Making urban spaces liveable is a key challenge – especially in smaller towns like Ballenstedt in the Harz Mountains. How can social infrastructure and cultural offerings meet the needs of all population groups?

The “Stadt(T)raum” vision workshop addressed this question and brought together local stakeholders – from young people to representatives from politics and associations. The aim was to jointly develop solutions for culture-driven urban development and the impact of social innovations.

As part of the “WIRinREGIONEN” project, the participants first reflected on terms such as “social infrastructure” and “culture”. Culture therefore encompasses far more than high culture – it also relates to dealing with nature and fellow human beings, cultural norms and identity issues. Meeting places and locations for different age groups were identified as important social infrastructures.

Six working groups then analyzed the specific needs of different target groups: Families want more leisure activities and better childcare; young people need their own places to spend time; companies are looking for new talent; senior citizens want more social participation; clubs need less bureaucracy.

The results include concrete ideas: An intergenerational exchange could protect senior citizens from loneliness, while a “mobile sofa” could give young people a space for participation, social exchange and visibility. Clubs could attract more young people through information formats and families could be supported by “grandparents on loan” and co-working spaces.

These ideas show: Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that make urban spaces liveable for everyone. The vision workshop was well received and will continue to be used as a format – it provides important impetus for the joint design of urban spaces.