Living labs for user empowerment and value delivery in social housing upgrading processes

C. C. K. Kowaltowski, Doris; Gomes da Silva, Vanessa; van Oel, Clarine; Denis Granja, Ariovaldo; Muianga, Elisa; Kabisch, Sigrun; de Carvalho Moreira, Daniel; Simon Jowan Koolwijk, Jelle; Pößneck, Janine; Tzortzopoulos, Patricia; Soliman-Junior, Joao; Engler Bridi, Marcelle; Freeke, Arno

Abstract

Upgrading existing social housing (SH) requires user-centred participatory processes to promote values. Comparative case studies in Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK are presented. Living Labs (LLs) were conducted for the delivery of user values and to promote an informed decision-making process. Tools and LL activities were tested to engage stakeholders in the upgrading process, support the co-creation of solutions and address social and societal challenges. The main research aims were to facilitate SH upgrading processes focusing on the delivery of value for users, achieving end-user empowerment, as well as assessing participatory decision-making through LLs. Research goals were achieved in each case study setting. The evaluation of specific cases informed a conceptual framework and guidelines to facilitate upgrading through LLs in varied SH landscapes.

Citation

C. C. K. Kowaltowski, D., Gomes da Silva, V., van Oel, C., Denis Granja, A., Muianga, E., Kabisch, S., …Freeke, A. (2024). Living labs for user empowerment and value delivery in social housing upgrading processes. Habitat International, 145, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2024.103019

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 2, 2024
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 18, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 25, 2024
• Journal: Habitat International
• Print ISSN: 0197-3975
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 145
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2024.103019