Using visualization techniques for enhancing public participation in planning and design: process, implementation, and evaluation

This paper describes three different visualization tools employed during a participatory planning process in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. These tools were used during different phases of the planning process to encourage maximum public input and participation. In the initial neighborhood design workshops, a Geographic Information System (GIS) was used in tandem with an artist. The GIS provided the planning team with interactive visualization of the neighborhood through maps and images. The artist provided an avenue for residents to actively participate in the design creation by quickly capturing ideas and discussions into sketches. In later workshops, a third tool, computer photo-manipulation, was introduced. This technique allowed participants to view photorealistic examples of proposed design prototypes that were seamlessly placed into photographic images of the neighborhood. Each of these tools was highly effective in promoting resident participation in the planning and design process. We found that the three visualization tools were appropriate for different phases of the planning process. Freehand sketching and the GIS were most effective for problem identification and brainstorming, while photo-manipulation using computer imaging was most useful for exploring solutions to previously-defined design issues.