This chapter seeks to emphasize the value of storytelling and narrative modes of thought and communication within participatory planning contexts. The chapter theoretically argues that while stories provide a means to bridge the gap between locally embedded knowledge and planning discourses and can stimulate productive debate between conflicting views, the narrative mode remains systematically undervalued within planning contexts. Based on a case study of urban renewal in Antwerp, Belgium, the chapter explores how an approach was adopted that sought to operationalize co-productive storytelling as a means for local actors to engage with the redevelopment process. It illustrates, based on the most central storylines, how this approach has the potential to combine socio-spatial research and deliberation, while connecting daily realities to future-oriented visions. In doing so the chapter aims to emphasize the importance of embedding narrative modes of reasoning within a co-productive approach, to provide a platform for local knowledge to engage with urban planning discourses, and to empower local inhabitants to make sense of spatial transformation processes.@en

One of the biggest societal challenges is to reduce the impact on the environment [1]. During the last years a lot of digital tools and green apps have been developed in order to help individuals to lower their ecological footprint. These green applications can make use of the specific functionalities of smartphones such as mobility, smartness and connectedness in order to provide better and more personalized services [2-3]. However these applications mostly focus on one aspect of sustainability, such as transportation or electricity consumption. Moreover user research concerning the users' needs and wants towards these applications is lacking or is limited to only one research step such as testing a prototype version [3]. One approach in which end-users are involved intensively is the Living Lab approach. Therefore within this paper we will explore the role of Living Labs as an innovation intermediary in the research into green apps and more specific on the needs and wants of end-users concerning green apps. Therefore we conducted a single case study research of a Living Lab project in which the ecological footprint of end-users is being measured based on their transportation, housing as well as consumption. We argue that the Living Lab approach adds added value for conducting research on green apps because the user plays a central role within this research which makes it possible to adapt the service to the needs and wants of end-users through an iterative approach. Which is important seen the need of personalized green apps. Next to this the role of Living Labs as intermediary also assisted into the development of the green app.

@en