In the coming years, municipalities face enormous tasks that must land in scarce public space. But do all municipal ambitions fit? Together with the Municipality of Eindhoven, our Digital Cities team developed the Public Space Programming Instrument (PIOR). This provides insight into the spatial feasibility of ambitions, tests them and adjusts them if necessary.
Traditionally, ambitions for public spaces are often set in a sector-specific, top-down manner. Only later, when plans are combined, does it become clear that not everything is feasible. This can lead to disappointment, delays, and a higher risk of not achieving policy goals. Eindhoven wanted a different approach: one that was data-driven, integral, and transparent. The central question was, "Do our ambitions fit into the available public space, above and below ground?"
What is PIOR?
PIOR is an instrument that provides insight into the spatial feasibility of ambitions. It consists of three parts:
- Excel model: In this, the current situation (via GIS data) and ambitions per urban space are entered and prioritized.
- Results Dashboard: An online, interactive map that visualizes the results and makes them accessible to a wide audience.
- Methodology document: A reference document that explains the process and ground rules so that the municipality can work independently with PIOR.
Prioritizing space claims
When a municipality wants to study an area, the area is divided into typologies, each with its own characteristics. For each space, the desired features — such as greenery, mobility, water, and energy — are entered and prioritized. They range from "undesirable" to "legally required." PIOR then calculates whether the ambitions are compatible. If not, it immediately becomes clear which claims conflict. This information serves as the basis for concrete discussions between experts and policymakers.
Results in Eindhoven
By prioritizing spatial claims, choices could be made for Eindhoven. PIOR revealed where the ambitions reinforce each other and where they conflict. This provided Eindhoven with its first factual, shared view of the spatial claims in the city center. For instance, the goal of planting more trees was translated into the necessary above- and below-ground space. Combining all the claims quickly revealed where the ambitions conflicted. This made the discussion about choices and considerations concrete and transparent, revealing PIOR's potential. The next step is to test and apply the tool more broadly in Eindhoven and other municipalities.
In short, PIOR is a promising way to get a grip on the spatial puzzle of the future. The tool helps municipalities to bring ambitions, data and people together and to calculate scenarios. This creates room for smart choices.
This project has been included as a showcase by the DMI ecosystem within the theme of Digital Twins.
