Can digital technologies for city-making engage its users to build parklets in Vienna? - Citizen participation in the context of the platform city

ABSTRACT

This article presents the results of research conducted to observe the impact of digital tools on citizen engagement. Parklets (temporary constructions in public space) in Vienna were selected for the research as a case study. The following digital tools for city-making were developed to carry out the experiment: basic information, a parklet potential map, a design tool, and a form to request the necessary permits. The tools were advertised among citizens’ organizations and through social media channels. Three methods were used to collect data: automated data collection, a survey, and expert interviews. The results show that technology has limitations in motivating citizens to build parklets. While the tools could inform people about the possibilities in the city, other aspects, such as previous engagement, play an essential role in the perception of new tools and their potential adoption.

KEYWORDS:

• Public space
• digital platforms
• citizen participation
• parklets

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Milena Vuckovic for her comments that greatly improved the quality of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

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

Notes

1. Have you ever done any activity or intervention in public spaces? (e.g flea markets, pop-up parks, guerrilla knitting, urban gardening etc.).

2. Have you ever thought about making some intervention in public spaces?

3. When did you first hear about the possibility of installing Parklets in Vienna?

4. Do you know how to get a permit to build a parklett?

5. Which of the following aspects facilitates or hinders for you interventions in public spaces?

6. In general, do you agree with the following statements?

7. Are you member of some of the groups listed below, if so which is your role in it? Cooperative, Neighborhood committee, Political group, Other

8. In general, do you agree with the following statements: most people in my neighborhood ...?

9. How has your relationship with your neighbours changed during thelast two years?

10. How likely are you to perform the following actions using citymaking!wien?

11. Do you agree with the following statements regarding the parkletpotential map?

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie [-]; Industriellenvereinigung Österreich [-].