City, participation, and political culture: games and other forms of representation and engagement

Abstract This article discusses the relationship between participation, democracy, representation, and city. Based on a debate about the representation crisis, I discuss the role of architects in participatory processes. Reflecting on the concepts of quality of democracy, trust, and political culture, I argue in favor of using playful elements to shape urban culture. Then, I present two games developed in Brazil that aim to contribute to urban consciousness: the game Estatuto da Cidade (City Statute) (2001) and the game Agentes urbanos e a cidade participativa (Urban agents and the participatory city) (2015). Finally, I address how games can contribute to the autonomy of participants and to what extent they can promote the imagination of other forms of political mobilization.