitation of design and planning tasks is not as
totrytobridgedesignandplanningpracticesinurban clear as expected. The first section presents some
projectsandprocesses. themes exemplifying the correspondence between
values in the presented design and planning ap
Whilethefocusofcollaborativeplanningisclearly
proaches. This correspondence is based on overall
ontheprocess,theurbandesignbasedtheoriesmight
similaritiesandoverlappingfocusesinthevalues.The
haveaskewedinterestintheprocess,asitisgenuine
simplificationintothemesenablestheauthortomake
lyfocusedtowardsthefinalproduct.Butgiventhelack
thepointofexistinginterrelationsbetweenurbande
of practicality of the collaborative theory, and the
signandplanning,howeveritshouldbekeptinmind
dominantempiricalbaseoftheurbandesigntheories,
thatthoseinterrelationscannotbeperceivedinasim
itcanbediscussedifthereisapotentialforcomplet
plisticway.Thelastsectionintroducesparticipationas
ingtheweaknessesofeach,i.e.respectivelythelackof
apossiblearenaforthisinterrelationinpractice,illus
practicallybased reflection and the lack of deeper
tratedthenbythefollowingcasestudy.
theoreticalbackground.Thenextparagraphswillhigh
lightthetheoreticalinterrelationsbetweendesignand
4.3.1. Corresponding values
process.
Generally the presented theories recognise the com
plexity and multiple relations characterising contem
porarydesignandplanning,bothintermsofmultiple
Page44|103

urban issues and pluralistic society constituting the understanding and the recognition of multiple back
context,withinwhichdesignandplanningarecarried grounds and knowledge. Here technologies can be
out, and in terms of multiple urban actors and com used as supportive communication and networking
munitiesincreasinglyconcernedwithdesignandplan tools.
ningnowadays.
Creativity and innovation is commonly well re
Then placemaking and urban processes are re garded in order to give space for lateral thinking and
garded in relation to their democratic and inclusive transdisciplinarity, to experiment alternative ways of
character, suggesting that the process should be addressingthecomplexityindesignandplanningpro
transparent,eitheropenforallstakeholdersastopar cesses, to enhance institutional capacity, to build so
ticipateactivelyinshapingprocessesandplaces(ona cial and intellectual capital and to develop effective
shorttermbasis),oropenandflexibleforincremental strategies, and more. Creative and innovative spaces
overtaking by the citizens and urban dwellers (on a canbetheplaygroundforthemultiplesynergiesfos
longtermbasis).Thisdemocraticandinclusivevalueis tered by networks, partnerships, communicative ac
stronglylinkedwithissuesofpowerandresponsibility tionsandcollaborationofstakeholders.
in planning. Therefore it opens up as well for reflec
tionsonurbangovernanceandplanningcultures,chal Finally, how idealistic or vague some theories
lengingthepresentpoliciesandpracticeswithinplan couldbeperceivedtobe,theystillhaveafocusonthe
ninginstitutions.Althoughitisimportanttobeaware productivity of design and planning processes, being
of such reflections and challenges, they will not be awareoftheneedtouseexistingandpreferablylocal
discussedhere. resources, and attentive to the potential lying within
localknowledge,socialandintellectualcapital.Valuing
The previous aspects lead on to the value focus existingresourcescanbeconsideredfromtwoangles:
sing on information, communication and collective thepotentialsandadvantagestointegratetheminthe
deliberation within the process. Complexity and rela processandtheirongoingdevelopment(e.g.commu
tional contexts are addressed by knowledge sharing nityandcapacitybuilding).
and coevolution of urban actors, through networks,
partnerships and various communities, while demo These values crossing the fields of design and
cratic process and inclusiveness necessitate mutual planningillustratethatratherthanaclearfrontier,itis
Page45|103

a fluid transition that exists between the presented 4.3.2. Interrelations in participative processes
design and planning practices. The report does not The values converge in defining values of good pro
rejectthoughthatotherexamplesofdesignconcepts cessorproductiveprocess,althoughthearguments
or planning theories might reveal distinct differentia for planners occupying themselves with the process
tionpoints.Nonethelesswiththisconceptualandthe arise from different expectations and objectives in
oreticalframework,thegapcanbeidentifiedmorein termsofoutcome:eitherthecoherencewithademo
the lack of knowledge and understanding of the two craticplanningculture,theinfluenceonurbangovern
disciplines, than in their concrete focuses and value. ance and the building of local and professional com
As indicated before, a certain confusion exists in the munity and knowledge (i.e. qualities of process) are
mutualperceptionofdesignersandplannersworking atstake,orthespatialandphysicaleffectonthefinal
fields. This might be supported by a terminological design,theperceptionanduseoftheproductandits
fuzziness: urban planning tend to be associated regu coherence with the social and environmental context
larlywithtermssuchasurbanism,urbandesign,social (i.e. qualities of place) are promoted. Nonetheless
planning,landuseandregionalplanning,alsoinexist both reasons lead to higher inclusiveness of stake
ing public institutions. This fluidity between the two holders and future users in the design and planning
fields,combinedwithanincreasingsetofactiveurban process.InthecaseofDreamhamar,thecollaborative
stakeholders, who are reflecting, debating and acting processisdefinedasaparticipationandnetworkde
incontemporaryurbanplanningprojects,revealsboth sign process or an example of collective urban plan
challengesandpotentialsincurrenturbandesignand ning (Ecosistema Urbano & Hamar kommune, 2011);
planning.Itchallengesthedefinitionofrolesforurban both designations reveal this aforementioned inclu
designersandurbanplannersandraisestheambitions siveness. Could it thus suggest that participation can
fortheplanningcultures.Butitgivesaswelltheflexi beconsideredasonearenaforthemeetingandprac
bility and margin for developing design and planning tical interrelation of presented urban design values
withinspirationfromthehybridknowledgeandexper and collaborative planning values? It is important
tiseofcurrenturbanstakeholders.Thenextparagraph thoughtoreflectonparticipationandcollaborationas
reflects on a planning arena, proposed by the author not directly equal terms: the collaborative aspect of
as to receive and deploy these design and planning participation will depend on how participation is de
interrelations. fined and carried out in practice, while collaborative
Page46|103

planningcanencompassotherprocessesthanpartici design:theyconsidernetworkdesignasthecontem
pation. For instance, question can be made on the porary evolution of participation processes; it takes
collaborative value of public meetings, considered in into account innovative digital tools and the cultural
some department as part of public participation pro shift mentioned above (Cingolani, 2012). Without
cedures. diggingintothetheoryandmethodsofnetworkthink
ingandnetworkdesign,itsupportstheideaofpartici
The interest in participation in the forthcoming pation being an interesting arena to engage with the
analysisemanatesfromthechoiceofthecase,related aforementionedcomplexityandrelationalcontextsof
tothepresentedurbandesignbasedtheories:indeed, contemporary urban design and planning. This was
twoactorsofDreamhamarhavecontributedtoreflec addressed as well through the values of different in
tionsontacticalurbanism.Butitisalsolinkedtothe putsinthisconceptualandtheoreticalframework.The
perceptionofparticipationasaplanningphasehaving following case study will illustrate further these con
the potential of increasing the visibility of urban pro siderations.
cessesforthepublic(i.e.thesamepublicwhothetwo
fieldsseektoinvolveinurbanprojects),whilegaining
the confidence of the public about the projects on
goingintheirneighbourhoodandcity.Thenparticipa
tion appears also as a flexible arena where experi
mentscanbecarriedoutandwhereprofessionalsand
publiccanchallengetheplanningculture,suchasthe
planning experiment in Troms. Here planning was
paused for one year and subjected to experimenta
tionsandinputsfromthelocalcommunity,inorderto
adjust the local planning strategies through a general
participative effort (Nyseth, Plger, & Holm, 2010).
This seems to fit the reactive stance of some of the
presented theories and concepts. Finally architects
anddesignershaveproposedtodevelopparticipative
processesinrelationtonetworkthinkingandnetwork
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Page48|103

5 THEDREAMHAMAREXPERIENCE,A about art on the main public square of Hamar,

launchedbytheMunicipality.
CASE OF PARTICIPATIVE DESIGN
ANDPROCESS Box5.1:FactsaboutHamar(Hamarkommune,2010(C))
ThischapterwillinvestigatethecaseofDreamhamar, Hamarregioniscomposedoftheneighbourmunicipalities
Ringsaker,Lten,StangeandHamar.
aparticipationandnetworkdesignprocessthattook
Hamarcityis
placeinthecityofHamar,undertheurbanregenera theadministrativecapitalofHedmarkCounty.
tion and planning process instigated around Stortor ahistoricalmiddleagecityfrom1152.
consideredthecapitalofInlandNorway.
get, the citys main public square. Before starting the
locatednexttothelakeMjsa.
casestudyofDreamhamar,somepracticalinformation
aboutthecityofHamar(seeBox5.1)andadescription (GoogleMaps,2012)
of the first developments, leading from the initial

proposition to the Dreamhamar process itself, seem
useful for the reader as to situate the project in its
context.Thecaseanalysiswillthenfollow,dividedin
three subsequent themes: the main design and plan
ningvaluesemergingthroughDreamhamar;theinter
relationsofthosevaluesinpracticethroughthemany
contributionstotheproject;finallytheoutcomesand
benefitsexpectedfromtheexperience.
5.1. Context and development of

Dreamhamar
Dreamhamar is the name given to the participation
and network design process itself, but it originally
emerged from the response to an idea competition
Page49|103

TheDreamhamarexperience,acaseofparticipativedesignandprocess
Hamarisalittletownofapproximately28000inhab bank (see Figures I, II andIII). Currently the square is

itants, located 120 km North from Oslo, Norway (see mainlyaparkinglot,andhasbeenforabout50years
map in Box 5.1). At the project start, the mayor of now. The main pedestrian street ends up on the
Hamar was Einar Busterud, from the political party squareandlinksitwithotherimportantpublicplaces
By og Bygdelista, which showed increasing success inthecitycentre(seeFigureIV).Thefunctionsaround
through the different elections since its foundation andclosetoStortorgetaremainlycommerce,restau
and up to 2011. It proposes to defend the values of rantsandservicessuchasthemainlibrary.Moreover
Hamarwithverypracticalmeansandstrategies,based thenewregionalCulturalcentre(i.e.Kulturhuset)will
on collaboration and common sense (By og be built on the western side of the square, marking
Bydgelista, 2012). No further details will be given on Stortorget with both its architectonic expression and
thepoliticalcontextofDreamhamar,butitisinterest byitsactivities(Hamarkommune,2010,p.1(B))(see
ing to consider this aspect with the explicit values of Figures V and VI). The square has additionally an im
public participation and aspiration for increased col portant role historically and culturally, being for ex
laborative approaches within the Planning depart amplethemaintradeplacefortheregion,orwelcom
ment,whichhavebeenformulatedonthebasisofthe ingimportantpeopleandspeakersthroughtime(Ap
political strategies (Appendixes B and D7). Moreover pendix B). Plans and illustrations can be found in the
onthenationallevel,theNorwegianGovernementhas followingpages.
apparentlygivenguidelinesonpossibleapproachesto
participation(AppendixB).
In2010,thePlanningdepartmentlaunchedanin
ternationalcompetitionforartonStortorget,themain

public square of the city, named Art on the square
(Hamar Kommune, 2012). Stortorget is one of three
importantpublicplacesinHamar:itischaracterisedby
a central position in the city of Hamar and a North
South axis, determined by the visual connection be

tweenthecathedralandthelakeofMjsa,andbythe
gradualslopetowardsthelakeandtheparklyingatits
Page50|103

MAPSANDILLUSTRATIONS
ThefollowingpagesprovidesadditionalmapsandillustrationsofStortorgetanditsphysicalenvironment;3Dvisuali
sationofKulturhuset,beingthefutureCulturalcentretobebuiltontheWesternsideofStortorget;andfinallymate
rialfromthepropositionofONETHOUSANDSQUARE.

FigureI:ViewofStortorgetfromSouthWest(Hamarkommune,2010)
PageA

Mapsandillustrations

FigureII:PlanofcurrentsituationofStortorget(Hamarkommune,2010)
PageB

FigureIII:TheNorthSouthaxiswiththecathedralandthelakeofMjsa

FigureIV:ThemainpedestrianstreetendingupinStortorget
PageC


FigureV:3DvisualisationofthenewCulturalcentreanditsspatialrelationtoStortorget(Hamarcommune,2012)

PageD

FigureVI:ExtractsfromthevideopresentationofthecompetitionentryofONETHOUSANDSQUARE:
fromonesquaretoONETHOUSANDSQUARE(EcosistemaUrbano&Artiga,2011)

FigureVII:ExtractsfromthevideopresentationofthecompetitionentryofONETHOUSANDSQUARE:
whatisONETHOUSANDSQUAREandhowdoesONETHOUSANDSQUAREwork(EcosistemaUrbano&Artiga,2011)
PageE


FigureVIII:MockupsonStortorget,fromOneThousandSquaretoDreamhamar(Jordana,2011)(Hamarkommune&EcosistemaUrbano,2012)

FigureIX:TheBazaarbuildingonStortorget,outsideandinside(EcosistemaUrbano&Hamarkommune,2011)
PageF

PreliminaryworkandcompetitionArtonthesquare events* (Hamar kommune, 2009, p. 1(B)). For that
purpose,Hamarmunicipalitytookthestandofhaving
The project was initiated on the backdrop of the im artasthemainandbearingelementofthisregenera
plementationofanewoccupationplanforStortorget tion,consideringthattherearebeneficialpotentialsto
andtheapprovalfortherealisationofthenewCultur theearlyintegrationofartinpublicplaces.Nospecifi
alcentreinHamar,whichwillhaveitsfacadesoutto cations were made in terms of what kind of art was
thewesternsideofStortorget.Thoseplansarepartof expected (e.g. sculpture, light installation or interac
the general urban regeneration of the central part of tivepavement).Theselectedprojectisnowfinalising
Hamarcity.Theoutlineoftheprojectstates:theplan itsdesignphase,withalreadysomedesigndocuments
shouldenablethedevelopmentofthesquareasoneof andvisualisationspresentedattheMunicipality,based
Hamars most important urban spaces, and should on the prior creative phase. The final approval will
organisetheuseandactivitiesaccordingtothediffer likelyhappenduringthesummer,withpublichearing
enttraffictypes,commerce,services,plannedcultural (see Figure 5.1) (Appendix B) (Hamar kommune,
centre, as well as support both small and bigger 2009(B)).

