Urban Design Lab Handbook – Dialogue-oriented urban transformation processes and practical approaches from Latin America and the Caribbean

B
Methodology
Research
During the initial, preparatory phase, the lab is set up and organized
in partnership with the local municipality. The planning team arrives
in the city, forms a temporary team with local planners from the
municipality and familiarize themselves with the context. Throughout
this phase, it is essential for planning topics, perimeter, and scope of
the work to be clearly identified jointly with the municipality. Existing
material is gathered and various municipal departments share their
insights. Ideally, the planning team is seen as a part of the planning
department of the municipality, which enables access to information
and secures the full participation of local planners in the project.
Once a preliminary stakeholder map, including local actors and
professionals, has been sketched, interviews are carried out in order
to gain a better understanding of the local context from different
perspectives and to begin identifying challenges and potentialities.
Interviewees are the initial members of the Local Support Group, a
group that will sit permanently throughout the duration of the planning
process. Quick analysis of the interviews yields a preliminary
bunch of emerging topics, which will guide us through the planning
process. During this phase, research and analysis of good practices
will provide insights into how other cities tackled similar challenges.
At the end of the first phase, we have identified the relevant
stakeholders, are familiar with the local context and are prepared
to carry out the workshops with the communities, academic sector,
and other professionals.
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