Living Lab-Based Design and Construction of Palm-Sized Gardens in Suwon†

This study analyzed the case of the participatory garden creation process applying the circular structure of the concept of Living Lab as a practical strategy for sustainability of public gardens and community foundation, creation, and management. Target analysis, preliminary education, palm garden creation, and management activities for garden creation were carried out together for about a year, from March 2024 to March 2025. Researchers, center officials, and youth participants collaborated to carry out the entire process of design, construction, and maintenance; it was based on the circular structure of Living Lab, leading to user-led problem recognition, experimentation, feedback, and redesign. The concepts of Living Lab, participatory design, and co-production theory informed the theoretical background. The research methods employed included participatory observation, in-depth interviews, design workshop records, photo and video archiving, and analysis, all conducted in parallel. Youth participants’ attachment to the space increased through practical processes, such as design workshops, case exploration, planting plans, construction, and maintenance, and voluntary participation in management activities was observed after creation. This case shows that the creation of public gardens through the Living Lab process can function as a place for community practice that plans and operates with the local community, not just the creation of physical green spaces.