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In spring 2021, we asked students how they would like to spend 12 000 euros of the university budget. The community discussion was based on the “One euro for every student” participatory budgeting pilot project launched in May. The goal of the project is to develop and use the campus in a more student-friendly way and to involve students in decision-making.

The organizers of the pilot reviewed all ideas and selected plausible ones for voting. All five proposals meet the main criteria of the pilot, which were student wellbeing, inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability, budget and timetable.

Students could vote for the winner on September, and almost 800 votes were given. Proposal for garden benches was chosen as a winner.

Students were hoping for more garden benches on the green areas of the campus for sitting down with friends or colleagues. This will bring more colour to the campus, and the bench edge will provide more areas for spontaneous meetings and social interaction and refreshment on the campus. Idea will be implemented on the campus during autumn 2021-spring 2022.

According to the pilot project of participatory budgeting is intended to explore the possibility of implementing similar projects in the future.

More information:
Aapo Pihkala, ACRE Project Manager, aapo.pihkala@aalto.fi.