Co-Creating a Comprehensive and Socially Sustainable Community Center : case: Vihanti Village
Gorbinet, Marja (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024053119493
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024053119493
Tiivistelmä
This thesis was commissioned by the city of Raahe to co-create a comprehensive and socially sustainable community center in Vihanti, a village within its municipal area. The primary purpose was to develop a communal space that enhances social well-being and supports diverse community activities. The primary beneficiaries of this thesis development work are the municipal authorities, local entrepreneurs, third-sector associations, and the residents of Vihanti.
The task involved designing a community center service concept that responds to the varying needs of the different stakeholders. The aim was to explore the creation of a concept where the needs and wishes of various stakeholders are actively listened to and addressed, and where they are seamlessly engaged throughout the development process. Additionally, a crucial aspect was to formulate a concept that could stand the test of time and naturally evolve to meet changing needs. The scope of the thesis was defined as the design and presentation of concepts, meaning that the thesis author was not involved in the actual construction of the pilot phase.
The thesis drew upon a theoretical framework combining value co-creation, systems thinking, and social sustainability. This framework guided the holistic understanding of community needs and the systemic integration of various stakeholders in the development process.
The development work was based on the Double Diamond design process model by the British Design Council, influenced by its newer versions, the Framework for Innovation and the Systemic Design Framework. However, in the description of the development work, only the term ‘Double Diamond process' and the names of its phases are used. The development work included a research part (desk research, surveys, and interviews) and a co-development part consisting of a larger on-site workshop, a small mini-online workshop, and a group discussion. These methods helped gather information from a wide spectrum of stakeholders and ensured diverse community input into the service design process. The completion of this process proved that service design and co-creation methods are well-suited for conducting community development work and producing impactful results.
As a result of the development work, the final documentation was delivered to the city, which included a description of the entire development process and two slightly different community center service concepts. The pilot phase of the project commenced based on the city's selection, and a city employee was appointed as the liaison. Under her leadership and in collaboration with other stakeholders, the concept has been further developed and tested through a soft launch.
The task involved designing a community center service concept that responds to the varying needs of the different stakeholders. The aim was to explore the creation of a concept where the needs and wishes of various stakeholders are actively listened to and addressed, and where they are seamlessly engaged throughout the development process. Additionally, a crucial aspect was to formulate a concept that could stand the test of time and naturally evolve to meet changing needs. The scope of the thesis was defined as the design and presentation of concepts, meaning that the thesis author was not involved in the actual construction of the pilot phase.
The thesis drew upon a theoretical framework combining value co-creation, systems thinking, and social sustainability. This framework guided the holistic understanding of community needs and the systemic integration of various stakeholders in the development process.
The development work was based on the Double Diamond design process model by the British Design Council, influenced by its newer versions, the Framework for Innovation and the Systemic Design Framework. However, in the description of the development work, only the term ‘Double Diamond process' and the names of its phases are used. The development work included a research part (desk research, surveys, and interviews) and a co-development part consisting of a larger on-site workshop, a small mini-online workshop, and a group discussion. These methods helped gather information from a wide spectrum of stakeholders and ensured diverse community input into the service design process. The completion of this process proved that service design and co-creation methods are well-suited for conducting community development work and producing impactful results.
As a result of the development work, the final documentation was delivered to the city, which included a description of the entire development process and two slightly different community center service concepts. The pilot phase of the project commenced based on the city's selection, and a city employee was appointed as the liaison. Under her leadership and in collaboration with other stakeholders, the concept has been further developed and tested through a soft launch.