20102011 Aug.Oct.2012
Sept.Dec.2011 Jan.June2012 Dec.2012Nov.2013
Initiatingphase Public
withcompetition Creativephase Designphase Constructionphase
procurement
Figure5.1:TimeschedulefortheprojectonStortorget,
basedondiagramfromHamarmunicipalityswebsite(HamarKommune,2012)
The start of the project on Stortorget goes back to Hamar as regional and inland capital. Intentions such
200913,wheretheMunicipalCounciltogetherwiththe asstrengtheningHamarcitycentre,highlightingwater
Planning department desired to reinforce the role of as a resource and element in the urban landscape,
sustaining qualities of social and urban life, enabling
13
The necessity of an urban regeneration of the square and its meetings and cultural events in the urban spaces,
surroundings was formulated already in the Municipal plan for
thecitycentreof1995(Hamarkommune,2009(A)). promoting culture for the city and its region, were
Page51|103

consideredimportant.Theregulationplanfortheuse politicians, one representative from the business sec

and activities on Stortorget was developed in close tor,onerepresentativefromthePlanningdepartment
relation to the Cultural centre project and encom and two artistic advisors. Furthermore a reference
passedtherecommendationforanartprojectonStor group,constitutedofrepresentativesfromtheregion
torget,astosustainthelocalidentityfeeling.Besides altouristassociation,theyouthcouncilandHamarcity
the clear and repeated desire to integrate art in the centre association, represented a sample of users,
urban regeneration of the square and surrounding contributing as well as advisors. Finally the architec
area,considerationsweremadeaboutthefestiveand turefirmresponsiblefortherealisationoftheCultural
dailyuseofthesquare:Stortogetbeingthegathering centre, as well as local art and culture consultants
placeforthe1stMayandtheNationalday,ormarket were asked to assist the jury (BullHansen & Haugen,
place, with alternative parking possibilities, shared 2010). Thus it appears that Hamar municipality tried
spaceandgoodaccessibility(Hamarkommune,2009). representingandintegratingasmanyinterestsaspos
FinallytheMunicipalityintegratedtheviewsandopin sible in the composition of the jury. The program of
ionsofvariouspublicandprivaterepresentativesfrom thecompetitionemphasisesadistinctive,invitingand
the neighbour municipalities and institutions, youth surprisinginterventionofhighartisticquality,leavinga
and activity associations, local business organisations lotoffreedomtotheteamstorespondtotheassign
and/or citizens. This occurred through direct contact mentwithintheframeworkoftheregulationplanes
with the representatives, users survey and users tablished by the Municipality (Hamar kommune,
meeting(AppendixB)(Hamarkommune,2010(A)). 2010(B)). The municipal architect and planner Geir
Cockpointsaswellatthejurysdesiretobeintrigued
After preliminary selections, five teams were in and surprised, and thus they had no idea of what to
vited to enter the competition Art on the square, expect(AppendixB).TheSpanishpropositionachieved
eachteamofoneartistcollaboratingwithanarchitec thiswithastartingpointintheMunicipalityspolitical
ture or landscape design firm: they were two Danish aspirationforpublicparticipation.IndeedtheMunici
teams,oneSwedish,oneNorwegianandoneSpanish. pality expresses: this art project takes seriously the
The winning design was the latter, resulting from the politics of Hamar about participation, and invites for
SpanishcollaborationofLlusSabadellArtigaandEco interaction, activity and engagement across all fron
sistema Urbano (Hamar kommune,2010(B)). The jury tiers*(Hamarkommune,2011).
of the competition was composed of the mayor, two
Page52|103

Fromartprojecttoplanningprocess Thefinalcontractedprojectwasreducedfrom20
months to a 12months procedure, and the team de
TheSpanishpropositionONETHOUSANDSQUAREisbased velopedthustwoalternativesfortheimplementation
ontheconceptionthattheforeignartistandarchitects ofthecreativeparticipationprocess:eithertheproject
couldnotimposeonedesign,whichwouldonlyreflect schedule was divided equally between the participa
their perspectives on urban space, onto the local tion process and the final design phase, of 6 months
communityofHamar.Theyconsideredthattherewas each,oritencompassed3monthspreliminarydesign,
anopportunityofengagingthewholecommunityina 4months participation process and then 5months
creative process (Appendix C). The proposition sug final design phase. The latter was chosen by the Mu
geststhustheintegrationofthemanyideasandcon nicipal Council because increasing the political confi
tributionsofboththelocalandinternationalcommu dence in the project, since the preliminary design
nity, in order to respond most appropriately to the wouldallowtohavealookatthecapacityandskillsof
needsanddesireofthefutureusers,orastheSpanish the Spanish team to develop a design with creative
teampresentedit,togiveHamarathousandsquares andtechnicalqualitieswithinthebudget(Appendixes
in one (see Figure VI and VII) (Ecosistema Urbano & B, C and D8) (Ecosistema Urbano, 2011). The chosen
Artiga, 2011(B)). The idea is based on the perception alternativeledthentotherealisationofDreamhamar.
that collaborative development of urban spaces and Noa Peer, architect working with Ecosistema Urbano
opensource placemaking, by embracing the inputs on the preliminary preparations of the participation
anddemandsofthecommunityplannedfor,willresult process,describeshowDreamhamarrespondstoevo
inabetterqualityandmoreresponsivefinalproduct. lution and challenges in our contemporary society,
Butitwillaswellhavespillovereffectsforcitizenem throughcollaborativeapproachtodesignandplanning
powerment and local community building, for meth and through global and local networks of knowledge
ods and skills in future urban designs and processes, sharing (Appendix D8) (Ecosistema Urbano & Hamar
for global visibility of Hamar as specific reference for kommune, 2011). This explains the terms participa
participative public space design, and finally for the tionandnetworkdesignprocesswithwhichtheteam
branding and media coverage of Hamar (Ecosistema designatestheproject.
Urbano&Artiga,2011(B)).
Page53|103

Figure5.2:OutlineforDreamhamarparticipationandnetworkdesignprocess(EcosistemaUrbano&Hamarkommune,2011)
Page54|103

Concretely Dreamhamar is constituted by onsite and researchers,professionalsfromallovertheworldand
online workshops, events and lectures. The different publiccouldinteractanddiscussabouturbanspacein
workshops would have themes, either corresponding general and Stortorget in particular. Those different
toanissue tobediscussed(e.g.technology,seasonal elements of the Dreamhamar participation and net
strategies, people, environment and activities) or try work design process are illustrated in Figure 5.2
ing to reach and engage a certain target group (e.g. (Ecosistema Urbano & Hamar kommune, 2011). With
childrenandyouth).Furthermoreurbanactionswere thisnetworkbehindDreamhamar,itisamultiplicityof
organised as mockups or tryouts of possible experi actors,professionalandpublic,internationalandlocal,
ences and uses of Stortorget (e.g. sharing of toys on whoareengagedintheproject.Theycomewiththeir
the square with Playhamar and picnicking on the backgroundandexperiences,whichcontributedtothe
square with Creamhamar). Each intervention would versatilecombinationofmanyhybridprofiles.
haveacoupleofkeyactors,onelocalandoneinterna
tional,responsibleforitsrealisation,i.e.thecommu
nity activator and the creative guest. Furthermore
The presented information indicates already the
Dreamhamar initiated a collaboration with the local
unique example, which Dreamhamar represents in
and regional schools, by means of the governmental
terms of developing a collaborative practice of urban
program the Cultural rucksack, and invited universi
design and planning. The complexity induced by the
ties and academies of art, craft and architecture to
extended participation and network process seems
contribute to installations and interventions on the
thoughchallengingthecoherencebetweenthevalues
square(i.e.academicnetwork).Throughthe4months
expressedbytheurbanactors,theimplementationof
process exhibitions and lectures would occur after
theprocessanditsfinaloutcome.Thisiswhatthecase
work hours in the Bazaar building, located on the
analysis will examine in this one practical example of
Southern edge of the square, and which was Eco
interrelatingdesignandplanningvalues.Firsttheval
sistema Urbanos local office and physical lab during
ues emerging from the different contributions in
theprocess(seeFigureIX).Finallybroadcasting,online
Dreamhamarareextracted;thentheinterrelationsof
debates, Skype meetings, YouTube videos, comments
thosevaluesinpracticeareoutlined;finallyoutcomes
and posts on blogs and websites, happened simulta
andexpectedbenefitsfromthisspecialexperienceare
neously and formed the socalled digital lab, where
determined(seeFigure5.3).
Page55|103

Figure5.3:Structureofthecaseanalysis

cordingtosomemainthemesextractedfromtheactor
5.2. Design and planning values ex- interviews.Theyareasfollowing:valuesinreactionto
pressed in Dreamhamar currenttendenciesinthedesignandplanningofurban
The interview answers allowed identifying the inter space, values related to the social dimension high
viewees values, based on their own reflections and lighted in the Dreamhamar project, and finally values
experiences, or developed through the process. The at the basis for approaches and methods used in
values are presented in the following order, and ac Dreamhamar(seeFigure5.3).
Page56|103

5.2.1. Reaction to current tendencies in design caseofDreamhamar,shehighlightsthusthenecessity
and planning of urban space of activating peoples consciousness about the use of
Some actors formulated values in reaction to what the square (Appendix D7). Besides those two munici
they considered as failing or lacking in present and palactors,twocommunityactivatorsexpressaswella
past planning practices. They outlined hereby their desire to refocus the development of urban spaces
view on the main challenges and potentials in con around activities, divergent uses and experiences of
temporaryurbandesignandplanning.Oneproblemat thepublicplaces,forhealthorsocialandculturaliden
icissueconsistsinageneralconcernabouttherepar tity reasons (Appendixes D5 and D6). This introduces
tition of space between motorised roadusers and theemergence,orreemergence14,offocusonpeople
pedestrians.ThemunicipalarchitectandplannerGeir inurbandesignandplanningpractices:herebytheuse
Cock mentions much of the townplanning has been ofpublicplaces,theexperiencesandperceptionwith
focused on infrastructure, cars and buses, as well as in, their effect on social life and health, their role in
thebiginvestments.Someofthesehasthecapacityto the shaping of an identity and responsibility feeling
transformnotonlythephysicaltownscapebutcanalso towardsonescloseneighbourhoodandcity.Thiswill
have a major impact on the economy and life within bedevelopedfurtherinParagraph5.2.2.
thecity.Thespacegiventocarsisconsideredexces
Thesecondissueconcernsthebeneficialinterre
siveinrelationtowhatisdedicatedtopeopleandhe
lations between disciplines as to respond to the in
argues for turning planning towards the real user
creasing complexity and multiplicity in planning. Sev
(AppendixD1).Thedefinitionoftherealuserinthis
eral actors expressed an interest in the interrelations
caseisnottotallyclear:isitthepedestrianorbicyclist
either between different aspects within the planning
experiencingmoreintenselytheurbanspacethanthe
field (e.g. Cocks focus on the connections between
driverinhiscar,orisitingeneralalldwellerandciti
landuse,designingandusingpublicspaces),between
zen,herebyalsothosenotusuallyshowingupatpub
lichearingsandmeetings?Theurbanplanningmanag
14
er Kari Nilssen points as well at the road and traffic Thewordreemergenceishereusedtopointatthefactthat
thevalues,mentionedinthischapter,orsimilarideals,havebeen
issue,whichiscurrentlybeingthepriorityinplanning, developed by planners, architects, sociologists, among other
and advocates for planners to establish frames and professionals, in previous theories of planning (e.g. Jane Jacobs,
incentives for multiple use of the city centre. In the Kevin Lynch, Gordon Cullen and Jan Gehl) (Busck, Rasmussen, &
Skovsholt,2011).
Page57|103

planningandtechnology(e.g.Tato,BaraonaandGon 5.2.2. Social dimension in Dreamhamar

zlez focus on opensource technologies and place Mostintervieweespointedexplicitlyattheimportance
making)orbetweendifferenttypesofknowledgeand of the human, social or community dimension in de
disciplines(e.g.TatoandPeersfocusonthepotentials sign and planning processes, i.e. the importance of
behind the various professional and public contribu having people in focus in the process, design and fu
tions) (Appendixes C, D1, D4, D8). It confirms the ture use of Stortorget. Considerations present some
stance presented by some planning theorists already, nuancesbetweenformulatingthenecessityofengag
aboutrationalpracticesofplanning(focusedonurban ingcitizensintheurbandevelopment,findingthereal
functions and infrastructures) recognizing more and users of public space, empowering the local commu
more the complex relational systems of influences nity and reaching out for the various social groups,
groundedinvariousdisciplines,whichaffectsthequal stimulatingsocialandphysicalactivitiesinurbanspac
ities,useandappreciationofurbanspaces(seeChap es, addressing the historical and cultural heritage of
ter2).Henceinresponsetothecontemporaryevolu the locals, using the resources inherent to local and
tion of society and practices of urban planning, the globalnetworks,andsoon.
Dreamhamar actors seem to agree on the idea that
planners should have in focus the people and final Democraticandparticipativeprocess
user in urban projects and processes, and take ad
vantage of networks as a mean to share knowledge The social dimension in planning, upheld by the
andideaswithintheplanningdisciplineandacrossso Dreamhamaractors,goesinhandwiththedemocratic
manyrelatedfields.Towhatextenttheseperceptions value present in contemporary Nordic planning cul
are the ones of the individual professionals, or an ef tures,influencingtheapproachtodesignandplanning
fect of the outlined strategies for extensive participa processes,andtosomeextent,thespatialexpression
tionandnetworkdesigninDreamhamar,isnotclear. anduseofthefinalproduct.Threeoftheinterviewees
But it can be considered that the engagement of the developedtheideaofdemocraticprocesses:theyare
different actors in this project, which they genuinely characterisedbyinclusiveness,transparency,openand
characterise as an innovative and unique experience, equal access for all (Appendixes D1, D3 and D8). The
reflectadesiretotryoutdesignandplanningpractices municipal architect and planner Geir Cock mentions
inadifferentwaythanthetraditionalone. theimportanceofparticipationinurbanprojects,and
thus the necessity to offer an arena for discussion
Page58|103

andknowledgetryingtoreachalsothosewhousually network and opensource technologies. According to
dontparticipateinthesekindofprocesses(Appendix theSpanisharchitects,itsustainsthesocialdimension
D1).Inhisview,Dreamhamarachievedtocontactand of public places and fosters a final design emerging
activate more social groups (e.g. immigrants and fromcombinationofpeoplesideasandcontributions.
youth,curiouspeopleandartists)thantheusualpeo They explain that they are architects, but with an in
ple and representatives engaging in traditional public terest in technology, people and environment, and
meetings, by testing out some alternative tools (Ap thattheyaspiretotoconnectpeoplewiththepeople,
pendix B and D1). The architect responsible for the the peoplewith the environmentand the people with
preliminary preparation for the participative process the city (Appendix C). Thus networks and collabora
advocates to incorporate citizens as active agents in tion with people from other disciplines represent a
urban development (Peer, 2012). She mentions an significant value for the architectural firm, and is re
extensiveattentiontotheneedsanddesiresofusers, flected as well in their competition entry ONE
and the reclaim of public spaces for the community, THOUSANDSQUARE,wherethemessuchasdesignthink
generally endorsed by the younger generations of ing,digitalnetwork,publicparticipation,cityinter
planner.Hencethefutureusersshouldbeincludedin action,activelearning,communicationdefinetheir
the creative process, and conditions for dynamising approach to urban design (Ecosistema Urbano &
communities and their collaboration about urban is Artiga, 2011(A)). All themes are not completely clear
suesshouldbesupportedbyplanners. buttheygiveanideaabouttheirperceptionofurban
space and urban planning as something dynamic and
Thislinkstoanotherpointinsocialorienteddem interactive.Thisrelatesofcoursetotheinitialproposi
ocratic planning approach: the support of citizens tion of designing Stortorget in collaboration with the
empowerment, meaning hereby wider distribution of local community in Hamar, and with the inputs from
responsibility towards the future public space, and the international professional community of practi
consolidationthelocalcommunity.Thesignificanceof tionersandresearchers,insteadofimposingaSpanish
networks, both local and global, becomes an im design to the Norwegian locality. Belinda Tato de
portant argument and tool in that perspective. Eco scribesthesignificanceofconnectingpeopleandele
sistemaUrbanoforinstancevaluesthepossibilitiesfor ments in urban design: the way we approach urban
connecting diverging inputs and collaborating with design or city design (), it is about social or public
variousactors,whichliewithinparticipativeprocesses,
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participation, it is about public space being a social ries (see Paragraph 4.3.1), maybe more idealistic in
space, it is about technology, also social technology comparison to traditional approaches in democratic
(AppendixC).Thosethreeaspectsofurbandesign(i.e. planning(e.g.publichearings).
process, space and technology) connect and interre
lateinthedevelopmentofthefinalurbandesign. Futureuseofthefinaldesignedspace
The social dimension in planning does not only sup

posethattheplanningprocessisopenanddemocrat
Hereby the social dimension in the planning process ic,butalsothatthefinalproductisso.Heretheatten
canbecharacterisedasinherentaspecttodemocracy tionisongivingspacetopeopleinthefuturesquare,
inplanning.Althoughthevalueofdemocracyisnota i.e.theintegrationofallsocialgroupsinpublicplaces;
novelty in the planning culture, its interpretation and peoples mobility and accessibility in the city centre,
implementation might have changed. Reference can with focus on the nonmotorised roadusers; users
bemadetothedemocracycubeinparticipationde experience and activities on Stortorget and the inte
sign, presented by Archon Fung, as to situate the in gration of the historical and cultural heritage of the
clusiveness/exclusiveness, intensity and authority of community.Themobilityandaccessibilityofpeopleon
thedifferentparticipationforms15(Fung,2006,pp.13 the square is especially outlined by the municipal
23). Indeed the interviewees and the whole Dream planners, and already appearing in the resource doc
hamar experience seem to aim for open democratic uments for the launching of the competition Art on
planning and design process, where the enhanced in the square (Appendixes B, D1 and D7) (Hamar
clusiveness,highintensityofparticipationandcitizens kommune, 2010(C)). The two project managers com
authority towards the final outcome are the objec mentgenerallytheimportanceofdurabilityanduseof
tives. This relates to the focus on collective delibera the urban environment for the citizens: public places
tionanddemocracyofthepreviouslypresentedtheo need to be used and to offer a gathering point for
people. The involvement of local community in
Dreamhamar contributed in generating engagement
15
The degree of inclusiveness/exclusiveness depends on the
selection of types of participants, the intensity dimension de towardsthefuturesquare,andallowedparticipantsto
pendsonthemodesofcommunicationanddecisionmaking,and come with their ideas and visions about the final de
finallytheauthorityandpowerdimensiondependsontheinflu
enceofparticipantsonthefinaldecision(Fung,2006,pp.513).
sign of Stortorget in a creative and positive atmos
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phere (Appendix D2 and D3). One of the municipal trade and social life. Today it hosts important tradi
plannersspeaksaswellaboutpeopleinurbanspaces, tionaleventsandpoliticalgatherings(e.g.celebrations
claiming that they are not present enough in existing andspeechesof1stMayandNationaldaygatherings)
public places, hereby indicating that often excessive andistheplacewhereimportantpeoplehavespoken.
focusisgiventotheaestheticsoffashionabledesigns Stortorget serves thus as local and regional identity
insteadofdynamisingthefutureurbanspacethrough marker, which the politicians in Hamar have been in
multiple possibilities of uses and activities. He states terested to reactivate. The argument for investing in
about Dreamhamar that the project focused way thequalitiesofurbanspacesinHamar,andinthepar
moreoncontent,functionsandactivities,thanonde ticipation process of Dreamhamar, has been partly
signandmaterialsitcanpayofftohavelessgranit grounded in the political objective to reinforce
and more activity to generate a function*(Appendix Hamars position as regional node (Appendix B). The
B).ThefinaldesignofStortorgetshouldcomprehenda culture animator and community activator Joanna
square adjusted to different scales of social gather Mikulska is the second interviewee who is interested
ings: either large community meeting for big regional in integrating the cultural and historical heritage of
events or individuals enjoying intimate outdoor spac Hamarasdesignparameterforthefinalproduct.She
es. In the same perspective, the local teacher Audun defends the potentials in peoples needs, stories and
Jensen advocates for public areas which offer both memoriesbothtoengagethemintheprocessandto
socialandphysicaldeploymentpossibilities(Appendix discuss and discover what it is that attach them to a
D6). public place. These stories and perspectives can then
beintegratedintherealisationofthefinaldesign(Ap
Two interviewees mention as well the cultural pendixD5).
andhistoricalheritageinHamarassignificantforthe
futuredesign.Thefocusonthecitysheritageinrela
tion to the square is aimed both to develop the citi
zens feeling of identity, ownership and responsibility It is remarkable that the qualities of urban space, in
towardsthefuturedesign.Themunicipalarchitectand thiscasethefutureStortorget,arespecificallydefined
planner Geir Cock is concerned with the square as according to social and activity criteria, leaving very
physical space of historical importance: by the past little space for considerations on the physical envi
Stortorget has been a particular regional node for ronment and aesthetical experience on the square,
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aspectswhichonemightsuggestwouldbeinherentto the relation people will develop to the new square.

