From Participatory Design to Relational Design

This article explores the transition from participatory design (PD) to relational design (RD) in urban planning, guided by feminist care ethics. It critiques conventional top-down public space planning for neglecting diverse citizen needs and highlights the importance of community-centered strategies. Through four case studies and expert interviews, the research identifies and describes key methods to further enhance co-design processes by incorporating care ethics. Through the lens of care ethics, the study emphasizes the value of relationality, focusing on interdependency, scale and time, reflectivity, and embodied thinking. The findings suggest that authentic listening, reciprocity, and the use of tangible materials can foster meaningful connections and trust among participants. The study advocates for training facilitators in relational design principles to create more inclusive and sustainable urban spaces. Future research should continue to develop methods that integrate care ethics.