THE HARBOUR GAME

Politically complex issues and planning processes are often kept behind closed doors, because complex problems require special skills and knowledge. But does it have to be like that? Digital technologies and interactive media might be able to help us develop new strategies and tools, which could open up the complex processes by involving the citizens in the planning of our cities.

In an attempt to ensure a higher degree of citizen involvement and IT-supported open government concerning the development of the central harbour areas in Aarhus, Denmark, Kollision and the project group Harbor At Play, developed a project aimed at involving citizens directly in the development process. By using new technology our aim was to level the playing field, enabling all participants to take part in a qualified debate about the future use of our common urban spaces.

The primary outcome of the project was an IT-supported planning and debating game called the Harbour Game. By using new technology combined with traditional gaming elements, we succeeded in adding new dimensions to the planning process and actively engaging a wide variety of participants. Subsequently, the results from the game were processed and adapted to other digital platforms to further qualify the debate.