Public open spaces fulfil a wide range of functions, particularly in conurbations. They are used for working, socialising, finding peace and quiet, or looking after children. However, they are also needed to make cities more resilient to climate change. As these spaces are in limited supply, different needs and requirements must be negotiated and then translated into spatial design.
The 16th Transformation Dialogue organised by the Federal Foundation Bauakademie will take place on 22 April 2026, with the theme ‘Design & Democracy – How can public space strengthen social cohesion?’.
Representatives from local authorities, community initiatives and designers are invited to attend. The event will discuss examples of successful implementation of open spaces as social infrastructure. Key questions include:
- What should public spaces achieve?
- Who decides this?
- How are differing demands negotiated?
- What is the relationship between traditional planning processes, economic interests and social engagement in the design of public spaces?
These and other questions will be discussed by four panellists, including:
- Barbara Willeke, planung.freiraum, bdla, Berlin
- Isabel Strehle, City of Munich
- Leon Legeland, Gehl Architects, Copenhagen (to be confirmed)
- TBC, Bottom-Up Initiative, likely from Hamburg
Attendance is free of charge and can take place in person or via a hybrid format.
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