Transdisciplinary sport and physical activity development in urban real-world labs

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present a research approach that can contribute to a sustainable development of urban spaces for sports and physical activity, comprising theoretical reflections and directions for applied research.Design/methodology/approachThis research builds on an urban real-world lab in a city district. It is based on principles of transdisciplinary research and intense processes of participation.FindingsFive projects with regard to sport and physical activity development were implemented. The projects resulted in exchange and learning of citizens and other stakeholders as well as transformations of the social and built environment.Research limitations/implicationsInstead of top-down research and planning this approach enables bottom-up processes in which affected citizens and stakeholders can contribute to sport and physical activity development.Practical implicationsThe approach can help to integrate sport and physical activity development and transformative processes of sustainable development in urban areas.Social implicationsThrough participation and involvement, citizens can be empowered and social capital can be generated.Originality/valueUrban real-world labs are a new approach for sport and physical activity development. This approach opens up the possibility to include sport and physical activity development in processes of city development. Hence, urban real-world labs are able to address an integrated urban and sport development process and can be used for city marketing purposes.