architectsanddesignerswork.Thebuiltenvironment The suggestions are rather normative, about how
andphysicalspacehavebeenaddressedthroughsome should Stortorget be redesigned and what it should
of the workshops or urban actions (e.g. environment encompass.Probablytheactorspreviousexperiences
workshop or Painthamar action) but not formulated haveastakeinthis,butaswellthefactthatsuchrec
explicitlyintheactorsresponses.Ithastobesaidthat ommendationswerealreadymadewayearlierbyoth
oneoftheactorswhodidnotrespondtothewritten er renown theorists and practitioners in the 1960s
interview was the community activator in charge of 1970s (e.g. Jane Jacobs, Kevin Lynch and Jan Gehl).
the environment workshop. Nonetheless little infor They have highlighted as well uses and needs for ur
mation on the websites and blogs develop this physi ban space, which would enhance the qualities of
cal and environmental aspect of the project, in com space, always with the user in focus (Busck,
parison to the greater proportions of considerations Rasmussen,&Skovsholt,2011).
aboutthesocialdimension.Woulditsuggestthatthe
good process and collaboration is more important In the case of Dreamhamar, considerations have
than the spatial design, or simply that the good pro been made as well on the positive spillover effects
cess will unequivocallyresult in agood design? It is expected in relation to the process and the design:
always difficult to define what is a good process or theattentiononlocalandglobalnetworksisnotonly
design,andthefuzzinessmakesitdifficulttorelateto servingtheprocess,andherewiththedesign,butalso
those terms, although most actors express that the contributestobuildandsustainthelocalcommunity,
good or positive atmosphere around the process inform and share knowledge within the (local and
andthenewdesignofStortorgetareessentialsuccess global)professionalcommunityandconstitutealega
criteria for Dreamhamar. The social dimension pre cyforHamarandthemanyactorsofDreamhamar,in
sentedinthoselastparagraphscanbeonecluetothe terms of reflections, practices and concrete tools for
questionwhatisagoodprocessordesign?Whilethe future collaborative planning and design (Appendix
social dimension in the process is somehow more D8). In an online conference, Peer mentions the ne
ideological, considerations on a social or people cessity for creating the conditions and deploying tac
friendly design are more practical and concrete: the tics within flexible designs, which can accompany the
intervieweesareconcernedwiththeuseofspaceand communitysevolutionthroughtime(Peer,2012).This
longtermperspectiveandsuggestedflexibilitycanbe
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seen as a response to complexity and multiplicity in 5.2.3. Approaches and methods
contemporary design and planning mentioned in Mainly creativity (as in creative thinking, creative ap
Chapter2.ItrelatestoHilliersadvocacyforflexibility proachandcreativeprocess),innovation,communica
inplanningthatwouldallowtoexperimentandadjust tion and facilitation have been outlined as values be
practices to the complex and relational character of hind the methods developed in the participative pro
urban developments (Hillier, 2008, pp. 3841). Thus cessofDreamhamar.Whilecommunicationandfacili
Dreamhamar can be seen as one more experiment, tationareseeminglybasedontheapplicationofinno
buildingonexistingknowledgeandpracticesofpartic vative technologies and tools into urban design and
ipation and collaboration as to develop urban design planning, creativity is a more elusive value: what is a
and planning (theoretically and practically). The (re creative process, what is an innovating approach?
newed)focusonthesocialdimensioninplanningand Generally, lateral and outofthebox thinking and
the enthusiasm for social dynamics and resources in practices can characterise the attitude of the various
planning and designing processes is especially visible Dreamhamar contributors in their approaches and
amongtheyoungergeneration.Theoldergenerations methods.
on the other hand, maybe marked by strategic or
pragmatic planning traditions, will be aware of the Creativityandinnovationinplanningprocesses
importance of the social dimension in planning but
withonlyfewsuggestionsonmethodsandapproach Againtheoverallthemeherecanbeseenintwoper
es.Newtoolsandconceptsaredevelopedandusedby spectives: creativity in terms of placing art in public
those newer planning generations, such as crowd space,orcreativityintermsofattitudeandapproach
sourcing, social networks and technologies, which inplanning.Thefirstlinksuptotheinitialdemandof
connect people and places and open alternatives for theMunicipalitywhenlaunchingthecompetitionArt
designersandplannerstogetfeedbackontheirwork, onthesquare(seeParagraph5.1),whilethesecondis
toshareknowledge,enhancecommunicationandpar reflected in the Spanish teams proposition of art be
ticipationinurbanprojects,integratemorepeopleand ingthecreativeplanningprocess.
social groups. Some values lie behind those outlooks,
The thoughts behind the competition Art on the
practicesandnewplanningtools,andarepresentedin
squarearelinkedtotheperceptionthatartinurban
thefollowingparagraph.
projectsoftencomesinverylate,buthasgreatpoten
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tial in generating urban qualities and bringing added The latter can be linked with another intervie
valuetourbanareas(e.g.surpriseandstimulationfor wees outlook, mentioning the necessity of establi
the senses). The Planning department had the desire shinganarenaforcreativityandaframeastofostera
tochallengethemselvesandthetraditionalprocessby good final product (Appendix D3). This refers back to
initiating the urban regeneration around Stortorget the reflection on what is a good design, developed
with an art project. The Council and municipal plan here into what are the qualities of such process and
ners had no clear idea of what kind of entries would design. The confidence of the Council and municipal
resultfromtheirdemand(e.g.sculpture,lightinstalla plannersintheprojectofDreamhamar,togetherwith
tionorinteractivesquare)andallowedagreatflexibil positivecommentsofmostactorsonthecreativeand
ityfortheentries(AppendixB).Althoughexpectations innovative process, suggest that potentials and quali
and desires for Stortorget were formulated (e.g. re tiesinurbanspaceswillbeenhancedbysuchplanning
gionalnode,sharedspaceandactivationofthelocal process (Appendix B). What those qualities represent
identity feeling), the benefits and qualities that art is still unclear, although the enthusiasm is contagious
shouldbringtotheearlyphasesoftheprocessandto andimaginationcouldhelponthewayoflistingsome
the final square were vague. Belinda Tato mentions qualities.Thevaguedefinitionofthosequalitiesraises
the Spanish teams (i.e. architects EcosistemaUrbano nonetheless some critical points. Either they are not
and artist Llus Sabadell Artiga) interpretation of the definedandformulated,accordingtotheflexibleand
Municipalitysdemand:intheirview,urbanregenera experimentalcharacteroftheprocess;thisisnotnec
tion is not initiated by an art object or specific urban essarilyaproblemifthestanceistaken(asitseemsto
design. On the contrary it might cause confusion and be)ofstartingupreflectionsandinitiatives,whichare
lack in appealing the local community (Appendix C). gathered into some lessons and legacy to use for the
EcosistemaUrbanoconsidersthereforethatliveability future. Indeed Belinda Tato speaks of the firms ap
and qualities of urban places are achieved through proach to planning as to spread seeds, and some of
complexcombinationandoverlapsofelements,where themflourishandothersdont,butwecreatethecon
flexibilityforimprovisingandinteractingisgiventothe ditionsforpeopletobedifferentafterwards(Appen
users (Hamar kommune & Ecosistema Urbano, 2012, dixC).Thusitcanbeinterpretedthatcreativity,flexi
p.7). bility and inclusiveness in the planning process will
guaranteegoodspatialandsocialoutcome,whatever
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qualitiesthismayhave.Theothercriticalpointwould municipal planners describes how the Planning de
lie, in case of the lack of definition of those desired partmenthadaproactivestanceinchallengingtradi
urbanqualities,intheambitionofcreativityaslinking tional planning procedures, and try out new ap
allurbanqualitiesandissuesaddressedindesignand proaches by means of new partnerships in the plan
planning (i.e. process, design outcome, environment, ningprocess.Thecompetitionjurystatedaswell:the
social,communitybuilding,cultural,economicandso projectisreallyinteresting,notjustbecauseitcouldbe
on).Thewordcreativityseemsindeedquicklyusedas a good planning method, but because it follows
a buzz word to justify many interventions and ap Hamars clearly stated ideals about openness, active
proaches. participation and democratic processes. One
thousandsquare represent a creative practice and an
Itisthenalsointerestingtolookatwhatdefinesa artistic image of those ideals* (BullHansen &
creative process, given the continuous reference Haugen,2010,p.3).Thismightsuggestthenthatthe
madetoitbytheDreamhamaractors.Justasdifficult creative process is open and participative, as to inte
as it was to determine the urban qualities aimed for grateasmanyvoicesaspossibleandmakeuseofthe
throughcreativityandinnovation,thecreativeprocess existingsocialandintellectualcapitalasaresourceof
does not have a precise definition, but through the knowledgeandideasindesignandplanning.Thisleads
actors response an attempt can be made to frame thus to reflect on the participative process and net
whatsuchcreativeprocessencompassesorgenerates. workdesigninDreamhamar,sincetheyseemtohave
Thetwomunicipalplannersdescribetheupstartofthe been developed creatively, according to the previous
creativeprocess:theinitiatingideaofthecompetition citation. Since participative planning is not something
toendorseacreativeapproachtoStortorgetemerged new, what makes it a creative process? The answer
inthePlanningdepartmentfromcreativecolleaguesin seemstobefoundinthetranslationofcomputingand
the Planning department, and had an idea about im programming technologies into the planning process:
plicating the creative voices in the planning process indeed from the very beginning, the use of open
around Stortorget (Appendixes B and D7) (Hamar sourceconceptandnetworkdesignwastheproposed
kommune,2010, p.1(A)).Apartfromtheartistwork methodforimplementingtheprojectascollaborative
ing with Ecosistema Urbano on ONETHOUSANDSQUARE designandplanningprocess.Twointervieweesevoke
and some partners from the future Culturalcentre, it theirbeliefinopensourceandparticipativeprocesses
isnotclearlydefinedwhothosevoicesare;oneofthe
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as being the best way to know, understand and de stilladdressingthedifferentsocialgroupsaccordingto

