1. Hanne Vrebos, "Presenting the project"

“The Story Mapper” 

In collaboration with fellow researchers, Hanne Vrebos, a doctoral researcher at KU Leuven, launched the project "The Story Mapper". This project aims to explore a novel method of citizen participation in neighbourhoods undergoing transition. It has been implemented as part of the municipal initiative in a small village called Veltem-Beisem, which actively involves citizens in the reflections on repurposing of the local church into a new community building. 

At the heart of the project lies the 'StoryMapper', a unique placemaking tool consisting of small drawing boards with transparent plexiglass. These boards were distributed among the residents, enabling them to envision and depict the changes they would like to witness in a specific location. The resulting drawings were then uploaded to a digital platform alongside accompanying stories. This amalgamation of visual representations and narratives formed a living map, where the gathered data were made accessible, intricately connecting each contribution to its corresponding physical location on the map. 

Through the 'StoryMapper', the researchers sought to provide an alternative means of gathering input from citizens, testing the hypothesis that certain emotional insights are best conveyed and shared through visual and emplaced representations. This innovative approach encourages active citizen engagement and enables a deeper exploration of their perspectives on the transformation of their neighbourhood. 

More information on the project