A central component of the Bauen & Wohnen project was the implementation of citizens’ assemblies to examine the social acceptance of proposals developed by the working groups for more affordable housing. These assemblies took place between April and June in the metropolitan regions of Berlin and the Ruhr area.

In two citizens’ assemblies, 20 randomly selected participants each represented the general public, discussing their perspectives and needs regarding key questions of the project. Each assembly consisted of one in-person and one virtual meeting. DIALOGIK – Non-Profit Institute for Communication and Cooperation Research was responsible for the scientific design, implementation, and evaluation. The findings of the citizens’ assemblies feed directly into the ongoing work of the expert groups, helping to develop socially viable and broadly supported solutions.

Citizen perspectives as a complement to expert knowledge

A key difference from traditional citizens’ assemblies lies in the scientific context of this project. In classical settings, citizens’ assemblies are commissioned to formulate recommendations for political decision-makers on local issues that directly affect them.
In contrast, the Bauen & Wohnen citizens’ assemblies were part of a research project. Here, citizens contributed their perspectives and needs on the platform’s key questions on behalf of the wider public. Their input helps to situate proposed solutions within a broader societal context and is systematically integrated with expert knowledge in the development of policy recommendations.
This scientific integration of citizens’ assemblies represents an innovative approach to participatory research.

Topics and key insights (excerpt)

Simplified Housing Standards and Smaller Living Spaces

Participants discussed the question: “Which housing standards are indispensable for you today and should also be present in a very affordable rental apartment?”
Their discussion revolved around the balance between cost reduction and maintaining adequate living quality:

• Sound insulation is considered an essential basic standard, while bathtubs or underfloor heating are seen as dispensable.
• Accessibility and the need for elevators were debated as a social obligation versus a cost factor.
• Parking spaces can be omitted if good public transport connections exist.
• Sustainable building played a relatively minor role in the discussions.
• The layout of a dwelling was valued more highly than its size.
• A livable neighborhood makes smaller apartments more attractive; shared outdoor areas are seen as valuable, and shared indoor spaces as acceptable.

Densification within neighborhoods

This topic explored under what conditions densification is accepted, what concerns it raises, and what opportunities it offers:

• Densification is generally viewed positively and as necessary, as long as green spaces are preserved.
• Participants voiced concerns that densification often serves only high-price segments.
• “Use vacant buildings before building new ones” was one of the central demands.
• Key concerns include the loss of living quality, insufficient infrastructure, and displacement of existing neighborhood structures.
• Green spaces and natural areas are seen as crucial, and greening concepts for improving the urban climate were widely welcomed.

Participation and co-creation in neighbourhoods

Drawing on their own experiences, participants developed concrete ideas for more effective participation and formulated clear criteria for successful involvement:

• Suggested formats included citizen votes, door-to-door outreach, and neighborhood councils as mediating bodies.
• Cooperative housing models, where citizens gain genuine decision-making rights through financial participation, were favored.
• Success factors identified included early communication and engagement, consideration of residents’ needs, and the use of digital tools to support participation and information sharing.

The citizens’ assemblies bring valuable public perspectives into the Bauen & Wohnen project. They highlight the needs that matter most to citizens, contribute ideas from the public, and draw attention to potential conflicts and trade-offs.

Read for the full report (in German)