In 2014 the District chairperson of Floridsdorf, Georg Papai, initiated a participative process for the redesigning of a public green space in Bodenstedtgasse. The area of 4.000m2, already contained a fountain, a pergola and a skatepark and was used for all sorts of leisure time activities. The area is also defined by its very specific surroundings; on the one hand it is situated in the centre of the district - close to the local train station and bordering two municipal housing complexes and on the other hand secluded and hidden from view. The participative process was carried out by wohnpartner in the autumn of 2014 in cooperation with the district chairperson, the local urban renewal office (Gebietsbetreuung Stadterneuerung) and outreach youth work.
Identification with the Area
A core objective of the participation process was the inclusion of the neighbours and the visitors to the park, in the re-design of the area. The aim was not only to recieve proposals for the new design, but also to see how people identified with the area itself. The process was kicked off with a media breakfast and a walk through the park together with the district chairperson, Georg Papai, and wohnpartner. wohnpartner representatives walked from door to door of the neighbouring housing complexes, talking with the residents about their needs concerning the usage and design of the leisure area and inviting their proposals.
Information-Cafés and Out-Door-Events
wohnpartner also organised regular information-cafés and out-door events. and set up focus groups to debate different issues concerning the re-design. This was done to specify the details and also in order to prepare for a presentation to be held at a big party in the spring of 2015. The redesigning process was completed in 2016. The park has been open for everybody since then.
