Tech-based gamification strategies for Public Space regeneration

Public spaces play a pivotal role in urban regeneration strategies, representing nodes of physical and societal networks that support urban articulation. Citizen engagement through participatory design strategies is crucial to support inclusive and sustainable regeneration, however traditional methodologies present significant limitations in terms of audience and engagement. This study aims to assess the potential and capacity of different participatory methodologies based on the use of serious game approaches and gamification strategies, empowered by digital technologies, as tools to enhance engagement of citizens in the generation of sustainable and livable public spaces. It evaluates and compares three case studies developed at IAAC - Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, based on different methodologies and devices, namely a (i)video game, a (ii)physical game board, and a (iii)gamified interactive sensor/actuator installation. An evaluation framework is proposed based on capacity levels in relation to six parameters: citizen engagement, audience development, interaction between citizens, education and awareness-raising, generation of inclusive and sustainable design solutions, support of co-creation and real implementation of these solutions.