Speed Ideation for the Wiesenviertel in Witten: Engaged Citizens Develop Over 200 Ideas for Their District

“We only have two and a half hours – how can we design a workshop to generate as many ideas as possible?”

In the Wiesenviertel, one finds oneself in a rare luxury situation: There’s a district with a lot of potential, a large network of creative people, and funding to support concrete ideas. It’s time to put our heads together and collectively envision a livable, community-oriented, and creative district. Whether it’s temporary vacant space activation, cultural projects in public spaces, or social entrepreneurship ideas – the Stellwerk wants to brainstorm the future of the district together with the citizens.

The tricky part: there are only two and a half hours for the idea workshop. With the Brainwriting method, this is no problem. After 20 minutes, each participant holds 25 ideas for solving their question in their hands. More than enough material for the subsequent presentation and discussion of ideas on the metaplan boards. After two and a half hours, everyone has been heard and further steps have been agreed upon for each idea.

The Wiesenviertel has long been bundling the forces of cultural and creative industries that revive dormant urban structures. The Wiesenviertel has long since gained new contours and vibrancy and has been able to build a functional network of initiatives, associations, institutions, residents, business owners, and the municipality. The district always benefits from the dialogue of its stakeholders. It is in a constant process of developing a communal urban daily life from which everyone can benefit. More information at: www.wiesenviertel.de

Client: Stellwerk e.V.
Job: Workshop Design & Facilitation

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