The challenge

How can a community ensure that large infrastructure projects meet the actual needs of the population?

Aesch ZH had several key projects in the pipeline – from school expansions and new administrative buildings to the creation of residential space and meeting areas. Broad public participation was crucial to ensure acceptance and sustainable development.

The solution

BrainE4 is an interactive stakeholder engagement platform that actively involves citizens in the planning process. Instead of relying on formal e-participation or classic information events, the residents of Aesch were able to directly contribute ideas and opinions and anonymously evaluate the suggestions of others.

The results

The digital dialog led to a clear prioritization of the most important measures. The municipality was able to make informed decisions based on a broad range of opinions – transparently, efficiently and democratically.

Active participation, driven by collaborative innovation, ensured that the planned measures – from expanding school capacities to building a new administrative building and creating new residential and meeting spaces – met the actual needs of the population.