Participatory design: Difference between revisions

Many [[local governments]] particularly in [[Melbourne]], Australia require community consultation in any major changes to the built environment. Community involvement in the planning process is almost a standard requirement in most strategic changes. Community involvement in local decision making creates a sense of empowerment. The [[City of Melbourne]] [[Swanston Street]] redevelopment project received over 5000 responses from the public allowing them to participate in the design process by commenting on seven different design options.<ref>The City of Melbourne http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=192&pa=1323&pg=4460 ''Have Your Say'' May 14, 2009</ref> While the [[City of Yarra]] recently held a 'Stories in the Street'<ref>Andrea Cook http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Consultation/pdf/Stories%20in%20the%20Street%20Publicity%20Files.pdf ''Stories in the Street'' May 14, 2009</ref> consultation, to record peoples ideas about the future of Smith Street. It offered participants a variety of mediums to explore their opinions such as mapping, photo surveys and storytelling. Although local councils are taking positive steps towards participatory design as opposed to traditional top down approaches to planning, many communities are moving to take design into their own hands.