How can co-productive garden projects with actors from civil society be an integral part of the IGA Metropole Ruhr 2027, both during the exhibition year and beyond, contributing to a lasting effect of the event in the region?

Cities and city regions use the staging of large events as a strategy to pursue urban development objectives and to attract visitors and investments. A characteristic of event-led urban development is that there is a predetermined completion date that cannot be postponed and central decisions are already laid down in the application, leaving limited opportunities for public participation beyond information and minor adjustments. At the same time, the involvement of civil society is seen as crucial for achieving positive long-term effects and secure the local acceptance. The concept of co-production goes beyond classic forms of participation like citizen information, collection of ideas and feedback in the planning phase and describes a joint activity of different types of actors at different phases, including implementation and management.

Garden shows are an event format that has been established in Germany after the Second World War with regular shows. One of these, the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) Metropole Ruhr 2027, will be hosted in the Ruhr area and is currently under preparation. In addition to its main showcase areas(Zukunftsgärten-Gardens of the Future), the decentralized concept includes two further layers: public parcs and open spaces that are upgraded by the municipalities as core actors(Unsere Gärten - Our Gardens) as well as a broad range of small garden projects at neighbourhood level that are supported by civil society actors(Mein Garten - My Garden). We will focus on the third, most decentralized level of the IGA, which is characterized by the active engagement of citizens, local initiatives, schools and other local actors.

Students will read literature about event-led urban development and co-production, explore what kind projects have become part of "My Garden" so far, the interests and needs of the local stakeholders involved as well as the connection between the three layers of the IGA and will develop ideas on how the event IGA can support initiatives and expand community projects e.g. through upscaling and replication.