The value of Community Informatics to participatory urban planning and design: a case-study in Helsinki

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present and discuss the potentials of community informatics for participatory planning and design, as well as for ICT-mediated participation in general. The article is based on a case study of the co-design of a shared yard in Helsinki. The application of ICTs meant that tools such as the local website and the Urban Mediator were used as platforms and media to co-create, share and distribute information concerning the progress of the design of the yard. We argue that CI-assisted participatory planning and design provide a viable perspective and significant contribution to ICT-mediated participation in urban issues.