{"id":826,"date":"2025-11-03T16:04:49","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T16:04:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/?p=826"},"modified":"2025-11-03T16:04:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T16:04:49","slug":"bringing-together-urban-planning-and-data-the-city-edge-case-study-and-workshop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/?p=826","title":{"rendered":"Bringing together urban planning and data: the City Edge case study and workshop"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">On 17<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> October 2025, Juliette Davret, Helen Shaw and Carla Maria Kayanan hosted a workshop in Dublin entitled <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Collaborative Urban Planning with Data<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, organised as part of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Data Stories<\/span><\/a> <span data-contrast=\"none\">project (phase 2). Helen Shaw (artist in residence within Data Stories project for 2025) led the workshop, with Eimear McNally (graphic visual reporter) supporting her.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The purpose of the case study was to investigate how data informed the City Edge strategic framework and implementation. Following a site visit, 16 stakeholder interviews, desk-based research and an analysis of 37 datasets, the City Edge case study team invited past and present stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cityedge.ie\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">City Edge<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to a workshop where we could share findings, explore how data shapes urban planning and discuss how we can work better together to plan our cities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-827 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge-2048x1538.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is City Edge?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">City Edge is a strategic planning project for an area between Dublin City Council and South Dublin City Council. Like many urban planning projects, it involves multiple stakeholders: local authorities, consultants and state agencies. Our research team has been studying how data is collected, shared and use throughout this planning process.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The video below, which was used by Helen to open the workshop, provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities of the site.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"City Edge - A Bird&#039;s Eye View\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1127771819?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Findings from our research (to date)\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The research revealed four critical challenges around data governance and the use of data for urban planning in Ireland:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Data standardisation<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: Stakeholders use different formats to collect information. This challenges data sharing and creates delays in the planning process. Without a common approach to data governance, it is difficult to plan an integrated urban project.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Data reliability<\/span><\/b>:\u00a0 Many stakeholders told the researchers that they struggle to access accurate, up-to-date information. Some datasets disappear entirely, while others are difficult to obtain (e.g. additional fee charge). These situations can also hinder the successful roll out of a project, whether it is in the beginning during the fact-finding stage or nearer to the implementation stage.<\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Data gaps<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: Key datasets are often incomplete or outdated. Information about tree canopy coverage, habitat mapping, hedgerow data and landscape character assessments is missing or poorly maintained. This finding complements another Data Stories case study (with the CSO), which recently lead to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mural.maynoothuniversity.ie\/id\/eprint\/20557\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">publication on the property and planning data ecosystem in Ireland<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">This inconsistency in data reveals that environmental and social values, like biodiversity loss or community well-being, are hard to measure and and\/or to integrate into planning models.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Data culture<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: The researchers discovered limited data literacy across public bodies. This highlights the<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">need to invest not only in data systems but also in the people who understand and manage them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Additionally, the relationship between local authorities and consultants reveals how consultants currently work with data and raises important questions about the relationship between consultants and local authorities and how these relationships can become more collaborative and innovative. While consultants bring valuable expertise in analysis and scenario development, there is value in ensuring some of these exist and are maintained within local planning departments.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The workshop: Mapping, Designing and Planning\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Helen started the workshop by welcoming all participants and asking individuals to introduce themselves. This was followed by drone footage of the City Edge planning area. Juliette presented a brief overview of research findings, keeping the presentation tightly focused on data culture and governance. Then, Helen facilitated the main workshop activity through the use of a systems analysis tool called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Vito-booklet-v6.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Value Network Mapping<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/commonland.com\/how-the-berkana-two-loops-model-guides-us-through-system-change\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Berkana Two Loops<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> model \u2013 a framework for understanding systems in transition &#8211; to encourage the discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-830 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_2-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_2-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_2-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_2-2048x1538.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Participants identified key roles, relationships and challenges in the planning process. Together, they explored what barriers and opportunities exist and envisioned new ways of working together. Throughout the morning, participants shared their experiences and feedback on both the research findings and the collaborative process.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Eimear McNally, a graphic visual reporter, captured the discussions in real-time, creating a visual record of our conversations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-831 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_Graphic-scaled.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_Graphic-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_Graphic-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_Graphic-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_Graphic-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_Graphic-1536x768.png 1536w, https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/City_Edge_Graphic-2048x1024.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What happens next?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The workshop was just the beginning of forthcoming outputs. From a creative perspective, Helen is in the process of conducting one-on-one audio conversations with participants to create a public story about the case study, similar to her previous work on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiswherewelive.ie\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">This Is Where We Live<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. From an academic perspective, the research remains ongoing. We hope to publish further results <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">in the next few months.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Data Stories team would like to thank all participants who joined us for this collaborative session.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On 17th October 2025, Juliette Davret, Helen Shaw and Carla Maria Kayanan hosted a workshop in Dublin entitled Collaborative Urban Planning with Data, organised as part of the Data Stories project (phase 2). Helen Shaw (artist in residence within Data Stories project for 2025) led the workshop, with Eimear McNally (graphic visual reporter) supporting her.\u00a0 &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/?p=826\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Bringing together urban planning and data: the City Edge case study and workshop<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=826"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/826\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":832,"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/826\/revisions\/832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datastories.maynoothuniversity.ie\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}