Co-creation in urban climate regeneration : addressing participation barriers for marginalized groups - a case study of Malmi district, Helsinki

Abstract

This research examines how co-creation processes in urban climate regeneration can be dessigned to address participation barriers faced by marginalized groups, using Helsinki’s Malmi District as a case study. Despite policy shifts toward inclusive approaches in European urban development, marginalized communities remain underrepresented in climate planning processes. The study employs a qualitative methodology combining interviews and field observations to investigate barriers to participation in Malmi’s diverse socioeconomic context. The research identifies five interconnected barrier categories: communication and language, trust and relationship, accessibility and resources, design and process, and motivation and value. These barriers affect different marginalized groups in distinct ways, creating compound patterns of exclusion. Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive framework for inclusive co-creation comprising community-centered communication systems, structural accessibility enhancement, collaborative value creation, and adapting the process to community needs. This research contributes to both theoretical understanding of participation barriers and practical implementation of equitable co-creation processes in urban climate initiatives. The findings have implications extending beyond Malmi to diverse urban contexts across Europe, offering actionable guidance for urban planners, policymakers, and community organizations seeking to develop more inclusive approaches to climate regeneration.