sign public space, expressing here the importance their premises. The aim is firstly to get a reaction,
and strength of such approach in knowledge sharing showing the individuals engagement (i.e. public and
and community empowerment (Appendix D4). The professionals) in the project (Appendix C). Another
architectfromEcosistemaUrbanomentionstheuseof intervieweereflectsonthreeaspectsasbeingthekey
social technologies and social softwares, which can for public involvement: the use of networks, the effi
beperceivedastheinnovativeandcreativecharacter ciencyofcommunicationandthedeploymentofpro
to this participative and collaborative planning ap vocative actions (Peer, 2012). Communication as de
proach(AppendixB).Thisleadstothenextparagraph scribedhereisthusanactiveanddynamicpartofthe
whichdevelopssomeperspectivesoncommunication process,ifcomparedtocommunicationformssuchas
and facilitation, considered as important values in a public hearings or traditional open meetings for in
processsuchasDreamhamar. stance. In Dreamhamar, the architect and/or planner
undertakes a proactive role since he/she incites peo
Communicationandfacilitation ple to communicate. The use of terms such as com
munityactivators,astodefinetheroleofsomeactors
Information,communicationandfacilitationareterms
intheprocess,alsoillustratesthisclearly(Ecosistema
that constantly appear among the interviewees, as
Urbano&Hamarkommune,2011).AdditionallyBelin
important in their role and contribution in Dream
daTatoadvocatesforafree,inspiringandfunatmos
hamar: for example to reach out for a maximum of
phere in participative and communicative processes,
socialgroups,tellpeoplewhatisgoingonintheircity,
as to make it a pleasant experience for participants
interestthemandengagethemintheprojectandthe
(Appendix C). This pleasant aspect is important since
urbandevelopmentofHamar,activatetheirthoughts
time can become an issue: for instance participative
and ideas for the future Stortorget and facilitate dis
workshopsorlecturehappenedafterworkhours,lim
cussionsandknowledgesharingbetweenactors(pub
itedtimewasgrantedfortheworkshopsandactions,
lic and professionals). Belinda Tato mentions the tal
andthewholeprocesswasreducedintimefrom20to
ent of communication, which, beyond issues of lan
12 months. Communication and participation are
guageandspeech,comprehendstheabilitytoidentify
thingsthatneedtime;duetotheshortenedprocessin
whathastobecommunicated,whichmediatousfor
Dreamhamar, people had to react quickly as tocome
thepurpose,andhowtoreachoutforeveryonewhile
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with their opinion and influence the final outcome. tive atmosphere. Belinda Tato exemplifies this confi
This has though the positive side as well of avoiding denceofparticipants:forinstanceoutsiderscanbring
anyfeelingofroutineintheprocess,andlossofinter freshnessandmoreopennesstothediscussions,since
estfromlocalcommunity(AppendixesBandC). they are not bound to local debates. They can speak
out freely and hereby make other participants feel
Besides communication with participants, polem more at ease when sharing their thoughts and claims
icsanddebateinthemediawerementionedbyinter (Appendix C). But they can also provoke a feeling of
viewees,mostlythemunicipalplannersandlocalpro distance,duetothelanguage,theacademicspeechor
jects managers. Collaboration existed between the divergingperspectives(AppendixB).Touseaconcrete
actors and the local newspapers in order to publish example from Dreamhamar, a woman entered one
articlesaboutworkshopsandeventshappeningonthe workshopstatingherscepticism,butalsoindicatingto
square, again with the purpose of informing broadly the Spanish sociologist, being the community activa
thelocalcommunity.Butthemediaaswellgavevoice torofthisevent,thatshecametodiscuss,convinceor
toscepticandcriticalcitizens,throughpublishingneg beconvinced(Hamarkommune&EcosistemaUrbano,
ativereactionsanddebates.ThePlanningdepartment 2012, p. 15). The municipal planner speaks of confi
felt it challenging, but the architect from Ecosistema dence as the responsibility that Ecosistema Urbano
Urbano recognizes that in an attempt of engaging a towards the Council and local community, when they
widesetofcitizens,notonlypositivereactionscanbe implement, as foreign architects and planners, the
expected. One of the municipal planners explains participative process in such a local place as Hamar
though that the communication apparatus within the (AppendixB).
Municipality is now more operational, suggesting
hereby that lessons have already been taken in from
the process (Appendixes B, C, D1, D3 and D7). Public
involvementandopencommunicationisthussupport Theopencommunicationandcreativityargumentcan
ing the participative process, but also challenging the beconsideredtowraporhideuncertaintiesandchal
legitimacyofurbanprojectsandprocessesCommuni lenges,suchasdescribedbythejury:theprojecthas
cation appears here as a strategy of balancing be aseriouspitfallbecauseofitsdependenceonthesuc
tween gathering the public interest and confidence, cess of establishing a good local governance and
andopeningforquestionsandcritiques,inaconstruc achieve thenecessary local and global engagement*
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(BullHansen&Haugen,2010,p.3).Ofcourseanypro process.Theinterrelationsoftheirvaluesandpractic
jecthasitsshareofrisk,butvariousparameterscould eshavethusbeenextractedfromtheirexplanationon
have been critical for Dreamhamar: for example, the how their role interacted with or contributed to
useofalternativeapproaches,suchascreativeprocess someone elses intervention in the project. Their role
based on opensource and social software technolo and its description was usually defined clearly on its
gies,orthewidecommunicationstrategies.Outcomes own (e.g. project manager is managing project), but
and success can difficultly be measured on those ap lackedoftentheoverviewonhowitinterrelatedwith
proaches;onlythecommitmentoftheactorsandtheir other interventions, although the actors were well
valuescanactasappropriateargumentsforthedeci conscious about the bigger interactive aspect in
sionsandprocessinDreamhamar. Dreamhamar(i.e.thediagramofnetworksandactors
onFigure5.2).Thefollowingsectionselaboratesfirstly
on the interrelations between participative process
5.3. Interrelations and interactions
and the final design, secondly on the interaction of
through participative process
actorsandnetworkswithinDreamhamar,thenonthe
The interviewees did not distinguish clearly between multiple arenas of participation and their interaction,
thedesignandprocessinDreamhamar,norwastheir andfinallythechallengesperceivedinthisratheram
hybrid backgrounds something they highlighted in bitious participation and network design process (see
their answers. But they had clearly different percep Figure5.4).
tions of what design means and what is a planning
Figure5.4:StructureofChapter5.3.
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5.3.1. Design and process interrelations in bano explains that she would not define any drastic
Dreamhamar border between the disciplines, and perceives rather
someconvergingoroverlappingapproaches,supplying
Beforelookingattheirinteraction,itisrelevanttolook
urbandesignandplanningwithavarietyoftools(Ap
atthedefinitionofdesignandprocess,asformulated
pendix C). So there is seemingly no clear distinction
by the interviewed actors, usually in relation to their
between design and planning professionals, although
own role in Dreamhamar and to their professional
thedefinitionsofdesignandprocesscanbediverging.
expertise. Genuinely they see no clear line between
Ingeneralthemunicipalplannershaveamoretechno
designersandplanners,whichcanresultfromthefact
craticoradministrativeapproach,definingtheprocess
that the majority of the planning actors are archi
in terms of organisation, coordination, collaboration,
tects. For instance, among the municipal planners in
and keeping the overview and coherence with the
Hamar, half of the planning team is composed by ar
municipalandregionalplanningstrategies,politicsand
chitects or landscape architects16, but with their own
regulations.Forinstancetheurbanplanningmanager
hybrid background influencing their practice and in
expressed her administrative responsibility up until
terests, and upon which they rely as well for intern
the beginning of Dreamhamar, when the project and
knowledge sharing (Appendix B). The incoming team
its responsibility were contracted out. The Planning
on Dreamhamar (i.e. Ecosistema Urbano and their
department had a significant role in the preparation
many collaborating partners) presents as well a great
phase, initiating the urban regeneration process and
numberofarchitects,whichhavefollowedsomemore
launching the competition on Stortorget (Appendixes
social, processoriented or community building paths
B and D7). The project managers have then a very
in their professional practice. Finally the community
pragmatic viewpoint on the process, as being the
activatorsandcreativeguestsarecontributorstothe
management, organisation and coordination of re
process,withmanydifferentbackgrounds(e.g.teach
sourcesastomatchbudget,scheduleandregulations
er,cultureanimatorandeventorganiser,sociologists,
whilefacilitatingtherealisationof thearchitectside
biologists and artists) (Ecosistema Urbano & Hamar
as. The attention in Dreamhamar has especially been
kommune, 2011). The architect from Ecosistema Ur
onweightinganunusualapproachtowardsformaland
legal requirements (Appendixes D2 and D3). The in
16
Theyare2architects,3landscapearchitects,2engineersand2 coming team, gathered around Ecosistema Urbano,
GISexperts(AppendixB).
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perceive the whole project as several processes of towards the square and a spatial and functional
differentcharacter:thecompetitionproposal,thepre change for Stortorget and its surroundings (Appendix
liminary design, the opensource and participation C). Finally the third transformation is mentioned by
design process, the onsite processand urban actions, thearchitectNoaPeer,intermoflearningandlegacy
the translation process from participation to design, that the whole project leaves to the community and
the design development and implementation, and Municipality of Hamar as to keep on influencing the
maybemore(AppendixesCandD4).Thusprocessisat local planning culture. Those acquisitions are both in
least defined in three different ways here, roughly terms of approaches and tools to use in participative
designatedasadministrative,pragmaticandmultiplici and collaborative processes, and in terms of design
tyofprocesses.Thedesignisusuallyperceivedasthe considerationsemergingfromtheextendedparticipa
outcome of the process, although the Spanish team tion process (Appendix D8). In general the intervie
andtheirpartnersseedesignasaprocessinitself(Ap wees recognise a clear link between design and pro
pendixesC,D4andD8). cessinDreamhamar.Theprocessiseitherseenasan
elementonitsown,representingEcosistemaUrbanos
Lookingthusattheinterrelationsbetweendesign creativepropositionforStortorget,orasapremisefor
and the participative process, some actors have re the future design (Appendixes D1, D2 and D3) (Bull
flected on it as transformations deploying along the Hansen&Haugen,2010,p.3).Thelatterperceptionof
project. The architect from Ecosistema Urbano refers the process can be exemplified with some intervie
to transformations that occurred in their view on the wees, who consider the process as one way to foster
projectandtheirtwodesignpropositions,i.e.between thefeelingofresponsibilityandownershiptowardthe
the preliminary design and the final design. The first future square, and to discover the uses and activities
they did as designers, as Spanish, as architects, as desired on the square. For instance one interviewee
outsiders (Appendix C) and in the latter, they try to expressed the necessity for the future square to be
translate all the inputs from the different workshops, dynamicandtocontinuouslyadapttothecitizensand
activities and discussions into design guidelines. theirneeds;thisobjectivesupposestofindoutabout
Meanwhile she mentions as well the physical trans peoples needs and to activate the reflection on how
formation of Stortorget, from being a parking lot to such flexibility could be achieved in the final design
becoming again the main square and node in Hamar: (Appendixes D1, D3 and D6). As well one actor ex
this necessitates both a change in peoples attitude
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presses that the design is essentially the product of the case of Dreamhamar, the process continuously
theprocess(AppendixD3)buthowissuchaprocess developsandbuildsoncollectedinputs,withtheper
integratedortranslatedintothefinaldesign?Thefinal spective of achieving a peoplesensitive and respon
designpropositionwillbesubmittedinJuneaccording sive design. Some interviewees mention as well the
totheschedule,thusitwillbedifficulttoanalysehow useofdesignalongtheparticipativeprocess,asmean
the recommendations and guidelines issued with Fu towrapuptheworkshopsandurbanactions,orjust
turehamar,thereportonthe4monthsprocess,have usedlikeamethodtomovepeople/participantscrea
beenusedinthedesignphase.Butsomeexplanations tivityandimagination(AppendixesD4andD5).Thus
aregivenbythearchitectfromEcosistemaurbanoon the interrelations appear both through microscale
howthedesigniselaboratedonbasisoftheprocess. iterative movements between process and design
Sheexplainsthatthepreliminarydesignwasnotused (within the 4months participation process) (see Fig
undertheworkshops,astoavoidinfluencingpeoples ure5.5) and through the macroscale sequence of
input.Sheexplainsthatpeoplecamewithideastothe planning process followed by the correspondent de
drawing that they will make as architect. The public signphase(asshowninFigure5.1).Thismatcheswith
andprofessionalinputsandideasweregrouped,then several interviewees expressing that they were impli
discussed internally in the firm and with a smaller catedtosomeextentinbothdesignandprocesstasks
groupofactors(i.e.Skypesessionswitharchitectsand (AppendixesD1,D3,D4andD8).Severaluncertainties
municipalplanners)inordertoimplementtheminthe lie though with the socalled innovative approach to
finaldesign(AppendixC). participation,andmanyintervieweesalsomentionthe
challengingaspectofDreamhamar,initsnecessityfor
Iflookingattheprocessasacreativephaseonits flexibility,creativethinkingandengagementfromthe
own, another experience of the participative process professionals and participants (Appendixes D2 and
can be outlined. Dreamhamar is then the practical D6). The jurys declaration about the first alternative,
illustration of the complex interrelations in planning. without a preliminary design phase, reflects one of
Indeed the innovative approach to participation thoseuncertaintiesintermsofdesignoutcome:there
should enhance urban qualities in the final design of is no other guarantee for a product of good quality,
public places, while the design acts along the way to than the process itself. On the other hand, there is a
try out and continuously experiment with the ideas confidence lying within the possibility to try out ideas
emergingfromtheprocess(AppendixesD5andD8).In
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in full scale* (BullHansen & Haugen, 2010, p. 3). challenges conceptions and traditional planning ap
Thus a lot lies with the quality of the process, which proachesandintriguesatthesametime.

Figure5.5:processanddesignconnectionsasproposedforOneThousandSquare
byLlusSabadellArtigaandEcosistemaUrbano,(Jordana,2011)
Page72|103

Generally most considerations on the interrela meansofcolorfulcardboards,modelsandvideos(see
tionsofdesignandprocesshavebeenonthebenefits Figures IX), which can be considered as part of the
of the participative process for the final design. In designskillsservingtheprocess.
what way does then design interventions influence
process? Two interviewees mentioned earlier on de 5.3.2. Urban actors interactions and networks
scribed how the design was used to wrap up discus in Dreamhamar
sions or events in the process (Appendix D4 and D5). ThecomplexityofDreamhamarcanbeseenaslinked
Butitisnotclearhowtheydidso.Thedescriptionof to the multiple participation arenas (see Figure 5.2),
thepropositionONETHOUSANDSQUAREmentionstheuse and hereby the various intensities of participation
ofmockupsonsite:whiletheS,MandLmockupsare whichtheprocessencompasses.Thisisthoughdirect
rathereventsofsomekind,theXLmockupcomeclos ly linked with the social dimension of the project of
er to architectonic experiments (see Figure 5.5) activatingalargenumberofparticipantsfrom thelo
(EcosistemaUrbano&Artiga,2011(B)).Eventssuchas calcommunityandintegratinginternationalandlocal
the Painthamar action or the realization of chairs for experiences through the use of networks. It is thus
the Stortorget can be perceived as such design fea originally the multiplicity of actors (i.e. activators and
tures, triggering curiosity and awakening interest for participants)whogeneratetheparticularityandcom
theprojectonthesquare.Forinstanceonecommuni plexity of the process. Two interviewees explain:
tyactivator,whocontributedtoDreamhamaronlyin simplyweparticipantsandfacilitatorswereanode
the later actions of the process, explains how the which belonged to a networked designed process
Painthamar installation caught her attention and let (Appendix D4). So as the values described previously
her feel that something unique was happening in are strongly related to the different actors back
Hamar(Hamarkommune&EcosistemaUrbano,2012, ground and experiences, and those actors are the
pp.4243).Finallyapersonalcommentonthepossible nodesoftheprocess,itisrelevanttoexploretheprac
potentialsbroughtbydesigncanbelinkedinawayto ticalinterrelationofvaluesthroughtheinteractionof
BelindaTatosreflectiononthetalentofcommunica theactorsthemselves.Theinteractionofactorscanbe
tion (see Paragraph5.2.3). The pictures from the dif seenontwomainlevels:theglobalone,necessitating
ferentworkshopsandeventsrevealaneffortonvisual theoverviewoftheproject,andthelocalone,inthe
andvisiblecommunicationofideasandreflectionsby differenttimesandparticipationarenas.Thefirstlevel
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can be reflected on most appropriately by the archi architect from Ecosistema Urbanos team, involved in
tectsandpartnersofEcosistemaUrbanoandthemu the preparations behind Dreamhamar, explains how
nicipal architects: they have been engaged with the thedifferentarenasofDreamhamarandtheirrespec
projectsinceitsstartandbuildingupthenetworkand tive contributors (i.e. mainly professional experts,
participation process. The latter level, on the other community activators and creative guests) can be
hand, can be discussed by the local actors and com perceivedassatellitestoDreamhamar(seeFigure5.2).
munity activators (onsite and online), who entered Her role was to frame the role of the contributors,
andengagedsometimesonlyforashortperiod,inthe informabouttheexpectedoutcomesandmethodolo
Dreamhamar experience. Questions such as how did gy, and then communicate as well to the local public
theyperceivetheircollaborationandcontributionac theprojectanditssatellitesastostirupinterestand
cordingtotheprocessanddesign,andhowconscious engagementonsite.Sheexplainsthenhowparticipa
were they about their interactions in the bigger pic tion and interaction could be endorsed in different
ture, are here of interest. Then it can be reflected as intensities from observing, to following, commenting,
wellontheinternationalcontributionsinregardtothe actively interacting and actively building the process,
localinteractions. such as shown in Figure 5.6 (Appendix D8). Together
withtherecognitionofthecomplexsystemsandnet
Onthegloballevel,thetwoarchitectsbehindthe works of agents influencing contemporary cities,
opensourcephilosophyappliedinDreamhamarmen Dreamhamarindicatesthetendencyopeningupfora
tion the network culture adopted in Dreamhamar, wholenewsetofactors,beyondarchitects,engineers
emphasising that the collaborative and open process andplannersinurbanprojects.Competencesandide
contributes to continuous learning through loops of asweregatheredthroughthedifferentactionsonsite
information and knowledge exchange. They consider and online, and lectures in the Bazaar building gave
the consequence and importance of actors interrela thefeelingofatemporaryonsiteuniversity.Theinter
tions as means to empower local people (Appendix national network and contributions from academic
D4). They describe their relation with other actors as communities was important in stimulating peoples
rhizomatic and nonlinear, interacting with partici interestfortheproject(AppendixB).
pants, online participants, the social networks, the
architecture firm, and so on (Appendix D4). Another
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Figure5.6:IntensitiesofinteractionwiththecontentofDreamhamar(AppendixD8)

