Outlining a participatory approach for using building renovation momentum for wider effects
Abstract
This exploratory paper presents a freshly initiated research project for developing a model for approach for suburban renovation projects in Finland. The main focus is on the construction in suburbs that were built in the 1960s and 1970s and are now facing re-evaluation due to ensuing repairs and new energy use criteria. The chosen neighborhoods are also facing reputation issues and social problems. The plan is to exploit the momentum of the inevitable technical improvement projects to also benefit long-term improvement of the social and aesthetic quality of the environment as a whole. This means also discussing ways to redefine the scope of renovation with the service providers. Here a participatory design research approach could prove useful in finding effective means of communication between inhabitants, the local parties acting within the neighborhoods and the renovation service providers. The present research is based in part on past work revolving around plumbing renovation cases, where successes were achieved in activating various partners connected to the renovation projects. The intent is to extend and refine the practices developed in the past project. The project plan and proposed mode of approach will be presented in detail.
