A psychoanalytical approach in urban design: exploring dynamics of co-creation through theme-centred interaction

ABSTRACT

Urban design practices are shifting towards inclusive co-creation processes to engage diverse stakeholders and create sustainable spaces. This paper explores co-creation dynamics in urban design using the theme-centred interaction (TCI) model from the field of psychoanalysis. Through a single-case study, qualitative and quantitative methods, balanced co-creation strategies are highlighted, empowering individuals, facilitating open dialogue, defining shared objectives, and considering external factors. This research extends literature by applying the TCI model, offering a novel lens and insights for effective co-creation practices in urban design. It informs future investigations and enhances stakeholder engagement, emphasizing a holistic approach.

KEYWORDS:

• Co-creation
• theme-centred interaction (TCI)
• stakeholder engagement
• urban design
• single case study
• human-centred design

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Ego-driven modernist architects such as Le Corbusier, Robert Moses, and Ernst May, along with real estate developers like Donald Trump (though their approaches and philosophies are fundamentally different), were influential and prominent during the 20th century. They continued to have a significant impact on architectural theory and practice for several decades (Venturi 1977).

2. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a framework that assesses a company’s or organization’s performance in these three key areas to evaluate its sustainability and societal impact (Halbritter and Dorfleitner 2015). While ESG is more commonly associated with corporate practices and investment analysis, its principles and goals can also be applied to urban design and city development.

3. The German approach to architecture competitions emphasizes transparency, fairness, and public participation. Architecture competitions are competitive in nature. Participants submit their individual design proposals, and the submissions are evaluated by a jury or a panel of experts. The focus is on selecting the best design based on predefined criteria and often involves a prize or recognition for the winning entry (Chupin, Cucuzzella, and Helal 2015).

4. Compliant to the German HOAI (Fees for Services by Architects and Engineers, BGBl. I S. 2276) nine service phases cover from (1–2) Determination of the basic principles and Initial planning to (8–9) Site supervision and Site management and documentation.