Mapping Participatory Design Revealing Diverse Cognitions and Interactions

Abstract

This study investigates a participatory urban design process through the co-creation of a public garden involving EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology), Gebze Technical University, Çayırova Municipality, Fevzi Çakmak High School students, and local residents. As a strategic move, the mapping of collaboration infrastructures supported the formation of shared engagement frameworks. The project emphasizes co-authorship and distributed agency, using design as a medium for both spatial intervention and social dialogue. The methodology includes sketch mapping, focus group interviews, and AI-enhanced visualizations to externalize how participants perceive, describe, and envision the urban site. These methods foster a relational mapping process that uncovers alignments and tensions across cognitive perspectives. Importantly, mapping is redefined as a tool for interaction, not mere representation. Rather than a finalized design, the output is a “mapping” a reflexive, evolving atlas that documents the interplay of space, knowledge, and community values. This approach aligns spatial imagination with social inclusion through participatory insight.

Keywords: cognitive mapping, collaborative network, participatory methodologies