Superbarrio: Gamification
for Co-design
An innovative, open-source online platform designed to enhance participatory design in public spaces through gamification strategies.
To foster community involvement in public space design, gather valuable data on citizen needs and desires, and educate participants about sustainability and inclusivity.
Developing a flexible and interactive 3D gaming tool that empowers citizens to visualise and modify urban spaces, allowing them to express their ideas and proposals effectively.
An open-source platform developed by IAAC, aimed at architects, urban planners, and public entities.
Key outputs include:
- A user-friendly 3D interface for citizens to modify urban environments by adding elements, functions, and services.
- Data collection tools that enable the visualisation of citizens’ needs and preferences, filtered by demographics such as gender, age, and profession.
- Educational components that illustrate the impact of individual and collective decisions on urban spaces, enhancing community understanding of urban dynamics.
- Two case studies: Gavoglio area in Genoa and Farm Cultural Park in Favara, Italy.
The Project
Superbarrio serves as a versatile tool for engaging citizens in urban design. Users can navigate 3D models of their neighbourhoods, allocate functional modules, and interact with empty buildings. Each module falls into categories such as ecology, culture, energy, and mobility, impacting multiple urban parameters. The platform also features a scoring system that highlights the consequences of each user’s decisions on the community’s accessibility, economy, productivity, ecology, and social interactions.
The platform allows for geolocated data collection, visualising citizens’ proposals on a map and providing decision-makers with critical insights into community preferences and requirements. Data visualisation is currently accessible only to authorised users.
Superbarrio is designed for neighbourhood-scale application, creating a detailed 3D representation of the community. Users can allocate various modules and assign functions to vacant buildings while receiving real-time feedback on the potential impact of their choices. Gamification techniques encourage participation and facilitate the gathering of a robust dataset, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of urban design principles.
Who is it for?
Citizens
Individuals eager to engage in local design initiatives and improve their urban environment.
Architects and Urban Planners
Professionals seeking innovative methods for data collection and community engagement in public space design.
Public Entities
Organisations interested in utilising participatory design to enhance urban planning processes and outcomes.
- Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
- Local municipalities and community organisations involved in case studies.
