Planning for Real offers local people a 'voice' to bring about an improvement to their own neighbourhood or community (Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation, 1995). Local people begin by constructing a three-dimensional model of their neighbourhood or catchment area. From this, they construct their vision of their ideal neighbourhood or catchment by placing suggestion cards on a three-dimensional model, then sorting and prioritizing the suggestions. The model of the neighbourhood or catchment is made so that it can be moved from venue to venue, allowing more people to participate.
Used since the late 1970s in Britain, this planning tool is now used throughout the world. Participants are largely intended to be from the target community, with government officials, local councillors, and professionals present to answer questions, when requested.
This page originally copied with permission from the Citizens Science Toolbox
