Urban Co-Design Operational Unit & Services (OPUS)

Program: among others RDP
Lead: TUD Knowledge Architecture
Runtime: 2021 – ongoing
Team: Arjama Mukherje; Swati Kulashri; Andreas Wilde
Partners: among others Ralf-Dahrendorf Prize, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

The primary objective of the operational unit within URBAN CODESIGN is to proactively address diverse requests for utilizing the U_CODE tool in various contexts and facilitate its effective implementation in workshop settings.
With a digital toolbox, thousands of citizens can effortlessly engage by providing information, suggestions, and their own ideas. These inputs are evaluated by the system and prepared in a compatible format by U_CODE for further processing by specialized planners and authorities.
Additionally, the unit aims to curate valuable material from these workshops to support creative interpretation of results, which can contribute to knowledge generation for future publications in the field of digital participation in urban planning.

In June 2021, the project was honored with the prestigious Ralf-Dahrendorf Prize for Science Communication. The continuous road show raises awareness and understanding for Participation in Urban Design, especially for young citizens. 

Since 2023, OPUS has been actively engaged in both national and international workshops. Noteworthy projects include: Ralf-Dahrendorf-Preis: Selection of German cities; Nakuru, Kenya; Fritz Förster Platz, Dresden, Germany; Jobar, Damascus, Syria

U_CODE comprises three distinct process steps, each employing multiple methods: Knowledge Campaign: An online knowledge campaign is conducted, aimed at disseminating relevant information and fostering awareness.
Co-creation: Participants are empowered to utilize various tools for the development, evaluation, and feedback of ideas.
Result Evaluation: The collected design data is systematically evaluated, transforming it into valuable knowledge for planning authorities and offices.

Further Information:
Website U_Code