Munichs Street Experiment validation
Context and background
Breisässer Platz is a prime example of a bottom-up urban intervention in Munich, initiated by local citizens and supported by municipal actors.
What began as an informal experiment involving reclaiming street space for public use, has developed into a vibrant urban pocket with modular parklets, urban greenery, sitting areas, a free-to-take bookshelf, and bicycle infrastructure.
The space demonstrates the potential of tactical urbanism and citizen-driven transformation of urban streets into inclusive social hubs.
Our partners at WOW Urbane Utopien have a long history with Breisässer Platz. It was the site of their very first parklet installation, all the way back in 2020.
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What were the objectives of this project?
The deployment of the Citizen Dialog Kit (CDK) here aimed specifically to:
- Collect qualitative and quantitative feedback from residents and passers-by on the ongoing street transformations.
- Gather new suggestions for improvement, especially because this installation is now being allowed to remain year-round for locals and visitors to enjoy.
- Document usage patterns and seasonal engagement to strengthen the political argument for a permanent transformation of the area.
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How was the deployment carried out?
The Citizen Dialogue Kit (CDK) was deployed at Breisässer Platz in Munich for a duration of 12 weeks (mid-May to mid-July). It was mounted directly onto an existing piece of urban furniture. Specifically the Dialog Box was attached to the community “Free-to-Take” shelf, positioned across from a popular bench at an accessible height of approximately 150 cm. This integration allowed the device to blend seamlessly into the setting while still standing out as a colorful visual eye-catcher, making it immediately noticeable to both regular users of the space and passersby.
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This thoughtful placement led to a strong initial response: 568 people started the survey, with 385 completing all questions, resulting in a completion rate of 68%—well above typical averages. Engagement was highest during the first weeks, likely driven by local residents. Over time, participation shifted toward more spontaneous interactions from curious pedestrians and casual visitors, confirming the value of a high-visibility, low-barrier setup in public space.
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What were the insights from the deployment?
The survey revealed several valuable insights into user preferences and behaviors at Breisässer Platz:
- Green Infrastructure & Shade: A significant portion of respondents expressed a desire for more greenery and the removal of pavement tiles (32%), as well as the addition of a pergola or similar shading structure (27%) to enhance comfort and usability.
- Year-Round Use: Notably, 65% of participants reported using the space throughout the year, not just in summer. This challenges the common assumption of seasonality in street experiments and provides strong support for making such interventions permanent in political discussions.
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- Demographics: The majority of respondents (72%) were between 26 and 65 years old, highlighting the relevance of the space to working-age adults and families. Also this is data showcasing it is not just young teens hanging around there.
- User Satisfaction: An overwhelming 91% of users felt either satisfied or neutral about the current installation, indicating general approval and low resistance to the intervention.
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Reflections
CDK proved to be a highly effective participatory tool in this context. Compared to a flyer-based analog survey conducted two years prior, the digital deployment:
- Collected more meaningful and complete answers,
- Created less friction for users due to its intuitive use,
- Functioned as an interactive bridge between the public and the planning process,
- Visibly demonstrated the collaboration between local actors and innovation partners.
Its integration into street furniture rather than standing as a separate object increased interaction and reduced vandalism risks. Overall, this deployment has shown how tech-supported participation can be both accessible and effective in hyperlocal urban projects.
Partners
