Maps of constraints and uses

The map of constraints and pre-existing uses of an identified site is a participatory diagnostic tool to be used during workshops or an exploratory walk with project stakeholders who are familiar with the sites and their current uses: mainly local residents and civil society organisations in the vicinity.
This understanding of the site makes it easier to adapt the project to the context: the constraints of the site can influence the type of facilities proposed, their location on the site and the materials used, for example; the pre-existing uses that the project seeks to preserve can be integrated into the project to facilitate the appropriation of the new spaces and facilities, and the other uses that it seeks to minimise are identified, which can help the team to better understand and arbitrate the conflicts of use that subsequently emerge.

Procedure:
A large sheet of white paper is glued to a vertical surface and a Google Earth image of the site is projected onto it. The contours of the site and features such as watercourses and trees are added. Participants are then invited to add icons representing different types of constraint (lack of lighting, points that flood regularly, access difficulties, etc.) as well as different types of use (craft workshops, other economic activities, landfill sites, football pitches, etc.).

This activity can be carried out following an exploratory walk (hypertext link to exploratory walk).