Improving awareness of the impacts of urban sprawl through serious gaming in Paramaribo

By Lotte van Kempen

Abstract
Urban areas are becoming the primary places of residence worldwide, with 55 percent of the global population now living in cities, a trend called urbanization. In South America, this number is even higher, with 80 percent of the population residing in urban areas. Urbanization presents several challenges, one of which is urban sprawl. Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of cities, often occurring at the physical expansion three times faster than the population growth. This phenomenon leads to various negative consequences, including environmental degradation, congestion and social inequality. Despite these impacts, both residents and governmental institutions are often unaware of urban sprawl and its consequences. To address this, serious gaming presents a promising tool for increasing awareness by stimulating discussion, engagement and understanding. However a knowledge gap remains regarding the effectiveness of serious gaming in raising awareness of urban sprawl among residents. The case study for this research is Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, where 66 percent of the population resides in urban areas and where urban sprawl is increasingly evident.
This research aims to investigate the influence of serious gaming on awareness of urban sprawl in Paramaribo. First, the context of urban sprawl in Paramaribo is examined through interviews and a literature review. Subsequently, an existing board game called RESORTES is adapted to fit this specific context. Finally, game sessions are conducted with 42 students in Paramaribo, as the students represent the future of the country. During these sessions, various types of data were collected, including surveys, recordings, debriefing sessions and the Q methodology. The participants completed the Q methodology twice, capturing their perspectives on urban sprawl before and after the game.
The results highlight that urban sprawl is a complex process shaped by numerous factors, including governance challenges and changes in land. The findings from the Q methodology indicate that participants’ perspectives changed after playing the game, with many demonstrating a broader understanding of the complexities of urban sprawl. Subjective feedback also suggested that participants found the game highly educational. However, there are opportunities for further research. Exploring the long-term impacts of the game and evaluating its effectiveness by involving urban planners or policymakers who can influence national policies. These aspects could enhance the game’s effectiveness as a policy-making tool and contribute to more informed planning strategies in Paramaribo.