Stories Matter.
Storytelling is a fundamental process of sharing learning and experiences through the creation of a collective space, be that physical, digital or imagined. As a tool, storytelling provides a basis to promote spaces that facilitate the co-exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences between stakeholders, acting as meeting points within complex interactions. The premise is based around the idea that through telling stories, both cognitive and affective domains of learning are engaged, resulting in modes of communication based on lived experience. This allows for exchanges to focus on productive and intersectional points of co-learning.
​
In urban development, this approach promotes a space where the diverse perspectives of residents are heard and valued, including the less heard voices in decision-making. When positioned at strategic moments in urban planning processes, this enables the co-creative identification of innovative solutions to complex problems. It often involves processes of analysis and design for urban governors that are less resource intensive and where resultant solutions are longer-lasting or able to address multiple societal needs.
​
Urban communities actively shape and communicate their lived experiences through stories. By telling stories, we are able to integrate everyday experiences of the city into urban planning discussions, enabling citizens to become active participants whose experiences, perspectives and opinions help bridge the gap between local knowledge and planning strategies. Through our story building process, we aim to support the creation of stories that people can connect with and attach personal meaning to, that allow us to explore and understand the tensions, opportunities and desires of urban living.
​
The ISOCARP Institute has developed a story building framework, informed by academic research, that aims to provide a manageable way to conduct storytelling with urban communities. The tool is designed to guide participants through a multi-stage story building process. These stages, from the setting of the scene to the final call to action, are designed to help users articulate their experiences of particular topics and urban development projects. From this process, representations of stories can then be made, using AI powered illustration software. This allows for participants to visualise representations of their urban stories and for urban governors to connect to the way people feel. Try our tool for yourself!