“Unterwegs in die Zukunft”: Interactive Exhibition about City Planning in Suttgart

For the new Stuttgart district Rosenstein, planbar hochdrei developed a public space of information and dialogue. The participatory exhibition “Heading into the Future” invited citizens to seek information about the highly complex development of the city district and to engage in discussions. For this purpose, the five key ideas of the new district were turned into a modular and interactive experience.

Multisensory elements one could see, feel, hear, smell and taste gave the exhibition an inclusive character, with the intention of creating an experiential space accessible to all. Mobile, coloured modules generated a very inviting appeal and enabled placement on six different sites.

The topic of a climate-friendly and green district was conveyed through a green patch with herbs, fruit and vegetables, additional mobile trees and plants, as well as the exhibition design made of certified wood. Formally, it referred to the design of the bow-shaped park Gleisbogenpark under development. The key idea of “city of short paths” was represented as a 7 × 10-metre model with a plan carpet. Details could be accessed through big index cards and an information screen. An audio station told stories about possible everyday life in the district.

Multifunctional public outdoor spaces where urban society can mingle are of great importance. This was illuminated by the model and the plan carpet with seating and play areas for children. Interactive modules such as large maps, peepholes or pivotable cubes were designed to spark interest. The idea of the participatory city that incorporates the residents and strengthens togetherness through involvement was reflected in the participation tools such as a thread diagram, an extendable comic, various participation games and around 1400 interviews, as well as activities by the local art and culture scene.