Interactive walkable floor maps as a science-policy-interface tool for nature-based solutions

Abstract

This article investigates the use of Interactive Walkable Floor maps (IWFs) for exploring Nature-based Solutions (NbS) at the science-policy interface in three European city case studies. Using qualitative data from educational experiments and policy workshops, it investigates the use of IWFs for collaborative knowledge production between (natural and social) scientists, local practitioners and policy makers. This data is analysed through a conceptual framework adapted to examine policy learning outcomes. This article finds IWFs operated as an effective science-policy interface tool in two ways: a) interactions between scientists, educational researchers and practitioners influenced the design of the IWFs and facilitated local policy learning outcomes. b) The engagement of local NbS practitioners with social scientists led to collaborative policy learning outcomes, contributing futures-oriented spatial contextualisation and locally grounded policy learning. These are likely to be important for fostering policy change to tackle environmental problems as experienced by communities at local level.