Plunge is the Lithuanian Capital of Culture 2009. On this occasion, we invited teams from three other Lithuanian towns – Kedainiai, Ukmerge and Zarasai – to join us in the Future City Game in Plunge.
Andreas Sidkvist, a KaosPilot from Sweden, facilitated the game and shared his experience of working with creative processes - similar to the Future City Game - and leading projects with a focus on sustainable development, social entrepreneurship and cultural diversity. The game was co-organised by Plunge City Council and the Plunge Tourism and Business Information Centre.
The teams of four representatives from different municipal departments were introduced to the Future City Game and discussed action plans for implementing the project in their towns. Following the steps of the Future City Game, they identified the most burning issues in their towns and generated ideas for the games they will be offering in their communities.
For photos, see Andreas Sidkvist’s web album.
Ukmerge: Security Screen
The teams voted the Ukmerge theme for the Future City Game as the best idea. The Ukmerge team decided that the game in their town should focus on the town’s safety. One of the solutions offered is to install a large digital screen in the centre of town where all citizens could see what the town police can see. The town’s slogan could be “I know I am being watched, but I can watch, too”.
Plunge: Heritage of Mykolas Oginskis
The theme suggested for the Plunge Future City Game is the development of the manor estate of Mykolas Oginskis and its surrounding park. This architectural heritage includes fifteen buildings and a beautiful park. At present, only two buildings are used for public purposes. Thus, the game can help generate ideas on how to make use of the heritage in the best interests of the town.
Kedainiai: Waste land
When approaching Kedainiai, one can see white hills of gypsum, which are growing fast. They even have an exotic look, but are very alien to the Lithuanian landscape. The white hills are actually waste from the Kedainiai chemical factory, which now occupies 84 hectares and is of concern to the residents. Alhough scientists say the gypsum is not a hazard, the residents are not convinced that it should be left as it is. The Future City Game in Kedainiai could help find a solution for the wasteland.
Zarasai: Bring the Youth Back
The Zarasai team suggested holding a Future City Game in their town to help local policy makers identify key issues for the young generation and find ways to attract young people to stay in Zarasai or to move there.
Photo & Video
