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Journal article

Transforming urban planning processes and outcomes through creative methods

This paper describes the approach and results of using creative methods for mobility and road safety planning outcomes in two East African cities.

Steve Cinderby, Cassilde Muhoza, Howard Cambridge / Published on 15 February 2021

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Citation

Cinderby, S., de Bruin, A., Cambridge, H., Muhoza, C., and Ngabirano, A. Transforming urban planning processes and outcomes through creative methods. Ambio (2021).

Placemaking event on Luthuli Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya demonstrating how streetscapes can be re-designed to be more inclusive for pedestrians and cyclists. Photo: i-CMiiST.

Inclusively delivering the sustainable development goals (SDGs) remains challenging, particularly in urban areas, where some of the most pressing concerns exist. To achieve the transformative SDG agenda, new methods are required to overcome current deficits in engagement around inclusion and equitable outcomes.

Evaluating against theories of governance and inclusion, the study described in the paper used a mixture of digital and physical creative methods abilities to deliver co-designed solutions that influence mobility and road safety planning outcomes in East African cities.

Greater inclusion led to improved interactions of citizens with decision makers, and the identification of novel, practical solutions, delivering some elements of transformation. Risks include creative methods being used to co-opt communities to official agendas, and institutional planning norms needing to adapt to respond to a wider range of stakeholders.

Overall, where risks are mitigated, the authors recommend that using creative methods could localise SDG delivery, ensuring more equitable and effective outcomes from infrastructure development investments.

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Open access

SEI authors

Steve Cinderby

Senior Research Fellow

SEI York

Cassilde Muhoza

Research Fellow

SEI Africa

Howard Cambridge

Research Support Group Manager

SEI York

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