cityMAPgame
A role-playing and discussion game for schoolchildren age 12 and up
This game helps children learn about the framework conditions and regulations of urban planning and lets them find solutions to a concrete planning task while playing different roles. Not only are urban development processes simulated, the intensions of the responsible parties are also made transparent and empathy for the impacted parties is awakened.
How does it work?
A large piece of property must be transformed into an attractive, well-connected urban neighborhood in which around 1,000 people can live and work. Eight different roles with predefined expectations, wants, and fears are assigned to the players. The challenge is to work out a development plan and, after two rounds of negotiations with developers, building authorities, politicians, future users, and neighbors – all played by the children – to vote on a solution that makes everybody happy. Support is provided by development suggestions and regulations. Urban development regulations, such as providing access to public transport, must be followed. The Fair Play Card forbids the use of any type of threats or blackmail to force a solution.
The cityMAPgame – unlike in reality – has no winners or losers. Paul Raspotnig, architect and teacher, says the game he helped develop is a “softer version of reality”, since “the point is not to rob young people of their belief in democracy.”
The game was developed by the Architecture ·Technology + School Association in Salzburg and can be sent anywhere in Austria. Schools in Lower Austria can borrow the game from ORTE in Krems at no cost.
Game details:
Class size: 16 to 32 players, all types of schools
Recommended for ages 12 and up (7th and 8th grade).
film-credit: architecturats via www.youtube.com