Exploring Public Space and Societal Challenges through Collaboration

Last year, the Municipality of Rotterdam, in partnership with the University of Technology Delft and Erasmus University of Rotterdam, embarked on a meaningful cooperation to address key societal challenges. This collaboration has paved the way for innovative approaches to tackling issues related to the public space and how it is perceived by inhabitants.

The focus of the first year revolved around understanding the perceptions of public space by residents. This is a crucial, yet complex, task as the experience of public space is highly subjective and difficult to measure. However, gaining insights into how inhabitants feel about their surroundings is vital for improving the quality of public spaces in the city.

In June, the three collaborating parties organized a workshop that proved to be successful. Several critical topics were discussed, including the use of Machine Learning to predict the livability of neighborhoods, applying explainable AI to understand these predictions, the importance of trust in government by the public and how inhabitants’ perceptions influence green space management.

Building on this success, another session is planned for December. This upcoming workshop will shift focus to transitions such as climate change, circularity, and biodiversity. These are pressing issues that will shape the future of urban management.

While one of the main challenges lies in matching these societal problems with viable solutions, the progress so far leaves us optimistic. The collaboration between the universities and the municipality continues to bear fruit, and with each step, we are closer to creating smarter, greener, and more livable urban spaces.

Stay tuned for more updates as this partnership evolves and brings forth new ways to approach societal challenges.