On a more local level of interaction, one of the department and the Spanish firm as being the main
municipal planners mention their direct interaction coordinating bodies in Dreamhamar. One participant
with Ecosistema Urbano (Appendix D1), but this links positions her intervention in connection to the work
up as well to the general perspective of the Planning shop with the theme People, to the discussions and
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encountersshemadethere,whichthenledtoformu meaninganddevelopmentoftheproject,asexempli
late the necessity for the workshop Storyhamar fiedaswellinthefollowingparagraph.
which she held as community activator (Appendix
D5). The municipal architect and planner mentions Ingeneral,throughtheinterviews,itbecameclear
how some of those community activators showed a howthedifferentrolesoftheactorsontheglobalor
great engagement in the project, becoming hereby local level of Dreamhamar, within a public institution
keyelements for future developments and projects or a private firm, engaging personal values or profes
(AppendixB).Thusfromhavingadefinedintervention, sionalvalues,haveinfluencedtheinteractionsofthose
thoseactorsbecomeresourcesforinfluencingcurrent actors.Forinstance,thetwomunicipalplannersrefer
andfutureplanningprocessesonamoregenerallevel. frequentlytotheworkgroupsandcollaborationestab
Finally three interviewees mention the administrative lished internally within the different municipal de
and organisational interrelations, describing on one partments at the very beginning of the project: i.e. a
hand the implementation of the process in relation managingteam,aprojectteamandareferencegroup.
with the municipal architects, local consultants and Thosethreegroupsaremeantrespectivelytomanage
enthusiasts,andontheotherhandthetransferofthe time and decisions, to advice on planning and tech
projecttoEcosistemaUrbano,undertheparticipation nicalissues,andtogiveamoreuserorientedfeedback
phase,andthentothedepartmentoftechnicalman ontheincominginformationandpropositions.Besides
agement and infrastructures, under the design and those working groups, the current consultancy and
implementation phase (Appendixes B, D3 and D7). projectmanagingteamismentionedintheinteraction
Although the different actors were all aware of the that the Planning department had with them under
great network that had been established in Dream thetransferoftheproject.Thistransferhadapparent
hamar, they may not perceive it or relate to it, all in ly been problematic due to diverging focus of the ac
the same way. Reflection can draw back on flexibility tors, necessitating greater effort in informing and
as value, highlighted in Chapter 4, which addresses transferring the values of Dreamhamar. Where the
and opens up for multiplicity in planning (i.e. in this Planning department team had developed a high en
example,themultipleperspectivesontheinteractions gagement in social, participation and network values
and networks) but also can be challenging for the of the process, the project managing team had more
technicalorientedviewsandvalues(AppendixesB,D1
and D7). This can be related to the previously men
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tioned aspect that some actors had the comprehen formation about the process could have been more
sive overview of Dreamhamar, while others entered clearly communicated (Appendix D6), and indeed the
theprojectlateronandforashortertime.Itshowsas descriptionsandreflectionsofoneofthearchitectsin
well that the interaction of actors in such design and charge for the whole preparation and startingup of
planning process is an ongoing construction and de Dreamhamarrevealsagreatdealofjugglingbetween
velopment:itreferstothecollaborativeplanningthe the different participants and public in her communi
orys emphasis on the coevolution of actors (see cation and facilitation role (Appendix D8). Finally a
Chapter4). reflectioncanbemadeontheinterrelationsofactors
notbeingbasedonwhoisdesignorientedandwhois
Astoachievethiscoevolutionandsmoothinter processoriented, but rather on their own hybrid
actions, communication can be advocated again as backgroundsandprofessionalvalues.
significant aspect in such open and flexible planning
approach and ambitious project. The eventual gaps 5.3.3. Multiplicity of participation arenas
between the microscale intervention and the com
prehensiveoverviewandunderstandingoftheproject Most interviewed actors agree on the importance of
cancausemismatchingperspectives,possiblyjeopard participativeprocesses,whichisgenerallyperceivedin
ising the final outcome. Sometimes it could feel as if twowaysinDreamhamar(i.e.participationasprofes
the different interviewees had been speaking of dif sionalcollaborationorassocialinclusionanddelibera
ferent projects, instead of the one case of Dream tion).Indeedmixingslightlytheconceptsofcollabora
hamar.Asmuchasitillustratesthedifferentlevelsof tionandparticipation,theactorshavespokenofsup
interactionandparticipation,itquestionsthenecessi porting professional interaction and collaboration be
tyforsuchcomplexnetworkandprocessdesign.How hind the Stortorget project, as well as enhancing the
muchisitworth,ifmaybeonlyfewactorscanmanage inclusionofthefinalusersintotheurbanregeneration
theoverviewandfeelthattheircontributionisactual process and future design. Again the involvement of
lyinterrelatedtootherinterventions,astoshapethe multiple actors, both locally and internationally, in
final outcome? How much can be learned and ex creases the complexity of the project. The multiple
changedinknowledgeandpracticeswhentheinterac participation arenas can be considered in relation to
tions are not maximised by the participants? One the intensity, spaces and time of the previously de
community activator mentioned as well that the in scribed actors interactions. Intensity of interaction
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and participation refers to the diagram presented by methods, brought by the various actors, outline high
NoaPeer(seeFigure5.6),whilespacesandtimerefer ambition for the participative process: Dreamhamar
to where (e.g. online debates or onsite workshops) aimstoreachoutforabroadpublicanddifferenttar
and when interaction and participation occurred (e.g. get groups (e.g. youth, immigrants, children, locals
theongoingpresenceofthephysicallabthroughthe from the city and dwellers from the region) in many
whole process or the temporary gathering during the differentways,astoincludeparticipantsbeyondthose
urban lunch of the Creamhamar urban action) (see who usually would come to public meetings (Appen
Figure 5.7). The definition of participation and the dixesBandC).

Figure5.7:Examplesofparticipationarenas:
theexhibitionandlocalofficeintheBazaarbuilding,theonlinelabandtheCreamhamarurbanaction
(Hamarkommune&EcosistemaUrbano,2012,p.44;102)(EcosistemaUrbano&Hamarkommune,2011)

Page78|103

Firstlythedefinitionsandmethodsforpublicpar online blog, the use of mobile apps and online ses
ticipationgenerallydiverge.TheMunicipalityhaspar sions,suchastheTacticalurbanismworkshop,areall
ticipationatthepoliticalagenda,andtheurbanplan partoftheparticipationdesignandactivationstrategy
ning manager even specifies that participation in the (Appendixes C, D4 and D8). The experience builds up
planning process is part of the departments special alongtheprocess,developingandadoptingnewways
competence (Appendix D7). The architect from Eco ofaddressingthefutureusers:forexample,oneactor
sistema Urbano wonders, if 100% participation is not developed her own urban action, Storyhamar, based
reached,isitthenreallyparticipation.Thisraiseshigh onaformerworkshopcalledPeople(AppendixD5).
lytheobjectivesofparticipation,andmightjustifywhy
so many participation arenas and methods were laid Hence participation occurred on several commu
outinHamar.ObviouslyitisanidealthatEcosistema nicationandparticipationplatforms,withthepurpose
Urbano works towards and which they use to chal of increased inclusion around the Stortorget project:
lengethemselvesandthemethods,usedtoreachout onsiteworkshops,urbanactions,onlinemeetingsand
for participants and give them the appropriate arena discussions, events and lectures, exhibitions, and the
for expressing themselves (Appendix C). The partici media. The socalled participation tools are rather
pationtoolsmentionedbyBelindaTatocanbeseenin methods or arenas of participation. The term urban
Figure5.2, together with initiatives and cultural pro actions for instance is defined as such: it is about
jects such as the Cultural rucksack, which represent doing little something that gets some reaction () it
opportunities to include still more participants in the could be a communication kind of propaganda, it
process(e.g.inthecaseoftheCulturalrucksack,itis could be any kind of installation, any kind of strategy
kids from different regional schools, who constitute to promote people to see, to feel or to react to the
the target group). The application of opensource space in a different way (Appendix C). This reaction
technologies to the planning process brings new or and dynamic benefits local empowerment, meant to
ganising and communicating methods, which support makepeopleconsciousandcriticalontheirownenvi
the aim of reaching out for people, and connecting ronment and promote future selforganised actions
them locally and internationally, beyond the obstacle (Appendix C). This attention to local empowerment
of distance and culture differences. For instance, the and community building appears in several inter
possibility for any local or outsider to interact on the views. One interviewee mentions the importance of
creatingaproductiveenvironmentandbringinginthe
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right resources (Appendix D3). Two others mention in Dreamhamar. Again time and communication are
the local empowerment achieved through knowledge keyelementstothefeasibilityoftheprocessandthe
exchange within the network of actors and participa productive translation over to the final design: time
tion arenas (Appendix D4). Finally some express as and communication as to identify the public and di
well the pleasant and intriguing atmosphere there verging groups, time within the workshops as to in
shouldbearoundsuchaparticipativeprocessinorder formandactivatetheparticipantsinthemostappro
toappealtopeopleandinteresttheminthelocalur priateway,timeandcommunicationastoimplement
bandevelopment(AppendixesB,C,D3andD7).Thus adequately the inputs into the final design of the
participationandinclusioncanbeinterpretedaswhat square.Meanwhiletheflexibilityandcreativethinking
supplies the community and professionals with the adopted in Dreamhamar can be seen as both chal
knowledge and activate their feeling of responsibility lenge andadvantage: on one hand, theyincrease the
towardsthefuturedesignandcitydevelopments.Two complexityoftheprocess,andthuschallengetheco
actorsparticularlyconcernedwiththerealisationofa herencebetweentheprocessanditsoutcome,andon
tacticalurbanismworkshopillustratethisinterpreta theotherhand,theycontributetobuildupsomekind
tion: they explain their constant in beta position in of resilience in the process allowing it to adjust rela
their work and knowledge capital, meaning hereby tively quickly to the inputs of the participants. Fur
thattheyareawareofpossibleameliorationsandbet thermoretheactorspresentdivergingfocusesintheir
terproductivitytobeachievedinthevariousactivities. interventionandperspectivesintheparticipativepro
Theyarethusalwayschallengingthemselvesandpar cess.Whatisnoticeablethoughisthattheprivateac
ticipants,bysearchingfornewwaysandtoolstocon tors,contractedintotheprojectfromoutside,dispose
tributetoplanningprocesses(AppendixD4). of slightly greater freedom to experiment ideas than
theactorsboundtoapublicinstitution,withitsknow
Since process and final design should be related how and procedures. Nonetheless it has to be said
and coherent, one could ask if the span of experi again that Hamars municipal planners and politicians
mental workshops, thematic urban actions and many were confident and engaged in the project. But
collaboration partnerships, do not cause the loss of Dreamhamar somehow allowed those private actors
overview and herewith jeopardize the red thread be to confront their knowledge and ideas as to move
tweenprocessandfinaldesign.Thisissuewasalready
addressedregardingthemultiplicityofactorsinvolved
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traditional participation procedures, such as public tyandfrustrationhavebeenmentionedbythearchi
meetings(AppendixesB). tects from both the Planning department and from
EcosistemaUrbano(AppendixesB,CandD8).Thetime
5.3.4. Challenges in the participation process issuecanbeseenaccordingtoseveralperspectives:in
and network collaboration terms of respecting the schedule agreed in the con
The extensive networks and multiple participation tract and matching the schedule decided for the Cul
approaches in Dreamhamar contribute to a range of turalcentre(AppendixesB,D2andD3),orintermsof
challenges.Someareexplicitlypointedatbytheinter fulfilling the objectives and expectations of the pro
viewees,othershavebeenobservedthroughthedoc cess(AppendixC).Inthefirstperspective,timeismore
ument and interviews analysis. It is important to be reflected in relation to the organizational capacity to
awareofthosechallengesastobalancethemwiththe deal with all the information and engage the teams
expectationsandbenefitsoftheproject,possiblychal within the decided schedule (see Figure 5.1) (Appen
lenging the claimed importance of such comprehen dixesB,D1andD7).In relationtothelatterperspec
siveandcomplexparticipativeprocess. tive,theprojectmanagerSverreVatnementionsthat
a longer participation would have refined the final
Threemainchallengesaregenerallymentionedby productevenmore,andthearchitectfromEcosistema
theinterviewees,whicharetime,budgetandcommu Urbano acknowledges that 4months of participation
nication skills. Time and budget constitute practical might have been slightly too short. But Belinda Tato
aspectsoftheproject,whicharefundamentalforthe mentionsaswellthetimeneededforpeopleschange
concrete implementation and feasibility of the whole of attitude towards urban space. For instance in the
project(AppendixesC,D2andD3).Especiallythetwo case of Stortorget, which has been a parking lot for
projectmanagersmentionthechallengesoftimeand over 50 years, attracting people to the square, and
budget,whilepointingaswellattherestrictingfeeling activatingtheirengagementandfeelingofresponsibil
such issues might generate with some actors: con ity and identity towards this place, will necessitate
tainingtheactorsinvolvedwiththeproject,andasso time.Heretherathershortprocess,withpunctualand
ciatedwiththecity,wasabigtask,andalsoservedas dynamicinterventions,isconsideredtohaveactivated
afrustrationfortheactorsbecausetheymayhavefelt more quickly the transformation of peoples percep
restrictedandcensored(AppendixD3).Thispracticali tion about Stortorget (Appendix C). The local teacher
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Audun Jensen points at the importance of keeping concerned especially the fact that Dreamhamar did
participation going and interest growing for Stortor notcorrespondtotheinitialdemandofartinstallation
get, through events, up until the implementation of on Stortorget, and the artistic community wondered
thefinaldesign(AppendixesC,D2andD6).Themunic why the artist Llus Sabadell Artiga, who entered the
ipal architect and a community activator call as well propositionofONETHOUSANDSQUAREtogetherwithEco
for more time during workshops in order to make sistema Urbano, was not present in the development
themmoreeffective,enablingtheparticipantsnotjust of Dreamhamar. Then another critique was directed
to have the ideas but to try them out physically (Ap towardstheaccesstotheprocessanditsmanyevents:
pendixesB,D1,andD5).Thedifferentperspectiveson althoughopennessforeveryonewaspromoted,some
time and its significance for the respect of deadlines, still felt distant to the initiative and not appealed to
thesuccessoftheprocess,orthelongtermcommuni participate in the design and planning of Stortorget
ty activation and peoples engagement, reveal differ (Appendixes B, D1 and D3). The Planning department
ent time horizons. Together with the multiple partici mentionsthatabetterinternalandexternalhandling
pation arenas, the multiple actors and the multiple ofinformation,togetherwithabetterbrandingofthe
knowledge and expertise, it increases the complexity project, would have reduced the criticism in the local
of the process. Once more the project overview and media (Appendix D7). However, national and interna
interrelationofactorscanbechallengedbythismulti tional media have been supportive of Dreamhamar
plicity,causingpossiblymisunderstandingsorconflict anditsparticularparticipativeinitiativeandcollabora
ingsituations.Buttheycontributeaswelltoconstruct tive network (i.e. Norwegian architecture magazine,
a project that address and integrate complexity and several online articles, exhibition at Pavillon de
multiplicityofperspectives. lArsenal) (Ecosistema Urbano & Hamar kommune,
2011).Additionalcommunicationchallengescanthen
Anothergeneralchallengeexpressedbytheinter be grounded in language and terminology issues:
vieweesisinformationandcommunication,andhere Dreamhamar involved many foreign actors and many
the media have been a major issue. Dreamhamar researchers with probably a more academic speech
wanted to make people react, and with its experi (Appendixes B and C). Besides those critical points,
mental approach have stirred up emotions and opin Dreamhamar have achieved to position itself as an
ions;theskepticalonesfoundasuitablearenaforex internationalreferenceforcollaborativeandcollective
pressingthemselveswithinthemedia.Theskepticism
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urban design and planning. As experience to continu participative actions, then distributed through the
ouslybuildonwithnewinputs,thelocalactorsseem booklet Futurehamar in Norwegian17 (Appendix D8)
toalreadyaddressthosecritiquesoncommunication: (Hamar kommune & Ecosistema Urbano, 2012). Alt
for instance an information pavilion is being built on houghallinputsprobablycannotbeintegratedinthe
anothersquareofthecity,andoneofthecommunity final product, it might be expected that most will in
activatorsisstayingincollaborationwiththePlanning fluence it somehow. With the complexity and multi
department(AppendixesBandD6). plicity inherent to Dreamhamar, question of how it is
possible to keep an overview rises? The municipal
Finally challenges lie with the management and planners reflections somehow point to that direction
transferofthegreatamountofinformationgathered aswell,suggestingthattheorganisationwasnotable
throughout the process. On the one hand this man to take advantage of the full potentials, fostered by
agement and transfer occurred internally to the pro Dreamhamar,(AppendixB).Finallytheurbanplanning
cess: transferring the responsibility between actors manager Kari Nilssen, while appreciating the latest
(e.g. from the Municipality to the contracted archi proposition for Stortorget, wonders if more elements
tects and then to the contracted project managers) from the preliminary design should not have been
(AppendixesBandD7).Ontheotherhandthetransfer kept(AppendixD7).Thisquestionsofcourseagainto
concerns as well the application of the information whatextentsuchcomplexprocessdesignisnecessary.
fromthedesigndatabaseontothefinaldesign:with Iffocusingonthefinaldesign,onlysomepartsofthe
all those inputs from the different actors and partici comprehensive process might do the job, although
pation arenas, the final design should reveal a great BelindaTatoexpresseshercertitudeaboutthedesign
responsiveness to this. For instance Skype meetings beingbetteraftertheparticipativeprocess(Appendix
with the responsible team from Hamar municipality C). But then if focusing on the democratic aspect of
and Ecosistema Urbano are organised once a week, planning itself, and on the objective of community
and drawing and brainstorm sessions that are based building, local empowerment and knowledge sharing,
on the results of the different activities (Appendix C). then the thorough process may be seen as justified
Thoseresultshavebeengatheredintothedatamatrix, completely. Even the municipal architect Geir Cock
outliningthelessonsfromtheprocess(i.e.conclusions

oftheprocess,shorttermandlongtermlegacies)and 17
An English version is currently developed by Ecosistema Ur
designconsiderationsemergingfromtheinputsofthe bano.
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suggests that more channels could be used to reach lated on a very individual basis, according to the ac
outevenwider(AppendixB).Nowthatthechallenges tors own values and methods. In general the reflec
have been depicted, the following chapter will elabo tions on benefits, designoriented and process
rateontheoutcomesandbenefitsfromDreamhamar. oriented, are strongly related and overlapping in the
interviewees answers. However differences can be
foundinthetimehorizonsbetweenoutcomesforde
5.4. Outcomes and benefits of the
sign and process: while the final design will be re
Dreamhamar experience
vealedatthelatestinDecember2013,andthushav
Thevaluesandfocusesexpressedbytheinterviewees, ing designoriented outcomes coming forth in ashort
aswellasthedescriptionsandreflectionsontheinter periodoftime,theoutcomesintermsofprocesshave
relationsbetweendesignandprocessinDreamhamar, abroaderperspectiveofinfluencingtheplanningcul
led to articulate some objectives and expected out ture, equipping the community and the Municipality
comes for the project. They have been expressed ei with tools and lessons from Dreamhamar. Thus two
ther according to the general process, to the single distinctionshavebeenmadewiththenuanceofwhat
urban interventions under the process, to the future hasbeenlearnedfromtheprocess,andwhatistaken
design of Stortorget or to the future benefits for ontothefinaldesign(seeFigure5.8).
Hamar andits citizens. Additionally they were formu

