The OFL (Consultory Body for the Physical Fabric) asked DuneWorks to write practice-oriented reports about pressing issues in citizen participation. The department ‘Transitions towards Gas-free Districts’ assists participation professionals by commissioning small-scale research about challenges that professionals themselves raise.

DuneWorks carried two research assignments: the first addresses the question whether it makes sense and if so, whether it’s feasible, for participation professionals to link up with existing social structures and organizations in a neighbourhood, when the former have to guide a transition process. We conclude that it most certainly makes sense, especially in the preparatory phases, but that professionals do have to actively seek out a diversity of initiatives and networks. To make sure everyone can contribute according to ability and interest, we recommend a number of open dialogic practices that lend themselves to explore a topic in ways that are accessible to the greatest number of people.

The second assignment was to write short introductions about frequently recurring topics in the field of participation. The introductions are part of a longer series and cover the most important definitions and considerations within that topic. DuneWorks contributed with write-ups about Polarisation, Justice, Deliberative Democracy and Legitimacy.

Publications

Links to the (Dutch-language) publication to follow when they’re officially released.