A key step was analyzing the existing mobility situation. To do this, we looked at different types of streets, bike lanes and pedestrian paths, as well as public transportation services. We also documented many other features of the living lab sites, including the terrain, green spaces, forests, lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as how buildings are used.

Our subjective impressions were just as important. During our explorations, we paid attention to different atmospheres, soundscapes, smells, and overall sensations.

We focused on questions such as: Who is out and about—and how do they get around? What activities take place in public spaces, and for how long? How many cars, bikes, and other vehicles are present—and for how long? What specific features or conflicts can be observed? Which places or situations create barriers for people with disabilities?

It is also important to understand who lives in the neighborhood and what the local economic conditions are. Local government offices and statistical agencies usually provide data on age structure, household composition, migration patterns, population change (in- and out-migration), and housing conditions.

History of the Place

Built Environment

• What does the neighborhood look like, and what kind of atmosphere does it have? What stands out at first glance?

• How are the buildings structured? Are they similar or diverse? How closely are they spaced?

• What types of buildings are there (e.g., apartment buildings, row houses, single-family homes, large commercial buildings)?

• Are there any notable landmarks (e.g., historic walls, towers, churches, theaters, town halls, markets)?

• How are buildings used (e.g., housing, schools, factories, shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cultural venues, recreational facilities, medical offices)? Pay special attention to what happens at street level or on the ground floor.

• Are there plans for new developments or construction projects?

Open Spaces

• What is the terrain like (e.g., hilly, flat, well connected)?

• What types of open spaces are available (e.g., private gardens, public squares, playgrounds, orchards)?

• How are these spaces used—and by whom?

• How would you describe the quality of these spaces as places to spend time?

• What paths and connections exist (e.g., sightlines, sidewalks)?

• Are there barriers such as fences, railway tracks, or wide roads?

Mobility

• How accessible are key destinations (e.g., travel time from point A to point B by different modes)?

• What transportation options are available (e.g., public transit, bicycles, car-sharing, e-scooters)?

• What types of streets are there (e.g., main roads, side streets, traffic-calmed areas, pedestrian zones, bike lanes)?

• How heavy is traffic?

• How is street space allocated (e.g., how much space is dedicated to cars, bicycles, and pedestrians)?

• How do people get around?

• How many cars are there per household?

• How many vehicles are registered—and how has this changed over time?

• How many people commute, and how has commuting behavior changed?

• How much space is used for parking (e.g., lots, garages, on-street parking)?

Population and Local Economy

• How has the population changed over time, and what is its current size?

• How long have people been living in the area?

• How do in- and out-migration compare?

• What is the age structure, and how has it evolved?

• What share of residents have a migration background, and how has this changed?

• What types of households exist, and how have they developed?

• What housing arrangements are common (e.g., living alone, with family, shared housing)?

• How have rental and homeownership patterns changed?

• What is the educational profile of the population, and how has it developed?

• What is the average income level, and how has it changed?

• What is the unemployment rate, and how has it evolved?

• What types of businesses are present, and how are they distributed?

• What share of residential and commercial space is occupied or vacant?

• There are many schools and social services in the area. However, essential amenities such as bakeries, post offices, banks, and grocery stores are not within walking distance. As a result, residents often rely on cars.
• Although there is a well-developed public transit system and a car-sharing station, the number of private cars in the neighborhood has increased in recent years. One possible reason is that, despite a wide range of bus and train options, some parts of the city or district are not well connected. For some residents, the nearest stop is a relatively long walk away—so they prefer to use their cars.
• It is particularly noticeable how much space parked cars occupy along the streets. Drivers often struggle to find a parking spot in the neighborhood. Many want to park their cars as close as possible to their homes, which often leads them to park on sidewalks, at intersections, or in front of driveways.
• Bicycle lanes abruptly end on main roads or immediately transition into pedestrian paths. Sidewalks along the streets are often uninviting and additionally narrowed by parked vehicles.

Observation

This method provides a clear overview of the area being studied. It offers insights into how public spaces are used—and how intensively they are used.

It is helpful to conduct observations at different times of day, week, and year in order to identify changes in usage patterns. Activities, moods, and events on site should be documented as thoroughly as possible.

Counting

Counting is a simple and widely used method for learning more about a place. In principle, anything that can be expressed in numbers can be counted (e.g., people, cars, or bicycles).

This makes it possible to compare situations over time, between locations, or before and after a specific intervention.

Mapping

Mapping involves documenting what is happening in the neighborhood and what you observe by recording it on a map. Different elements—such as activities, people, and places where people spend time—can be represented using symbols.

These symbols help show the type, number, and location of activities.

Remembering

The “mental maps” method offers valuable insights into how people perceive and use spaces. To apply it, you draw a map of the places and routes in your neighborhood that you have visited in the past.

The goal is not to create an accurate map, but to capture your personal perceptions and memories. Aspects such as proportions, spatial relationships, and subjective impressions are especially revealing.

Testing

To include the perspectives of different groups, you can complement the methods described above with guided walks. Exploring the neighborhood together with residents, business owners, local officials, and representatives of associations or community groups provides valuable insights.

It helps you better understand their perceptions, specific needs, everyday realities, and mobility requirements in the area.

Recording

Photos and videos play an important role in understanding a neighborhood and the public life within it. You can use them to capture specific situations and the overall atmosphere.

Keeping a journal can also help you document important observations and details about how people interact with their environment.