Figure5.8:StructureofChapter5.4.
5.4.1. Lessons from the participative process about where benefits will appear and mentioning ra
ther outcomes from the process, or they would keep
Generally the interviewees had difficulties outlining theperspectiveveryclosetotheirowninputandper
outcomesfortheprocessitself.Eithertheywouldre sonalbenefits.Thiscanbejustifiedbyeithertheclose
fertothebiggerpicturewithoutgivingconcreteclues interrelationofthesingleinterventionsmakingpoint
Page84|103

lesstotryandexpressoutcomesontheirown,orthe matchesaswellHilliersconsiderationsontheflexibil
stillongoingstateofthedesignofStortorget,making ityinurbangovernance,allowingtolearnfromprevi
it too early to clearly define the outcome. However oustryoutsastoamelioratethenextexperience(see
evenifconcreteoutcomesaremaybedifficulttoout Chapter 2) (Hillier, 2007, p. 36). This suggests though
line,lessonsandlegaciescanbedrawnfromthepro that the formulated benefits or lessons for those ac
cess itself, such as illustrated in the booklet Future torsarehardlydifferentiatedfromtheirpersonalones.
hamar(Hamarkommune&EcosistemaUrbano,2012,
pp. 107127). Indeed most interviewees highlighted The general objectives were to engage and acti
the excitement and instructive experience Dream vate the public in the future urban development of
hamarhasbeenintermsofparticipativeprocess,be Hamar, in relation with the strategies and objectives
coming some kind of academy and laboratory for re subscribed in the municipal Planning department. In
flecting and experimenting about urban space and the summary from the initial competition delibera
processes,fortheinhabitantsofHamaraswell.Here tions, the jury expressed that ONETHOUSANDSQUARE
theattitudeofsomeactorsisaswellrelevanttomen would help increase the consciousness about urban
tion. For instance, the two architects Baraona and space(BullHansen&Haugen,2010,p.3).Themunici
Gonzlez,explaintheirconstantinbetatestphiloso pal architect and the project manager both express
phy, referring to an ongoing evolution of their the hope that involvement of the local community
knowledgeandpracticewitheachprojecttheyengage throughDreamhamarwillsupportpeoplesfutureen
(AppendixD4).Peerexpressesheraversiontoconclu gagementanduseoftheurbanspaces(AppendixesD1
sions and concluding designs, but rather thinks in andD2).Peopleshouldgettheopportunitytocontrib
terms of legacy and flexible tactics (Peer, 2012) (Ap ute in the definition of urban functions and activities
pendix D8). This exemplifies the openness of the ac on the public places of Hamar: Geir Cock considers
tors in engaging in Dreamhamar, both bringing their that it has to be easy to become an activator of the
own knowledge to the project and learning from it. square (Appendix D1). The inclusiveness of urban
They then carry on the lessons from the experience spacesshouldofcoursebeindependentofonespro
onto next project and experiment: e.g. what can be fessional or social background, and open for all kind
amelioratedintheworkshopsortiming,thesequence andsizeofuses(AppendixBandD6).Onecommunity
ofworkshopsandhowtheybuiltononeanother.This activator mentions the credibility of the process and
projectinpeoplesminds,addressedbytheattemptto
Page85|103

address the historical and cultural heritage through channels of communication and participation were
the process as to integrate it in the final design (Ap established and used. The municipal architect Geir
pendix D5). Kari Nilssen mentions the enthusiasm Cock reflects on the effective use of those resources
generatedinpeoplesmindsregardingStortorget(Ap andthinksthatitshouldbepossibletoreachouteven
pendix D7). Another interviewed community activa further(AppendixB).TheurbanplanningmanagerKari
tor has very personal objectives: I expect to get to Nilssen mentions the need for a thorough evaluation
knowandmeetmorepeopleinHamar.Iexpecttogive to extract the lessons in terms of methods to use in
somenewattitudes/perspectivesespeciallyconcerning thefuture:herfocusisdirectedtowardsextendingthe
the meaning of good city life for young people and participation and collaboration skills internally in the
addsthatthebenefitforthesquareandcommunityis Municipality (Appendix D7). The municipal architect
simplythatpeople()willusethesquareandthecity seesaswellpotentialsforinfluencingtheirownprac
more and more often as a social place in the future tices internally, rather with a focus on internal and
(AppendixD6).Thosecommentsontheintegrationof external communication: for instance use and coordi
the citizens in the regeneration project of Stortorget nate better their own resources, realise thematic
and the development of the city emerge from actors workshops around various urban spaces in the city,
whoareaswellinhabitantsofHamar.Theirobjectives organise more lectures and presentations about the
and expectations link the project directly to the com urban spaces in focus and urban developments. He
munity, and they have used the opportunity of alsomentionsthepositivereactionofthepoliticiansto
Dreamhamartocommunicatetheirinterest,ideasand the process, which encourages those considerations
knowledge. This illustrates how the project, built on and agree on the good source of inspiration existing
local inputs (besides the international), may benefit hereforfutureplanningprocesses(AppendixB).
thecommunityofHamar.
Finally the international actors who have ex
The local public institutions and politicians carry pressed objectives and outcomes for Hamar city and
onwithnewtoolsandmethodstouseforfutureplan community have sometimes formulated them in a
ning projects as well. In terms of the process itself, vagueway.Usuallytheyarevaluessuchascommunity
Dreamhamar taught the actors about the importance building,engagingthelocalcommunityandawakening
of time in participative processes and about the diffi consciousness around Stortorget. Either the formula
culties of reaching out for all citizens, although many tions became sharper as they get to understand the
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contextandcommunitythroughDreamhamar,orfor pation, and the knowledge sharing between actors
mulations staid general and the project seemed to through the extensive networks. None of those are
contributemoretothedevelopmentoftheirownval clearly design or processoriented aspects, but take
uesandpractices,astotransferthemthusontotheir on from both disciplines, as well as other inspiration
nextproject.Thefirstcanbeexemplifiedbythearchi fields.Thiscouldbeinterpretedasonemoreexample
tect team Ecosistema Urbano and how their speech ofthefluidinterrelationsbetweenactors,makingthe
evolvedfromgeneralconsiderationsintheproposition simplification of designoriented aspects and process
of ONETHOUSANDSQUARE to very detailed elements and orientedaspectspointless.
inputs,whichtheyareimplementingintheirdesignfor
Stortorget.Thelattercanbeillustratedfromthearchi 5.4.2. Benefits and outcomes for final design
tects in charge of the Tactical urbanism workshop, and use
who also defined their in beta position (Appendix Ecosistema Urbano is finalising the design phase at
D4). It can thus be considered that the international thisverymoment,underwhichtheteamhadtoincor
and professional network carries on lessons from poratetheinputsofDreamhamarintothefinaldesign
Dreamhamaronsitespecific(i.e.designofStortorget) ofStortorget.Onecanaskhowoverviewispossiblein
andgenerallevels(i.e.fieldofurbandesignandplan such a complex process with the many inputs from
ning). Generally the divergence in benefits and out multipleactorsandparticipationarenas.Andthushow
comes identified by the interviewees goes in hand isthisprocesstranslatedintoadesign?Arethereno
with their different roles and objectives when engag loose ends, or actions enthusiastically initiated but
ing in Dreamhamar, from very personal engagement, whichrevealstobedifficulttoencompassinthefinal
to the desire of challenging planning practices in design? The architect from Ecosistema Urbano speci
Hamarortolearnbyexperimenting.Thusthescaleof fies that, although they have previously worked with
benefits and legacies varies as well from being very several projects, hereby having tried out separately
preciseanddetailedtogeneralandglobaloutcomes.If different tools and actions developed in Hamar, the
verygeneralthemesforthelessonstakenthroughout projectofDreamhamaristhefirstonecomprehending
Dreamhamarshouldbemade,onecouldroughlyout the holistic approach from process to design. This re
line the focus on social life and activities within the sults in the final design giving visibility and tangibility
futuresquare,theissuesofcommunicationinpartici totheprocess,andsheissurethatthefinaldesignwill
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be better because of that process (Appendix C). The What exactly makes the final design better, after
finaldesigntakesapointofdepartureinthedatacol such extensive participative process, is difficult to
lected through the process. Every communication identify, especially since there is no final design yet.
channel,urbanaction,workshopandeventhasbeen Theintervieweeshaveexpresseddifferentopinionson
looked through as to extract the ideas, experiences whatarethebenefitsforthefinalsquare.Oneseesit
and inputs, in form of keywords which would feed a beneficial if the final product is perceived as positive
summarising design data base. They were then gath by the inhabitants and adds value to Hamar; this
ered into a matrix under some main themes, and ac would mean that the process was successful even
cordingtothetargetgroupswhohaveformulatedthe thoughitwasprovocative(AppendixD2).Accordingto
input.Fromthismatrix,lessonsandrecommendations this viewpoint, would the process thus be more im
were extracted to be applied in the future design portant than the final design? The urban planning
phase. The whole procedure is based strongly on in managerKariNilssenappreciatesthebeautifuldesign
terpretation,sinceitgroupsperspectivesandinputsof that responds to many challenges and desires ex
differentnatureandkind,dependingonthedifferent pressed by the citizens and users* (Appendix D7). It
communication channels or participation arenas wasfeltyetthroughheranswerthatshemightregret
where they were formulated (Hamar kommune & somefeaturesfromthepreliminarydesignandmaybe
EcosistemaUrbano,2012,pp.107127).Althoughthey wasexpectingsomethingelse.Thispersonalinterpre
tried to keep online meetings and informing simulta tationwouldthusleadtoquestioningtowhichextent
neously online about the evolution of the design, it theprocessismoreimportantthanthedesign:indeed
results in the whole participative process being sum some actors cannot detach themselves completely
marised by few actors. It links up to Belinda Tato fromthefinalproduct.Theassistantprojectmanager
commentingthatthefinaldesignisstilltheirproposi isconcernedwiththecoordinationandintegrationof
tion and drawing as architects (Appendix C). It ques the new activities with the new Cultural centre and
tions the red thread of the whole project: might the other surrounding buildings on the square, and with
collectiveandparticipativeworknotbelostalongthe the connection between existing elements on the
progressive transfers and translations to the final de Stortorget and the participation process (Appendix
sign? D3). He is the one of the few interviewees being ex
plicitabouttheintegrationofthefinalprojectwiththe
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physical surrounding of the square. The municipal ar formsandtimeortheday.Inthisperspective,Belinda
chitect Geir Cock sees beyond the physical design of Tatospeaksaboutsomeloosedecisions,somethings
the Stortorget, and mentions the spillover effects of open for people (Appendix C). But as to evaluate
theprocessanddesignrealisedthroughDreamhamar. those assumptions and expectations about the final
Heconsidersthattheprocesswillcontributeinraising design,wewillhavetowaituntilthenewStortorgetis
awareness of the use of the public places in Hamar, designed,implementedandinuse.
speaking of both Stortorget and other squares and
public places. He explains that indeed everything is
closely linked together in urban spaces, many ideas
from Dreamhamar can be transferred to other urban
spaces and hereby focus on coherence between the
public places in Hamar (Appendixes B and D1). These
different perspectives highlight changing focuses be
tweenconsideringtheprimacyoftheprocessorofthe
finalproduct.
Again the international actors have some more

vague considerations on the physical outcome. For
example Baraona and Gonzlez express that the net
workbasedprocesscanonlyresultinanoutcomebe
ing greater than the simply sum of the nodes (Ap
pendix D4). The architect from Ecosistema Urbano
speaks of creating a space that can be a catalyst for
new ways of using urban space. Furthermore in rela
tiontotheobjectiveofhavinganinclusiveprocess,the
finalsquareshouldaswellwelcomegroupsandactivi
tiesenablingthespontaneoususeofthesquare,thus
necessitating that the design is flexible enough to re
ceiveallvariousgroups,differentactivitiesindifferent
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6 REFLECTIONS AND CONTRIBU 6.1. Interrelation of values and

TIONS practices
The following table sums up the keyaspects (i.e. val
This chapter wraps up the case analysis by relating it ues, reflections and experiences) outlined in the case
firstly to the conceptual and theoretical framework study of Dreamhamar, and places them in parallel to
developed previously, then by placing the outlined thevaluesandfocuses,extractedfromthepresented
observations in the general context of contemporary urbandesigntheoriesandcollaborativeplanningtheo
urbandesignandplanning.Herebytheresearchques ry (see Table 6.1). Aspects from the case study of
tion will thus be answered and contributions of the Dreamhamar (see right column in Table 6.1) can ap
study to the planning field will be outlined. It is rele pearinrelationtoseveralthemesfromthetheoretical
vant to remark that the simplification inherent to a review (see left column in Table 6.1), and each could
summary is challenged by the complexity and multi be detailed more subtly. The table is thus not the
plicity, identified and addressed by the theories, and comprehensive representation of all corresponding
illustrated in Dreamhamar. Attention will thus be elementstobefound,butisratheralistexemplifying
drawntoelementswhichhavebeenidentifiedassig thepresenceofsimilarfocusesinacademicandtheo
nificant among the values of the presented theories retical literature and in practice. The different points
and current practices, and which frame the evolution will be clarified below the table, though emphasising
of collaborative and participative planning, possibly on the lessons from Dreamhamar, since the themes
intoanewplanningparadigm. and values extracted from the theories in Chapter 4,
have been summarised previously (see Paragraph
4.3.1).

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Reflectionsandcontributions
Table6.1:Correspondingelementsbetweenconceptualandtheoreticalframeworkandcasestudy
Valuesandfocusesextractedfromthetheories Keyaspectsextractedfromthecasestudy
(seeChapter4) (seeChapter5)
1 Complexityandmultiplerelations Participativeandcollaborativeapproachanduseofvariousnet
Multipleurbanissues worksinthedesignofthefuturesquare
Pluralisticsocietyandrelationalcontexts Differentperspectivesonparticipationanddifferentparticipa
Increasingmultiplicityofactors tiontools
Multiplicityofinteractionsandparticipationarenas
2 Democraticand inclusiveprocesses Focusonthepresenceofpeopleinurbanspaces,ontheiractivi
Shorttermbasis:collectivedesignandplanningprocesses tiesandusesofthefuturesquare
Longtermbasis:citizensempowermentresponsibilityinplan Socialinclusionandinvolvementofthewidelocalcommunityin
ning thedesignofthesquare
Seeminglylessfocusonbuiltenvironment
Positivespilloverforcommunitybuildingandlocalempower
ment
3 Information,communicationandcollectivedeliberation Inspirationfromsocialtechnologiesandsocialsoftwares,useof
Knowledgesharingandcoevolutionofactors manycommunicationchannelsandtools
Useofcommunicationandnetworktechnologiesandtools Communicationandfacilitationtoactivatepeopleandshare
knowledge
Understandingofpublicinterest,confidenceandopenness
towardscritique
Variousintensitiesofparticipationandinteractions
4 Creativityandinnovation Flexibilitytoadjusttoinputsandtoaccompanythecommunity
Transdisciplinarityandlateralthinking Experimentationandchallengingoftraditionalpracticesof
Flexibilityforexperimentation participation
Effectoninstitutionalcapacity,socialandintellectualcapital Integrationofcreativeinputsandideas,creativevoices
Creativeprocesses,positiveandconstructiveatmosphere
aroundtheprocess
5 Existingresourcesandproductivityofdesignandplanningpro Identificationanduseofculturalandhistoricalheritageforthe
cesses finaldesign
Integrationintheprocess Knowledgesharingbetweenprofessionalsandpublic,through
Ongoingdevelopmentandlongtermeffectsforthecommunity differentlecturesanddebates(onsiteandonline)
Developmentofsocialandintellectualcapital,outlineoflegacy
oftheprocess
Useofglobalandlocalnetworks

