Participatory Future Planning with Young People – Towards Proximity-Based Cities

CONIFER received funding under the 2023 call of the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) programme. Its aim is to support the transformation of current mobility-centered urban cultures into proximity-based, more liveable environments, in line with the 15-minute city (15mC) concept. To achieve this, the project develops and tests a methodology that engages children and school communities in shaping urban environments through creative tools – such as design, gamification, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to co-create safer, more sustainable, and locally responsive urban spaces. 

The project is being implemented through Civic Labs in six locations (Brussels, Kortrijk, Matosinhos, Budapest, Cologne, and Toruń), using a combination of quantitative research and participatory, creative methods to explore experiences and needs. The project’s innovation lies in applying artistic and design-based approaches to urban planning, incorporating design thinking, gamification, and artificial intelligence. The collaboratively developed future visions will result in policy recommendations, planning guidelines, and a 15mC branding package to inspire other cities.