Spatial aspects of de-radicalisation processes in Vienna

This report focuses on spatial aspects of de-radicalisation processes in Vienna. It provides an overview of the spatial characteristics of the city of Vienna and identifies both best-practice measures of inclusionary local public spaces and examples of contested spaces. In an in-depth case study, we illustrate the perspectives of young people as well practitioners that are working on or in public space to see how they perceive public urban spaces in the city and how spatial aspects and inclusion/exclusion in public space influence processes of (de)radicalisation. For the in-depth case study, we applied an innovative participatory toolkit and organised two interactive workshops (D.Rad LAB I and II) where we captured the voices of those who work in and on public space and those who use it.

The analysis of the empirical material outlines the manifold views and approaches of those different user groups. Future engagement in public space should aim at improving public services by incorporating user perspectives, learning from successful examples, enhancing flexibility in crisis management capabilities, simplifying administrative structures, engaging with youth, and addressing the provision of climate-adaption measures. Especially for young people with a low socio-economic status, public space can be a place of retreat where they engage with other city dwellers. Urban planning as well as projects targeting public spaces will thus have to aim at counteracting and preventing the marginalisation of specific groups and redefine urban spaces as an important tool in building social cohesion.