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Complexity and multiplicity in planning (see MunicipalitysPlanningdepartment,besidesfittingthe
Chapter 2) were detected as keyelements addressed aimofdeployingcollectiveandcollaborativeplanning
by the values extracted from designbased and pro in Hamar, can be perceived as tactic to integrate the
cessoriented theories in Chapter 4. The case of many inputs on a longer time horizon. This would le
Dreamhamar illustrates those academic and theoreti gitimise that some inputs are not directly applied in
cal reflections, both in terms of multiplicity of actors thedesign,butleftforlateruse.Thuswithintheframe
and participation arenas, but also in the complexity of complexity and multiplicity in urban planning, the
generated by the manynetworks used in the process interrelations between design and process in such a
and the various participation tools and approaches project is bringing interesting potentials of network
triedoutduringtheprocess.Theconsequenceofthis ing, community involvement and building, addressing
complexityandmultiplicityisprobablymostvisiblein the complex and plural reality of contemporary cities
the interviewees perspectives on their interaction and societies. However the interrelations themselves
withotheractorsandtherelationoftheirowncontri cangetcomplex(e.g.widthofnetwork,multiplepar
bution to the comprehensive network and process. ticipationarenaandpractices)andthusalsochallenge
The case showed that, while some kept the overview urban projects in keeping track of the red thread
and general meaning between the various interven through process, design and further urban develop
tions,reflectingontheircontributionaccordingtothe ments.Thislastreflectionisinterestingtoconsiderin
bigger picture and the general objectives of the pro parallel with the characteristic of some of the urban
ject,somealsohadaveryfocusedandindividualper designbased theories presented, which believed in
spectiveontheircontribution.Anotherclearexample productive urban planning processes producing out
of the challenge of complexity and multiplicity in comesfromasmalleffort.Itseemsthatinsomecases,
Dreamhamarappearsinthetranslationofthecollect planningprocessescangetcomplexinawaythatthe
eddata.Indeedgiventheamountandmanytypesof effort is maybe greater than the outcome. But in
inputs from the multiple communication and partici Dreamhamar some interviewees did reflect on the
pationchannelsusedunderDreamhamar,theintegra result of the process being more than the sum of all
tionofallinthesingledesignofStortorgetseemsim inputs(AppendixesCandD4).
possible,oratleastextremelychallenging.Theoutlin
ing of lessons and legacies for the community and The value of democracy and inclusiveness in
planning processes is clearly practiced and exempli
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fied in Dreamhamar. Throughout the process, local clusivecharacterofplanning,withfocusespeciallyon

and international participants have been involved in the social dimension of the process and final design
theestablishmentofthedesigndatabaseforStortor product. The interrelation is thus extensive and fluid,
get, by communicating ideas, expectations, stories, going beyond process and design, and is aimed to
reflectionsandexperiencesabouturbanspace.Local servethesocialqualitiesofurbanlifeinHamar.
ly, communication channels and participation tools
and arenas have been deployed in order to integrate Information, communication and collective de
as many people as possible, from as many social liberationwerepresentedinthetheoriesasbasisfor
groupsaspossible.Thiswasintendedasthefinalde knowledgesharingandcoevolutionofactors.Several
sign of Stortorget should be able to welcome all citi theories promoted the use of new technologies and
zens and groups, and respond flexibly to their desire tools as to enhance or maximise communication and
andneedsintermsofuseandactivitiesonthesquare. networking between urban actors. Dreamhamar is an
Furthermoretheprojecthadaclearaimofenhancing examplewheresuchtechnologieshavebeentriedout
the social life and capital around Stortorget, and in order to integrate greater and wider networks (i.e.
equipping the Municipality and community with les localandinternational,comprehendingindividualpar
sons to apply so as to reach out for as many partici ticipants, professionals, researcher and experts from
pants as possible in future projects as well. The at different disciplines and places). In relation to the
tempt to develop and maximise the democratic and democratic and inclusive character intended by the
inclusive character of the process, also through the process,opensourcetechnologiesandsocialsoftware
establishment of networks and alternative delibera have been applied onto planning as to increase the
tion forums (onsite and online), again can be per numbers of communication and participation forums,
ceived within a close interaction of actors. It is not herebyreachingoutforanincreasednumberofpublic
clear how design and process practices concretely in and professional participants. The multiplicity of fo
terrelated here, but the different actors interacting rumsansweredthedesiretoproposedifferentintensi
through Dreamhamar, each with their respective tiesofparticipation,builttheunderstandingandcon
background and knowledge, made the participation fidence between curators of the project and locals,
andnetworkdesignpossible.Theyenabledtheexper andshareknowledge(consideringthattheexpertsare
imentation of ways to extend the democratic and in not only the professionals, but also the locals with
theirspecificunderstandingofHamar).Againthemul
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tiple communication and participation forums at flexible and open approach that adjust and adapt to
temptedtoaddressthemultiplerealitiesandperspec inputs, while leaving as well some decisions open for
tivesaboutStortorget,urbanspaceandplanning.Pro the people and users, in a constructive atmosphere.
cess and design interrelations are yet again indicated This creativity and flexibility can be interpreted in
through the interactions of the professional urban termsofresilience,allowingtheprojecttoaddressand
actors; they contributed to the project by designing adjust swiftly to the complex and multiple nature of
the communication tools in collaboration with other citiesandurbanplanning.Thecreativeandinnovative
professionals from the Dreamhamar network, thus characterofDreamhamarstandsaswellforthedesire
interrelating their respective knowledge and experi of challenging participation practices and somehow
ences. maximisingthemindesignandplanning.Thedepicted
tendencyofbothurbandesignandplanningtohavea
Creativityandinnovationstandsforanapproach specialinterestinthefinalusermakesparticipationan
to planning with an open mindset allowing flexibility idealarenafortheinterrelationsofthetwodisciplines,
and lateral thinking, to combine knowledge, tools, andthemoreactiveinvolvementofdesignprofession
practices in different ways. Experimentation across alsintheprocessisalreadyadevelopmentofthepar
disciplines is thus important in order to develop new ticipationprocessitself.
practicesandpathwaysinplanning,andcontributesto
build institutional capacity with the development of Finally the promotion of existing resources and
socialandintellectualcapital.ONETHOUSANDSQUARE,the productivityofdesignandplanningprocessesisara
proposition behindthedevelopmentofDreamhamar, ther concrete value and recommendation from the
presentsitselfasacreativeprocessandcreativeinter presented theories. Either it concerns local physical
pretation of participative approach to design and resources (i.e. physical and built environment) or so
planning.Thetransdisciplinarityhereisclearlydetect cialresources(i.e.socialandintellectualcapitalwithin
able through the three previously presented themes. thecommunity)tointegrateinplanning.Thelocalex
Dreamhamarpresentsitselfasanexperienceorsetof istingresourcesaddressedinDreamhamarseemtobe
laboratories, enhancing hereby its experimenting and mainly the social resources, such as indicated for ex
explorative character, but is also the summarising of ample by the use of workshops on historical and cul
several previous experiences carried out by Ecosiste tural heritage, the activation of local groups and or
maUrbano,throughtheirpastprojects.Itproposeda ganisations, the integration of the local and regional
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schools through the governmental program Cultural they have evolved according to the complexity and
Rucksack, and the use of networks and lectures to multiplicity characterising contemporary cities and
sharetheknowledge.Itisthusthesocialandintellec urban planning. For example, the democratic and in
tual capital which is mostly at stake. However men clusivevalueshavedevelopedinusingnewcommuni
tionshavebeenmadealsooftheimportanceofwater cation and participation tools as to reach further out
asafeatureinthelocallandscapeofHamar,andStor forparticipantsandintegrateanextendednetworkof
torget,andworkshopswithfocusontheenvironment public and professionals; this enabled the design and
and seasonal qualities of the location have been car planning process to respond more closely to the plu
riedout.Whiletheproductivityofthedesigncouldbe ralityofstakesinurbanareas.Thentheinterrelations
measuredinitsspatialadequacywiththelocalinputs of designbased and processoriented values have
and environmental characteristics, the productivity of beeninvestigatedandexemplified,especiallythrough
the process would be measured in the longterm ef theinterviewsofactorsinDreamhamar.Thehowof
fects and lessons sustaining the development of the those interrelations could not always be identified as
localcommunity,anditssocialandintellectualcapital. clearlyasexpectedinhowdesignandplanninginflu
Butagaintheinterrelationsofprocessanddesignare ence each other in the participative process: for in
soclosethatsimplificationwillalwaysbeundermining stancesomeactorsexpressedthebeliefinadifferent
nuances in the conclusions; for instance the physical and better design due to the Dreamhamar process,
interventions, such as mock ups under the process but the concrete justification would have to wait for
(e.g. under the urban action of Creamhamar), can as theimplementationofthefinaldesignandathorough
well participate in building social capital. Finally the evaluation of the whole process. Furthermore what
productivity factor can lead back to the metaphor canbeperceivedasdesignandprocessinterrelations
used by Belinda Tato of spreading seeds: some will isratherfluidandflexible,andappearsinsmallerscale
generateanoutcomeorlegacy,somenot.Theprocess throughout Dreamhamar (e.g. mock ups in the pro
wouldbeproductivewhenthemajorityofseedsleave cess, communication skills in 3D models, and the ex
legacies,whichisdifficulttomeasurerightnow. pected community building after the process and de
signarefinalised).Thiscanbejustifiedintheinterrela
The previous paragraphs correspond to the main tionsofdesignandprocessinthiscaseasbeinginnate
valuesoutlinedinChapter4andidentifiedinthecase to the initial proposition ONETHOUSANDSQUARE and to
ofDreamhamar.Assuchtheyarenotnewvalues,but
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the hybrid background and interest of the urban ac ciesinurbandesignandplanning,markingtheevolu
tors.Thissummaryandtherelatedreflectionsconsti tion of participation and collaboration and possibly
tute the basis for some concluding remarks and con outlininganewparadigminplanningpractices.
siderations about contemporary urban design and
planning. The research and findings will be set in the In terms of designplanning gap, the report high
globalperspectiveoftheurbanplanningfield,hereby lights the primacy of interrelations between urban
highlighting the contributions made with the present design and collaborative planning. Although urban
report. designandplanningtheorieshavedifferentbasis(i.e.
respectively empirical and academic), they present
correspondingvaluesandoverlappingfocusesinterms
6.2. Contribution to contemporary ur- of how practice should respond to the contemporary
ban design and planning reality of cities. The interviews of urban actors in
Through the analysis, an attempt was made to frame Dreamhamar illustrate as well that the perception of
boththeoreticallyandpracticallytheinterrelations of space,andthesignificantelementsofspace,canvary
designbased and processoriented values addressing dependingontheirhybridbackground,herebyreflect
the challenges of complexity and multiplicity in con ingdifferentontologiesofspace:forinstance,itcanbe
temporary planning projects. Those values were ex consideredthatthecommunityactivatorbehindSto
tracted from selected theories and concepts, which ryhamar focused strongly on cultural reality of space.
are part of current reflections and discussion in the But those differences did not prevent Dreamhamar
fields of urban design and planning. The practical ap actors from interacting and letting their respective
plication and interrelation of those values were then knowledge and experiences influence the project on
investigatedthroughtheexampleoftheDreamhamar Stortorget.Thusitseemsthatonelessoncanbetaken
case. The report contributes here by making parallel from Dreamhamar in terms of bridging design and
between design and planning perspectives, as to planning: the organisation of communication and in
bridgeaperceiveddesignplanninggapthroughtheo teractions in different intensities, moments and ways
retical and practical interrelating values and focuses. contributed to an extensive participation, benefiting
Then the report exemplifies the complexity in design fromtheexpertiseofdesign,planningandotherfields.
and planning processes and practices. Finally the two The general transdisciplinarity and interactions
latter contributions result in the outlining of tenden achieved through the comprehensive network and
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communication tools in Dreamhamar have contribut to tryout tools and practices. But this increased as
ed to link the different phases of the project more well the complexity of the design and planning pro
strongly, and relate the process with the finaldesign. cess, hereby challenging the role of the planner and
Howeverthecomplexityoftheprocesscanchallenge designer in urban projects. Indeed the multiple inter
the overview and red thread in the project, even the ests at stake in contemporary planning suggest that
perceptionofthefinaldesign,whichisexpectedtobe the expertise and resources lie with the locals, the
coherentwiththeprocess. community and professional networks, rather than
withtheindividualpractitionerorplanninginstitution.
With Dreamhamar, the present report offers a What would then be the role of designers and plan
concrete example of complex design and planning nerstoday?ThecaseofDreamhamarappearstoindi
process, outlining among other aspects the multiple cate an evolution towards extensive facilitation and
communication and participation tools, the various communicationroles.
actorsandtheirrespectivevaluesabouturbanspace,
and the subtle interrelations between design and Finallyitisremarkablethatthepresentedtheories
planning (which were not as clearly differentiated as and the extracted values do not present any revolu
firstly expected). From the initial description of com tionary novelty. Indeed they still position themselves
plexity and multiplicity in urban planning, it shows against modernistic planning practices and adopt val
how cities have become laboratories for experiment ues that were formulated already in the 19601970s
ing tools and approaches addressing and adjusting to by other planning theorists; they could be thus per
thecomplexificationofsocietyandspace(seeChapter ceivedasoldwineinnewbottles.Butlookingatthe
2).Severaltheoristshaveprovidedthetheoreticalre background of their authors, and linking them up to
flections about the nature of urban complexity and the approaches observed in Dreamhamar, it could be
multiplicity,andhowtoaddressitinplanning.Among argued that they propose an evolution of planning
thosereflections,valuessuchasproductiveprocesses values,accordingtotimeandthelatesttechnological
and designs, and collaborative approaches seem to evolution. They use social technologies and software
drawatendencyinhowcomplexityandmultiplicityin todevelop,forinstance,thevalueofdemocraticplan
citiesshouldbeaddressed.Themultiplicityofactorsin ning. Indeed given the complexity and multiplicity of
Dreamhamar(i.e.publicandprofessionals)broughtto contemporarysocietyandurbanworld,onecaneasily
theplanningprocessnewinspirationandexpertiseas perceivethegrowingpluralityofgroups,culturesand
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interests. Thoughts behind networks, crowdsourcing,
opensource technologies, social software, for in
stance,canbetranslatedtocollaborativeplanning,in
ordertoenhancecommunicationandparticipationin
projects. In my perspective, the described values and
toolscontributetotheevolutionofparticipationand
collaborationpracticesinplanning,respondingtothe
contemporary urban complexity and possibly aiming
towardanewparadigmofparticipationandcollabora
tion, based on increased transdisciplinarity and com
municationbymeansofsocialandnetworktechnolo
gies.Thiscorrespondsaswellwiththereflectionsona
possibleneworreorientatedroleofthedesignerand
planner towards facilitation and communication. Still
Dreamhamar represents one case among others, and
to define the latter suppositions would need a more
thoroughevaluationofseveralcases.
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7 CONCLUSION relationsinpracticeassumetoaddressthesametwo
attentions.
As the world and knowledge about reallife evolve,
gainingincomplexityandmultiplicity,theurbanplan ThusitappearsthroughChapter2,thatcomplexi
ningfielddevelopsaswellinordertoaddressandad ty and multiplicity in planning is a challenge for con
just to relational spatial and social realities. Since the temporaryurbanprojectsandpractices,butthatthey
start of the phenomenon of urbanisation and up till provide as well the basis for addressing current plan
today,citieshavebeenreflectedonandusedaslabor ning culture and contemporary urban governance
atories for practitioners as to carry out visions and forms: for instance, could values of democracy and
ideas about how to address most adequately the on deliberationinplanningbeappliedtoawiderextent,
goingevolvingurbanrealityandsociety. now that the public interest becomes increasingly
plural and that planning integrates a greater number
Theresearchsetouttoinvestigatethefollowingques of voices and stakes? Can values of communication,
tion: How do values of contemporary urban design participationandcollaborationbecarriedoutinprac
based and processoriented theories address urban tice with inputs from other or new disciplines? The
complexity,andinterrelatewithparticipativeplanning multiplicity of urban actors and issues results in the
practices? Two propositions constitute the basis for planning process being perceived as a sequence of
the exploration undertaken throughout those pages. experiments that aim to adjust to urban realities in a
The first proposition concerned the perception of a flexible and incremental way. While reflections and
designplanninggappresent,especiallyintheacadem practices are developing answers to this complexity
ic world. The second proposition suggested that the andmultiplicity,asshownintheconceptualandtheo
interrelationofurbandesignandplanningvaluesand reticalframework,planningcultureandurbangovern
practices comprehends interesting potentials as to anceseemtonothavetakenonthechallengeyet.This
addresstheaforementionedurbancomplexity,within reportdoesnotprovideanyrecommendationsashow
participative processes. Indeed literature and discus theyshoulddoso,butillustratesthetendencythrough
sionsintheplanningfieldhaverevealedtheincreasing the theoretical review and offers an example of an
attentionofacademicsandpractitionersonproductiv extensive participative and collaborative design and
ity and collaboration in planning. The bridging of the planning project, which appears to address the com
designplanninggapandthehighlightingoftheirinter
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Conclusion
plexity of planning, while strongly relating design and sponding values and practices for urban design and
process. planning,butnocleardifferencesinvalues.Theback
drop of the respective theories and ontologies of ur
Throughout the conceptual and theoretical banspacecannonethelessbediverging,butthesecan
framework, a selection of urban designbased and beseenaspotentialswithintheinterrelationofdesign
processoriented theories have been presented and andplanning,astointegratemoreperspectivesabout
studiedastoextractthevaluesthattheypromoteas urbanspaceandrealitieswithinplanning.
to answer the contemporary realities of cities. They
representamomentuminurbandesignandplanning, The case study of Dreamhamar offers a practical
enhancing democratic and inclusive collaboration; exampleofthepreviouslydescribedplanningmomen
hereby they address the multiplicity of actors, the tum in planning, by illustrating the interrelation be
productivityofplanningefforts(bymeansofusingthe tween design and planning process in practice, the
relational character of urban contexts and local re interactions within the multiplicity of urban actors,
sources),thecreativityandflexibilityinprocesses,and andthegeneralcomplexityofurbanprojects.Dream
theapplicationofsocialandopensourcetechnologies hamar revealed the impossibility of simplifying the
inplanningsoastoenhancecommunicationandpar project into design and planning contributions: the
ticipation.Thewholedepictedtendencyhasgenerally process benefited from a comprehensive network of
agreatfocusonthesocialdimensionofplanning,ac actorsandmultiplecommunicationchannelsandpar
knowledging that the knowledge about urban areas ticipation arenas, meant to activate a broad segment
and dynamics lies not only with the planning profes ofthelocalpopulationandgeneratedynamicsessions
sionals, but also with experts from other fields and of reflection, discussion and experimentation about
with the local community. It appears thus that the urbanspace,andtheplanninganddesignofthefuture
designers and planners role is challenged by the mainsquareinHamar.Themultipleactorsinvolvedin
recognition of this multiplicity of actors and Dreamhamar can hardly be categorised in designing
knowledge.Furthermorethedesignerandplannerare and planning actors: both designers and planners are
positionedaspartsofthecomplexandrelationalsoci mostly architects with different backgrounds. People
etyhe/sheplansfor,andnotasleadingprofessionals fromthecommunityandexpertsinmanyotherdisci
(such as they might appear in modernistic planning). plines than urban design and planning entered the
Hence the framework highlighted similar and corre processaswell.Hencetheexpectationofdetermining
Page102|103

