Use Case

Public Green Areas in Bologna

A resident raises a concrete civic problem: public green areas are too far away to support everyday wellbeing. Democracy Routes turns that frustration into a structured Route, invites relevant participants, records the conversation, and extracts sub-problems for further action.

Scenario

Ale previously lived in a hilly area with abundant nature. In Bologna, the nearest park is around 25 minutes away. The lack of nearby public green areas affects the ability to relax, walk, and exercise, and raises a wider civic question about public health and urban design.

Route

Public Green Areas in Bologna

Round Table 1

September 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Participants

Ale (Original Poster)
Professor Mario (Urban Planning Expert)
Carlo (Philosophy Student)
Giulia (Environment and Public Green Spaces Activist)
Maria (PhD Student in Psychology, focusing on environment and mental health)

Initial conversation

System

Hello Ale, what are your thoughts?

Ale

I feel like there aren’t enough public parks in Bologna, the city where I live.

System

How does that make you feel? Do you feel angry or anxious about it?

Ale

I feel sad because I’d really like to walk in a park in the evenings, but it's too far away.

System

I want to help, but it won’t be easy. I will organize a Round Table with Professor Mario, Carlo, and Giulia. Are you available on September 15 at 2:00 PM?

Ale

The 15th works for me. Could you also include someone who studied psychology? I think many people might fall into depression without access to natural areas.

System

That makes sense. I’ll invite Maria, who is doing her PhD in psychology, focusing on the relationship between environment and mental health.

Ale

Sure. Let's proceed.

Route generated by the system

From complaint to organized deliberation

Example output

Description

The user believes that Bologna lacks sufficient public parks, which could contribute to depression and reduced wellbeing among residents.

System note

If invited members are unavailable, other participants can be selected until all seats are filled.

Invitation email

Dear [Recipient],

Due to your expertise and interest, you have been selected to participate in the following event:

Route: Public Green Areas in Bologna

Description: The user believes that Bologna lacks sufficient public parks, which could lead to depression among residents.

Participants:

  • Ale (Original Poster)
  • Professor Mario (Urban Planning Expert)
  • Carlo (Philosophy Student)
  • Giulia (Environment and Public Green Spaces Activist)
  • Maria (PhD Student in Psychology, focusing on environment and mental health)

Round Table 1: 15th of September 2024 at THIS link.

If you want to participate, click CONFIRM HERE. If you cannot participate but want to follow the Route, click SUBSCRIBE HERE.

Best Regards,

Democracy Route

Round Table 1

Main discussion points

Ale describes frustration and sadness because green areas are too far away for regular evening walks.
Giulia frames the issue as a real public concern already visible in environmental activism.
Maria brings research linking access to green areas with lower stress and better mental health.
Mario explains that Bologna’s urban plan is outdated and that new parks are constrained by budgets and planning complexity.
Carlo questions whether the economic cost of depression may be higher than the cost of creating more green areas.

Post-meeting outcome

Summary and validation loop

After the meeting, recording, transcription, and summary are shared back with participants. They can confirm the summary or ask for corrections before the Round Table is published.

Final summary

  • Ale feels sad due to the lack of public parks in Bologna.
  • Maria confirms that poor environments can contribute to depression.
  • Carlo suggests the social cost of depression may exceed the cost of creating new parks.
  • Mario explains the outdated urban plan and the high costs of creating new parks.

Next round suggestions

Maria suggests involving psychologists to define the cost of depression. Carlo suggests involving an economist to clarify the cost structure.

Everything is saved and published with a final integrity hash.

Problem segmentation

Sub-problems generated for the next Route steps

Ale’s personal problem: feeling sad due to lack of green areas.
Depression in Bologna: is it related to the absence of green areas?
Public funding: why isn’t there enough money?
New urban planning: propose a plan with more green zones to be sent to the Mayor.