The relationship between real-world experiments and urban planning, using the example of cooperative open space development

Abstract

The article examines the relationship between experiment and planning and highlights the potentials that real-world experiments offer to urban planning. It is based on a case study on cooperative open space development to unite residents and strengthen social cohesion in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Although the subject of „experiment and planning“ has received increased attention recently, there is still a lack of theoretical analysis and empirical research. Therefore, this study, first, addresses the relationship between experiment and planning from a methodological-methodological perspective. Second, based on the case study, the content, instrumental and actor-related dimensions of this relationship are analysed. The results show that real-world experiments can open up opportunities for urban planning – in terms of content (production of more differentiated knowledge), instruments (provision of more open participation formats), and actors (breaking up of entrenched governance arrangements). Whether this is really seen as an opportunity, however, depends on the local planning object and, in particular, on the local planning culture.