Enhancing the Modal Split in Paramaribo Through Design-Driven Participatory Action Research Fuelled by Urban Tactics

A balanced modal split in urban mobility is not achievable through a one-size-fits-all strategy, particularly in contexts of weak governance. This study demonstrates that design-driven participatory action research (DD-PAR) can serve as an effective governance strategy to address mobility challenges in Paramaribo North, Suriname. Unlike traditional approaches relying on strong government or proactive civil society, DD-PAR leverages academic research and societal engagement to build actor networks and drive action. The case study identifies key actors and preconditions for such networks while offering insights into urban tactics that can pressure governments to implement supportive infrastructure and policies. This approach holds promise for fostering a more diverse modal split in car-dependent urban environments where governance is fragmented.

Rymenants, S., Struyf, M., Heirman, S., & Goethals, M. (2023). Enhancing the Modal Split in Paramaribo Through Design-Driven Participatory Action Research Fuelled by Urban Tactics. Urban Planning, 8(3), 99–111. https://doi.org/10.17645/up.v8i3.6512