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Participatory development has been a buzz word during the last few years and especially at the HABITAT III Conference of the United Nations in 2016. However, participation in urban planning and design is often flawed and superficial. On top of that, communication about urban planning initiatives is not sufficient. Most of the time, locals do not even know what is being planned in their neighbourhood, and even less what options they have for opposing or supporting certain plans.
With my work, I aim to communicate successful examples of participatory and sustainable urban development that has the potential of being scaled up and applied to other cities. I write solutions-focused stories, consult on communications strategies, teach, and mentor urban planning students.
I also about cities, communities, and urban initiatives as well as methods of participation in urban planning, preferable in the shape of solutions journalism.
After attending the Urban Journalism Academy at Habitat III in 2016, I have become passionate about urban journalism, giving workshops and contributing to Urban Journalism Academies in Brussels and Kathmandu.
I also bring experience in visual communication, copywriting, SEO, and social media – in English, Spanish and German.
Based on my practical experience in urban development , I offer support with communication strategies. As your freelance consultant, I will develop and implement a communication strategy together with you, citizens, NGOs and any other relevant actors.
In my work, I place great importance on listening first before coming up with tailor-made solutions for your organisation. My approach is investigative, solutions-oriented and culturally sensitive.
Clients have included the German development cooperation agency GIZ, the European Union, Cities Alliance, and UCLG. Read more about my experience as a communications consultant on LinkedIn.
I offer these skills:
I enjoy public speaking and am happy to provide a tailor-made workshop or lecture for your organisation, university, or NGO. My methods are participatory, case-study-oriented and fun to ensure that the event motivates and inspires. I will give hands-on advice on how to contribute to creating better cities and how to implement SDG 11.
Are you a student or young professional looking to work in urban development? I’m happy to mentor you and share my knowledge! Get in touch via laura[at]parcitypatory.org and we can schedule a free Zoom call.
“Laura v. Puttkamer has been very proactive and dedicated. (…) She familiarized herself quickly with the topics and open questions, assumed a lot of responsibility and always addressed the needs of PROJECT-E. (…) Especially to be emphasised is her great creativity and ability to adapt to sometimes challenging circumstances. Despite the high and complex workload, Laura v. Puttkamer never lost the overview and constantly did an outstanding job. She is characterized by her friendly and competent communication with third parties, supervisors and within the team. Her very positive attitude and her professionalism complete the picture.”
Project-E, consulting on the education concept for a hospitality school in Addis Ababa
“Laura participó como consultora para ENSAMBLE durante el verano de 2019. Nos ha aconsejado sobre el uso de métodos participativos, fue de ayuda en la communicación internacional del proyecto y contribuyó con varias ideas para mejorar nuestro trabajo como ONG. El equipo y la comunidad con la que trabajamos estamos muy contentos con el invaluable trabajo de Laura.”
ENSAMBLE, working to empower communities in Mexico City’s “Forgotten East”
“Seit vielen Jahren gestaltet Laura Puttkamer für das Bildungsformat der SchülerUni Nachhaltigkeit + Klimaschutz die Website und schreibt für Print und Online Medien-Texte. Zudem hat sie selbst einen Workshop zum Thema “Urbane Utopien” gegeben. Wir schätzen ihre engagierte, zuverlässige Arbeit und ihren wertvollen inhaltlichen und konzeptionellen Impuls.”
SchülerUni Klimaschutz + Nachhaltigkeit, project management and PR for a sustainability format at Freie Universität Berlin
