In the heart of Germany, a unique experiment is unfolding, one that could reshape how cities approach the critical task of transitioning to sustainable heating systems. This isn’t just another academic study; it’s a real-world experiment (RWE) in Bochum, where scientists, city officials, and citizens are collaborating to tackle the complex challenge of urban heat transition. The research, led by Pauline Heger from the Center for Advanced Internet Studies, has been published in the journal ‘Buildings & Cities’—which, in English, translates to ‘Cities and Buildings.’
Heger and her team are exploring how transdisciplinary research can bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and societal transformation. Their work is grounded in the concept of transdisciplinarity, which emphasizes reciprocal learning among diverse stakeholders. “We’re not just studying the heat transition; we’re actively participating in it,” Heger explains. “This approach allows us to navigate the complexities of urban transformation in a way that’s both rigorous and accessible.”
The study employs a variety of methods, including participatory observation, ethnographic field notes, document analysis, and informal interviews. One of the key tools they use is the Three-Circle Model of actor involvement, which helps map the evolving roles of stakeholders over time. This model is crucial for understanding how responsibilities and influence shift as the project progresses.
The findings reveal that RWEs function as relational infrastructures, balancing experimental rigor with public accessibility. However, the journey isn’t without its challenges. Power asymmetries, participation myths, and institutional constraints are just a few of the hurdles the team has had to navigate. “It’s about finding that delicate balance between maintaining scientific integrity and ensuring that the process is inclusive and democratic,” Heger notes.
The practical implications of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. By embedding agile methods and low-threshold participation formats into everyday urban settings, RWEs emerge as sites of co-creation, democratic innovation, and iterative learning. This approach offers a blueprint for how academic institutions, municipal administrations, and citizens can collaborate to co-develop participatory formats that translate complex topics—like district heating—into accessible engagement opportunities.
For policymakers and practitioners, the study highlights the value of short-term, event-based participation to stimulate citizen engagement. It also underscores the need to balance methodology with accessibility and the potential of RWEs to foster collaboration across fragmented structures in public administration. “This research is not just about understanding the heat transition; it’s about actively shaping it,” Heger emphasizes.
As cities around the world grapple with the urgent need to transition to sustainable energy systems, the insights from this study could prove invaluable. By demonstrating how to design inclusive, adaptive processes that align research with municipal needs, Heger and her team are paving the way for more effective and equitable urban transformations. The research, published in ‘Buildings & Cities,’ offers a compelling case for the power of collaboration and the importance of embedding scientific inquiry within the fabric of everyday urban life.