Planning the final steps

From 1 to 3 April the BALTIC UKH partners from Germany, Latvia, Denmark and Norway held their third official partner meeting in Oslo, Norway. During two very compact and productive days at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), the international team was able to finalize their ideas for both the project’s final output – the user engagement and participation toolbox – as well as the final conference that will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark in June.

The partner meeting was kicked off with a review of the International Expert Committee’s feedback, identifying key strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas for development. This initial phase set the stage for targeted improvements. Subsequently, individual passages were discussed and revised in smaller, mixed teams, allowing for a more hands-on and collaborative approach. This method facilitated in-depth partner engagement with the content, ensuring a more comprehensive and refined outcome.

Before lunch, the international partners got a tour through the renovated main library at OsloMet. Coincidentally, the visit almost marked the one-year anniversary of its reopening. The BALTIC UKH partners found it very interesting and inspiring to see changes put into action and how the students as main target groups had embraced the new features. The partners also learned about OsloMet’s participatory approach in the redesign process and were able to promote the final conference for further exchange.

In the afternoon, project partners wrapped up by discussing the last steps of developing the toolbox. This included settling on a joint timeline after the partner meeting in order to finalize the extended version both content wise as well as visually before the final conference. Additionally, the layout for the short versions of the toolbox in multiple languages was discussed.

The second day started with a tour through Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo City Library’s relatively new, award winning main branch. Learning about the very thought-out design of this public library covering study spaces, children’s areas, movie and podcast studios, a markerspace and many more functionalities was extremely enriching and inspiring for all partners! The tour also included a stop at the Future Library, which is where 100 books will be stored for 100 years.

After lunch, the status of the final conference was reviewed by all partners. The most recent participant list was examined, minor adjustments were made to the program, and final tasks were allocated. Additionally, the scope of the concluding partner meeting—divided between Copenhagen and Aarhus—was finalized. There was a shared sense of anticipation about presenting the toolbox and engaging with professionals who bring both interest and experience in involving users in the design of spaces and services. The event promises to be a valuable opportunity to exchange insights, spark new ideas, and showcase the project’s outcomes in a meaningful context. Feel free to sign up for one of the last spots here: https://aulkalender.kb.dk/calendar/events/UKH

On the morning of the third day, some partners took the opportunity to explore potential avenues for collaboration beyond the project’s official duration. These forward-looking conversations reflected a shared interest in continuing the momentum and building on the foundations established throughout the project, even after its formal conclusion.

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