Using Games As A Process: A Playful Experience With Digital Games For Urban Project Design

Conventional urban design development faces obstacles such as a lack of creativity and limited communication between designers and users. This article investigates how digital games can promote a more creative and innovative environment in urban design and what their potential and weaknesses are in the design stages. The exploratory, qualitative and empirical research was carried out in an Architecture and Urbanism course at a Brazilian public university. The theoretical basis covers gamification, playfulness, collaboration, digital tools and three-dimensional games applied to architecture and urbanism. During the design exercise, stages were followed such as selecting and investigating the public place, proposing and experimenting with new dynamics using LEGO Digital Designer and refining to present a preliminary study. The solution aimed to enrich the experience of children and young people with urban gardens, furniture with Wi-Fi, space for pets and bike racks.