Participatory utopian sketching: A methodological framework for collaborative citizen (re)imagination of urban spatial futures

Explorations of emerging urban spatial futures increasingly depend on the empathetic interweaving broad political ideals with grounded democratic involvement. The collaborative planning paradigm (CP) and participatory action research (PAR) have thus gained traction globally, since they centralise meaningful involvement those lived experiences local environment. Building upon this, we argue that ‘utopia’ can offer an alternative enhances citizen engagement, by refocusing design explorations away from a problem-based orientation to values-based one. Through four-stage framework: 1. Experiencing Space, 2. Sketching Utopias, 3. Sharing 4. Collaborative Analysis, utopian sketching offers possibility for richer wider engagement in development processes. novelty framework is its tenets collaboration, inclusivity, playful experimentation, iterative reflective activity. Its flexibility also allows multiple real-world applications making futures. We demonstrate methodological using empirical pilot study examining imagination solar panel within neighbourhood located Luleå, provincial capital Northern Sweden. Thereafter, provide elucidations framework’s opportunities challenges discourse.