As part of the EU lighthouse project Creating NEBourhoods Together (NEBourhoods), Studio Animal-Aided Design (SAAD) developed new methodological and design approaches for promoting urban biodiversity in Munich-Neuperlach. The aim was not only to protect biodiversity, but to make it visible and tangible as an active design resource in urban planning – fully in line with the values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

SAAD designed and implemented two so-called Living Labs that explored different applications of the Animal-Aided Design (AAD) method: one was a participatory design project with children and young people in the garden of a youth centre; the other involved the development of a prototype for biodiversity-sensitive urban furniture in public space. Both formats demonstrate how ecological, social and design aspects can be meaningfully combined at the local level – in dialogue with non-human urban co-inhabitants.

In parallel, SAAD developed a practice-oriented AAD Toolbox, which systematically brings together biological, planning and design information. The goal was to translate the methodological knowledge gained in the Living Labs into a transferable tool for planning professionals, local authorities and civil society actors. The toolbox not only supports concrete implementation processes, but is also intended to help build a local network of responsibility – contributing to a biodiversity-oriented planning culture that moves from test sites into everyday planning practice.

REPLICATION HANDBOOK

An overview of all results from the NEBourhoods lighthouse project – including the AAD subproject – is provided in the Replication Handbook, which offers inspiration for transferring the approach to other European cities and neighbourhoods.

ANIMAL-AIDED DESIGN TOOLBOX

As part of Creating NEBourhoods Together, SAAD developed the AAD Toolbox – a modular set of working materials designed to facilitate the everyday application of Animal-Aided Design. It provides practical information on target species, measures, and maintenance, as well as suggestions for participation and communication. The toolbox is aimed at planners, educators, and engaged residents, supporting them in creating urban spaces that are welcoming for both humans and animals. An overview of all contents can be found in the AAD-Toolbox Booklet (PDF).

ANIMAL-AIDED DESIGN LIVING LABS IN NEUPERLACH

As part of Creating NEBourhoods Together, SAAD implemented two Living Labs in Neuperlach to explore the potential of Animal-Aided Design (AAD) in real urban spaces:

• Living Lab 1 took place in the garden of the youth center Come In. In a multi-part workshop series, children worked with AAD experts to develop new habitats for animals – from species safaris to implementation with sand patches, flowering strips, and deadwood hedges.
• Living Lab 2 was realized on the central forecourt of the pep shopping center. In a co-creative process with students from TU Wien Landscape, the Nisthocker was designed and built – a modular seating structure with integrated habitats for birds, insects, and plants.

Both formats exemplify how biodiversity-oriented design can become visible and impactful in urban neighborhoods through participatory and creative processes.

TARGET SPECIES DATABASE (in German)

As part of Creating NEBourhoods Together, SAAD developed a digital database featuring species portraits and habitat information for the 14 target species identified for the Neuperlach project. The database provides in-depth knowledge about each species and its habitat requirements – serving as a foundation for biodiversity-supportive design in urban environments.

The open-access target species database is aimed at planners, educational institutions, and civil society initiatives. It supports the identification of suitable animal species for specific locations and the development of tailored measures to meet their needs.

The project was financed by the European Union.