values and practices clearly related to design or pro extensiveandcomplexcollectiveurbanplanningprac
cess, and look at their interrelation on the project of tices can challenge the translation of the process in
Stortorget in Hamar was an impossible simplification, puts into the design phase, but expectations can be
due to the projects high complexity. Interrelations formulated on an outcome adequately answering the
betweenvaluesandpracticeswereoutlinedfromthe communitysneedsanddemands(i.e.shorttermout
individual stories and professional experiences of the comeinformofthefinalphysicalsquare)andsupport
10interviewedactors,whohavecontributedatdiffer ingthelocalselforganisationandempowermentasto
ent levels and in different intensities in this specific keep on deploying collaborative and participative
process.Theexperimentingandexplorativecharacter planning practices in future urban projects (i.e. long
of Dreamhamar suggests that it is an experience to term outcome in form of community building and in
buildonwithfutureprojectsandexperiments. fluence on the local planning culture). The observa
tionsandlessonsmadethroughthisreporthavecon
The report has thus outlined urban designbased tributed in highlighting the possibilities for bridging
andprocessorientedvaluesincontemporaryplanning thedesignplanninggapformulatedatthestartofthe
theoriesandpractices,whichaddressurbancomplexi research,andforcoevolutionofdisciplinesandprac
tyandmultiplicitywithcorrespondingandoverlapping ticesincontemporaryurbanplanning,aswellasillus
focuses.Itappearsthatsomelessonsabouttoolsand trating the complexity, also in practice, faced by cur
approachescanbemadeastosupportthepossibilities renturbanproject.Whilerecognisingthatsomevalues
for interrelation of disciplines and coevolution of ac and lessons might be the reformulation of existing
tors, as well as to integrate current urban complexity reflectionsonurbanplanningpractices(maybewitha
and multiplicity in contemporary and future planning slightly different nuance), the presented theories in
practices.Theyaremainlythedesignanduseofglobal planning and the Dreamhamar experience might sug
and local networks, the many communication chan gestthedevelopmentofanewparadigminparticipa
nelsandparticipationtoolsthatincreaseprofessional tionandcollaboration,astoaddressurbancomplexity
and public inputs, and a certain open and flexible and increase transdisciplinarity in urban design and
mindset as to adapt and adjust to ideas and inputs planning projects, while relating more closely the
andintegratingthemthroughoutthedesignandplan phasesofurbanprojects,fromprocesstodesign.
ning process. Dreamhamar showed as well that such
Page103|103

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9 LISTOFAPPENDIXES
AppendixA:TableoftheInterviewedDreamhamarActors
AppendixB:InterviewwithGeirCock(seeonCD)
AppendixC:InterviewwithBelindaTato(seeonCD)
AppendixesD1toD9:Writtenactorinterviews(seeonCD)
APPENDIXA:TABLEOFTHEINTERVIEWEDDREAMHAMARACTORS
ThefollowingtablepresentstheinterviewedactorsinrelationtothecasestudyonDreamhamar;itsumsuptheir
educationalbackground,theirinterestsandfocusses,previousworkareaandcurrentpost,aswellasashortdescrip
tion of their role in and around the participative process of Dreamhamar. Additionally supplementary information
andcommentsbytheintervieweesthemselvesillustratestheirroleandengagementinDreamhamar.Thegroupingis
notbasedonexistinggroups;theyareeitherbasedonthetypeofinterviewtheyparticipatedin(e.g.GeirCockand
BelindaTato)oronsimilaritiesfoundintheirrolesorgeneralapproachtoarchitectureandurbandesignandplan
ning.Theusedsourcesaremainlytheindividualinterviews(AppendixesB,CandD1D8),thebookletFuturehamar
(Hamarkommune&EcosistemaUrbano,2012),theofficialcompetitionlaunchdocumentfromHamarmunicipality
(Hamarkommune,2009)andinformationgiventhroughcorrespondencewithsomeoftheinterviewees(Cock,2012)
(Peer,2012).Othersourceswillbementionedinthetableitself.

TableA1:Dreamhamaractorsinterviewedfortheproject
Interviewee Experience,background&post RoleinDreamhamar

Graduation:architectfromBergen
Interest:connectionbetweenlanduse,the
conceptofurbanlifeandthedesignanduse
ofpublicspace
ProjectleaderintheMunicipalitysinternal
Previouswork:privateandpublicsector,with
projectteam,fromthelaunchingofthecom
designofhousesandurbanplanning,and
GeirCock petitionanduptillthetransferoftheproject
withurbanrenewal
(AppendixesB&D1) managementtoEcosistemaUrbano.
Localactor Currentpost:landusemanager(arealplan
Memberofthejuryofthecompetition
sjef)andresponsibleforregulationplansfor
KunstforStortorget
severalurbanspacesinthecitycentre,inthe
Participantandfacilitator
PlanningdepartmentofHamarmunicipality.
AlsoleaderofHedmarkandHinterlandArchi
tectAssociation(HedmarkogOpplandAr
kitektforening).

Graduation:architectfromMadridand
London
Interest:multiplecollaborationpartners
withinfieldsofurbanplanning,urban Maincollaboratorinthecompetitionteam,
innovation,urbansociology,opensource constitutedbyEcosistemaUrbanoandthe
planning artistLluisSadabellArtiga
BelindaTato Workandcurrentpost: MaincoordinatorbehindDreamhamar
(AppendixC)
Internat.actor freelancepracticeinthecompany participationandnetworkdesignproject
EcosistemaUrbano,establishedin2005,with Maincuratorandrepresentativeof
professionalpartnerJoseLuisVallejoMateo EcosistemaUrbanoonsite,duringthe
professoratHarvard participationphase
78yearsofexperiencewithurbanactions
anddiverseurbanplanninganddesign
experiences
These two actors have been interviewed as keypersons in the Dreamhamar process. Their role in Dreamhamar
among the upstarting team (i.e. Cock from Hamar municipality and Tato from the Spanish company Ecosistem
Urbano)makesthemaswelltheactorswiththebestorbroadestoverviewonthisproject,bothintermoftimeand
involved actors. Both have been present and shown a great engagement in the diverse activities throughout
Dreamhamar,butwithdifferentknowledgeofandrelationtoHamar.Aspartofthemunicipaladministratingteam
fortheprojectonStortorget,hisroleundertakesthefacilitationoftheprocessandthecoordinationofitwiththe
Municipality.Hedescribeshimselfasaguidewithlocalknowledge,abletogivefeedbacktoEcosistemaUrbanoand
pointatchallengingissues,andhascontributedbothasparticipantandfacilitatorintheprocess.
Graduation:construction,planning,project
KnutSjvold ProjectmanagerforStortorgetandthe
managementanddevelopment
(AppendixD2) Culturalcentre,linkingtheMunicipalityand
Localactor Currentpost:projectmanageratSTEMA
otheractors
Consulting
Graduation:civilengineer
SverreSkram Previouswork:
AssistantprojectmanagerforStortorgetand
Vatne sustainablebuildings
theCulturalcentre,facilitatingbetween
(AppendixD3) projectmanagementsince2011
Localactor architectsandvariousconsultants
Currentpost:ass.projectmanageratSTEMA
Consulting

These two actors are rather part of the implementing team. They are the two project managers attached to the
project of the Cultural centre and were thus early involved in the project of Stortorget. They both insist though
mostlyonthetechnocraticaspectsoftheirroleandbeingsupportiveoftheimplementationofthedesign.
Graduation:architectinGuatemala
Interest:
variousnetworksandcollaborativeresearch
platforms,e.g.radarq,EcosistemaUrbano,
theUrbanRelationalLaboratory,Domus,MAS
EthelBaraona Context,BeCityandQuaderns
Responsiblefortheorganisationofthe
Pohl citizenengagedinbottomuplocalurban
Tacticalurbanismworkshop,basedonopen
(AppendixD4) processesinBarcelona
Internat.actor Workandcurrentpost: sourcetechnologyandtheories
practicefromBarcelonasince1998
writing,teachingandresearch
founderofthepublishinghousedpr
barcelona,withherprofessionalpartnerCsar
Reyes
Graduation:architectandurbanistinSevilla,
andcitymanagementinCatalonia
Interest:
memberofZZZINCCultureresearchand
innovationandfellowatZEMOS98
citizenengagedinbottomuplocalurban
PacoGonzalez processesinBarcelona Responsiblefortheorganisationofthe
(AppendixD4) Workandcurrentpost: Tacticalurbanismworkshop,basedon
Internat.actor foundedofradarq.net,anopenstudioand opensourcetechnologyandtheories
researchplatforminarchitecture,cityand
networks
founderofBeCity
consultantprofessorandtutorinCityand
urbanplanningmanagement,atthe
universityofCatalonia

Graduation:architectfromParisandIllinois Responsibleforthedevelopmentofthe
Interest: conceptslaidoutunderthecompetition
individualandsocialdimensioninterritorial proposal,herebyimplementingtheproposal,
andurbanplanning whichcomprehends:
potentialsoftechnologyinthepracticeof researchontheexistingsocialgroups,
architectureandtheinterrelationofpeople institutionsandimportantpoliticalandsocial
designplanninginterrelationinpractices figuresinHamar
Previouswork: establishthemethodologyofthe
NoaPeer variousexperiencesinfieldssuchasinterior participationprocess(e.g.definetheroleof
(AppendixD8)
Internat.actor design,architecture,projectmanagement thecommunityactivatorsandcreativeguests,
andurbandesign definethethemesoftheworkshops,
differentprojectssuchasapartment investigatethepotentialofintegratingthe
renovation,socialhousing,publicbuildings culturalrucksackprogram,definesome
andpublicspace communicationmeansandchannels)
competitionwork informcitizensandhiredprofessionalsand
Currentpost:freelancearchitectworking communicatetheprojecttotheparticipants
fromParis,specialisedmostlyindeveloping upsumtheresultsoftheparticipation
planningprocesses process
PeerispartoftheEcositemaUrbanoteamandthetwootherswerehiredastohelpwiththeimplementationofthe
network behind the participation process. Baraona and Gonzalez state that Ecosistema Urbano asked us for
integrate ideas outside the box from the online workshop participants to enrich the whole process and hereby
innovatetheusualprocedurewithdifferentapproachesbasedonnetworkculture(AppendixD4).Peersgeneral
engagementwithvariousprojects,basedonabottomupapproachandanextensiveinclusionofthefutureusers
ideasandneedspresentaswellaninspirationandexperienceforimplementingDreamhamar.
Graduation:Culturalstudies,Culture
animationandTheaterinWarsaw,Poland
Interest:influenceandimportanceofpeople Communityactivatorandresponsiblefor
JoannaMikulska andtheirhistoryinarchitectureandurban theurbanactionStoryhamar
(AppendixD5)
Localactor planning Contributedtotheurbanaction
Previouswork:urbandesignandculture Creamhamarandpeople
animationprojectsinPoland,engagingthe
localcommunityintoinvestigatingitshistory.

Graduation:teacher
Previouswork:
AudunJensen Communityactivatorandresponsiblefor
teacherinOslo
(AppendixD6) theurbanactionPlayhamar
Localactor schoolyardplanninganddesigning
Contributedtotheworkshopactivities
Currentpost:primaryschoolteacherat
Storhamarbarneskole
MikulskacomesfromPolandbutlivestodayinHamarandisthereforeconsideredasalocalactorinDreamhamar.
Besides she was a participant before being a community activator. Jensen grew up in Hamar. The two actors
inputsareactivatingtheHamarcitizens,butalsoactivatingthelocalandinternationalprofessionalcommunity,in
addressing significant aspects in the experience of urban space. Both have been described as very engaged and
enthusiasticactorsinDreamhamar.
Graduation:landscapearchitect
Interest:multipleparticipationandgood
processes,withabackgroundinlandscape Mainprojectcoordinatorfromthe
planning Municipality,workingespeciallyonthe
Previouswork: internalcoordinationofmunicipal
KariNilssen municipalplanninginseveralmunicipalities departmentswithDreamhamar
(AppendixD7)
Localactor projectmanagementexperience Responsibleintheadministrativeand
Currentpost:urbanplanningmanager organisingteamestablishedfortheprojecton
(byplansjef)since2008andresponsiblefor Stortorgetatthelaunchofthecompetition
theinternalcoordinationandcollaborationof
thePlanningdepartmentwithother
departments,inHamarmunicipality.
She describes her role and tasks in formal and logistical terms, both in relation to Dreamhamar and the overall
planningprojectsinHamar.Herroleliesmostlyinthecoordinationandfacilitationbetweenlocalpublicactorsin
Hamar.Sheexplains:thecitycentreandurbandevelopmentareonmyagenda,andparticipationamainvalue*
(AppendixD7).SheparticipatedinDreamhamarbothasindividualandasprofessionalplanner,havingtheinternal
coordinationresponsibilityandmarketingtheproject.

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PARTICIPATIVE DESIGN & PLANNING

IN CONTEMPORARY URBAN PROJECTS

Urban Planning & Management, Aalborg University | June 2012

Urban Planning & Management, Aalborg University | June 2012

Taking a departure in the authors own background, the research

Quotes from the interviews conducted in Dan

3 METHODOLOGICALCONSIDERATIONS 15 5.2. DESIGNANDPLANNINGVALUESEXPRESSEDIN

and/or planning. Further specifications on the term thetermusedbytheinitiatorsofDreamhamartode

2 COMPLEXITY IN CONTEMPORARY WarrenWeaverandtheurbansociologistJaneJacobs

which planning theorists and practitioners struggle to age.Inthistask,innovativeandalternativeapproach

3 METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERA spectives,recognisingthesociallyconstructedcharac

fosteredthroughthehumanactivityofreflectionand interpretative activity situates the researcher within

These considerations refer clearly to hermeneutics, figure3.2)andtotheideathattheresearcherallows

presence in recent debates and discussion among

Itisrelevanttoremarkthatafirstpropositionforthe (e.g. recommendations based on the experience of

4 CONCEPTUAL AND THEORETICAL asurbanplanners)andthattheorisingplannersoften

lappinglayersofenergyflowsaredeterminingtheac passes; to sustain urban regeneration with focus on

(Lydon, 2012, pp. 942) (Street Plans Collaborative, tweenpartners,interestgroupsandlocalleaders;itis

Generalreflectionsandcritique should be considered as conceptual frameworks12,

4.2. Collaborative planning approach hasanincreasingimportanceandpresenceinthefield

of those characteristics, based on the main authors Itisthereforenotmeanttoserveasaframeworkfor

5 THEDREAMHAMAREXPERIENCE,A about art on the main public square of Hamar,

of the first developments, leading from the initial

5.1. Context and development of

Hamarisalittletownofapproximately28000inhab bank (see Figures I, II andIII). Currently the square is

consideredimportant.Theregulationplanfortheuse politicians, one representative from the business sec

planningandtechnology(e.g.Tato,BaraonaandGon 5.2.2. Social dimension in Dreamhamar

The social dimension in planning does not only sup

aspectswhichonemightsuggestwouldbeinherentto the relation people will develop to the new square.

as being the best way to know, understand and de stilladdressingthedifferentsocialgroupsaccordingto

Again the international actors have some more

6 REFLECTIONS AND CONTRIBU 6.1. Interrelation of values and

fied in Dreamhamar. Throughout the process, local clusivecharacterofplanning,withfocusespeciallyon

Interviewee Experience,background&post RoleinDreamhamar

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