THE GARDENS City Planning Workshop
Objectives:
- Determine key stakeholders locally who could contribute to the launch and operation of a hub
- Research and identify potential urban properties or sites suitable for retrofitting into a sustainability-focused innovation campus
- Map existing innovation assets like incubators, accelerators, universities etc. that could integrate with THE GARDENS
- Design an inclusive community launch plan that brings together diverse groups and sets up successful first programs
- Link the new hub to the broader vision and network of other THE GARDENS locations across Europe as well as the European New Bauhaus movement
Agenda
1. Introductions
Get to know the workshop participants and their areas of expertise. Frame objectives and desired outcomes.
- Participant profiles
- Workshop brief
2. Project Overview
Recap goals for new hub, expected timeline, involved teams. Set context.
- Hub vision and scope document
- Timeline overview
3. Stakeholder Mapping
Brainstorm the key local stakeholders from government agencies, universities, corporations, community groups, and more. Identify influencers.
- Stakeholder analysis spreadsheet
- Relationship mapping
4. Research Local Actors
Conduct desktop research on identified stakeholders. Create a relationship mapping analysis.
- Stakeholder dossiers
- Gap analysis
5. Outreach Plan
Determine outreach process to engage identified stakeholders, get buy-in, and create partnerships. Assign owners.
- Partnership engagement framework
- Co-creation session plans
6. Site Criteria
Develop criteria for evaluating potential locations and buildings based on space, infrastructure, accessibility, neighborhood, etc.
- Site selection scorecard
- Site criteria checklist
7. Property Scouting
Research specific property options that meet defined criteria. Create a shortlist of promising sites to evaluate further. Conduct visits.
- Longlist/shortlist analysis
- Site visits recap
8. Feasibility Analysis
Conduct in-depth feasibility study of shortlisted sites factoring financials, design needs, and other considerations.
- Financial model
- Comparative feasibility study
9. Design Charrette
Creative visioning session on optimizing member experience, architectural concepts, incorporation of sustainability elements like biophilia.
- Design principles
- Space plan diagrams
10. Community Launch Plan
Design programming, partnerships, and marketing for successful community kickoff and cultivation.
- Programming calendar
- Marketing campaign brief
11. Member Onboarding
Define member tiers, application process, onboarding steps to open access while maintaining values.
- Member tiers framework
- Onboarding playbook
12. Soft Launch
Create a pilot/soft launch allowing controlled testing of hub operations, offerings with a smaller member cohort.
- Pilot evaluation plan
- Focus group guide
13. Programming Refinement
Gather feedback during soft launch to refine programming topics, formats, partnerships for full rollout.
- Programming options report
- Member survey results
14. Networking with Hubs
Identify linkages between new location's specialties and other hubs to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Hub capabilities map
- Cross-hub exchanges proposal
15. New Bauhaus Values
Align concepts and designs with European New Bauhaus manifesto on sustainability, aesthetics, inclusion.
- Values alignment assessment
- Gaps and opportunities report
Next Steps & Closing
Define follow-up including next planning session.
