Case Study. The New Participation for LUGA
Early Citizen Involvement for an Urban Park Renovation
Design and Implementation of a participatory consultation with local residents and park users, producing a report on community needs through interviews and in-person meetings and activities
Client: LUGA, Luxembourg Urban Garden, in collaboration with the City of Luxembourg
Date: July–December 2024
Location: Pfaffenthal, Luxembourg City
Number of People Involved: 400+
The Challenge
In 2024, Odendahl Park was just a simple lawn with minimal landscaping alongside the Alzette River in Pfaffenthal. The opportunity to refurbish the park arose during the LUGA Urban Garden Festival the following year, when the festival organisers chose the site as their headquarters. To ensure that the redevelopment met both community needs and the city’s vision, Sensity acted as the main partner in the participatory process, combining information from research with inclusive engagement methods.
Objectives
- Facilitate decision-making before park renovation
- Provide a clear overview of park usage habits
- Analyze current and future needs of all stakeholders
- Deliver a briefing for landscape architects to kick-off and guide the project
- Engage all citizens in a representative and inclusive way
How we did it
The process began with a kick-off meeting and on-site visit at the park. SensityCity worked with LUGA a.s.b.l. and the City of Luxembourg to define the project scope and key research questions: How is the current state of Park Odendahl perceived? What additional features or functions would residents like to see?
Demographic Analysis: Understanding the Citizens
SensityCity conducted a demographic analysis of the Pfaffenthal neighborhood using studies of neighborhood types and people living there from the city. Findings showed a highly diverse population, with 62% non-Luxembourgish residents and notable socio-economic differences. These insights helped making sure everyone could participate.
Survey Design and Communication
A simple, multilingual online survey was distributed via a QR code. The survey was accessible on-site, through a letter to all households and via city communication channels. It received 348 responses, about 8% of the neighbourhood population, covering park usage, desired improvements, and perceptions of safety and accessibility. Open questions were included to allow deeper insights.
Inclusive and Representative Research
Although surveys are useful for gathering information, our researchers realized that the respondents were not fully representative, since most of them held university degrees. Threfore, from survey respondents, 10 participants were selected for in depth interviews, ensuring diversity in gender, age, education and nationality. To find a wider range of candidates for interview who represent the people who use the park, including younger people and people who are disadvantaged, Sensity worked with local NGOs and community workers.
Interviews and Conviviality
Interviews were conducted in Luxembourgish, French, German, Italian and English. We were hosted at the convivial setting of the Youth Hostel in Pfaffenthal allowing the interviewees to feel confident and at ease. These guided conversations provided key insights into residents’ true concerns, wishes, and priorities.
Outcomes
The consultation created a clear report summarizing what the community wants and how people use Odendahl Park. This participatory briefing highlighted areas to preserve and gave guidance for future planning. Even though the park hasn’t been redeveloped yet, this report will guide decisions and assist in ensuring sure the park meets residents’ needs. “Involving citizens upstream of the project enabled us to complete the site analysis needed to create a coherent project that meets the needs of users. That's why it's important that citizen consultation takes place at the beginning of the space design project, and not just at the end, as is still generally the case.” Delphine Hardy, LUGA asbl
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Giacomo Piovan
Citizen Participation Consultant
giacomo.piovan@sensity.eu
+352 691 935 822
+352 274 056 80
