A Low-Cost Gamified Urban Planning Methodology Enhanced with Co-Creation and Participatory Approaches

Abstract

Targeted nature-based small-scale interventions is an approach commonly adopted by urban developers. The public acceptance of their implementation could be improved by participation, emphasizing residents or shopkeepers located close to the areas of interest. In this work, we propose a methodology that combines 3D technology, based on open data sources, user-generated content, 3D software and game engines for both minimizing the time and cost of the whole planning process and enhancing citizen participation. The proposed schemes are demonstrated in Piraeus (Greece) and Gladsaxe (Denmark). The core findings can be summarized as follows: (a) the time and cost are minimized by using online databases, (b) the gamification of the planning process enhances the decision making process and (c) the interactivity provided by the game engine inspired the participation of non-experts in the planning process (co-creation and co-evaluation), which decentralizes and democratizes the final planning solution.

How Gamified Interactions Drive Users’ Green Value Co-Creation Behaviors: An Empirical Study from China

“…The positive impact of gamified interaction on users' green value co-creation behaviors is supported, validating H1a, H1b, and H1c. Specifically, H1a corroborates the notion that interactivity can motivate participants' value co-creation [42]. H1b aligns with existing findings that cooperation enhances users' conservation behavior [46] and low-carbon actions [14].…”

“…Interactivity promotes users' continuous use of information systems to exhibit pro-environmental behaviors [4]. In addition, interactivity in games can motivate users to participate in co-creation [42]. Furthermore, gamification refers to the integration of game design elements into non-game contexts [27].…”

Exploring the intersection of sustainable consumption and the Metaverse: A review of current literature and future research directions

“…Additionally, the Metaverse can help urban planners and policymakers to simulate and test new urban design and planning strategies, which can help to promote sustainable urban development [ 80 ]. The Metaverse can represent a platform for urban planners to assess new green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives, which can help to identify areas for improvement and reduce the environmental impact of urban development [ 81 ].…”

A web-based application for the spatiotemporal monitoring of the impact of nature-based solutions on the urban environment and the well-being of citizens: the euPOLIS visualization platform

“…Such digital developments require many tools and on-site visits from engineers to gather the necessary information (images, drone views, recordings, etc.) 41 combined with a cutting-edge structure of motion algorithms. Three-dimensional visualization (digital twin) is turning into a necessity since it is easier not only for humans to identify patterns and relationships between objects but also enables planners to make decisions in accordance with those patterns.…”

“…The 3D visualization additionally offers a shared, interactive, and navigable world, which fosters co-creativity between planners and non-planners. Using 3D virtualization models, interventions can be evaluated in advance without affecting daily activities or post-intervention environmental conditions 41 . These 3D models represent the before and after interventions in each of the demonstration sites.…”