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Urban Research as a Living Lab for Urban Development

Urban research as a real-world laboratory

Urban research is not seen as an upstream analysis, but as an integral part of development. It builds on the questions and theses developed in the discourse and transfers them into an application-oriented context in which findings can be verified.

Potentials and actors

The starting point is the assumption that urban development does not arise from deficits, but from existing potential. The task of urban research is to make this potential visible, to structure it and to transform it into concrete projects together with local actors. These projects assume responsibility and form the basis for long-term effective support structures.

Real laboratory

In the sense of a real laboratory, theoretical assumptions are tested, checked and further developed under real conditions. The knowledge gained flows directly back into the further development of the projects. Research and implementation are not separate, but rather form a coherent, iterative process.

mediation

Texts and visual representations make complex connections understandable and contribute to mutual further development. They are not just a means of representation, but also part of the cognitive process and support communication between those involved.

Result

This connection creates resilient projects, activated places and long-term effective structures. At the same time, transferable models are emerging that can contribute to the further development of inner cities in different contexts.