How can we create inner cities that are more sustainable and resilient through public participation? Non-democratic design processes can intervene in the lives of local citizens to such an extent that strong resistance is to be expected. There is a wide range of ways to engage the public, from mere information sessions to ambitious strategies that allow full control over a self-designed neighborhood.

At MVRDV, we believe that public participation plays an important role in the development of inner cities, which must be green, sustainable and resilient. We support experimental approaches to neighborhood improvement, such as our project in the Hoogkwartier in Rotterdam, which can help introduce smaller participatory milestones to create a feeling of community. Additionally, our proposal for the Ettlinger Tor, which emerged from an intensive process of citizen participation, with every step of the urban planning concept responding to the wishes of the citizens.

Tune in for the presentation by associate architect Kristina Knauf on Die Stadtretter to learn more about our ideas on public participation in the development of green, sustainable and resilient inner cities.

Associate Kristina Knauf shapes MVRDV project processes for the Urban Studio from early acquisition stages to delivery, driving storyline, design, and the internal coordination of project development through different design phases. With a particular dedication to urbanism and resilience, Knauf champions the development of innovative methods, tools, and products that help to future-proof MVRDV’s office vision and the Urban Studio’s design strategies. Knauf has been integral to creating projects that provide new perspectives for future living on a larger scale, including assisting Founding Partner, Winy Maas, in the supervision of the development of Eindhoven city center, and Resilient by Design, MVRDV’s resilience research for the city of San Francisco as it faces the effects of climate change.

• Date and time: March 2 – 11:00-12:00 (CET).
• The presentation (in German) is broadcasted on Die Stadtretter but can also be joined via Zoom.
• Zoom ID: 929 5086 4104 – Passcode: stadt | Zoom link.