The project aimed to create and evaluate innovative educational formats by combining Urban Games and LARP to promote active learning and deep engagement with sustainability topics. Objectives included developing immersive experiences that stimulate emotional connection and civic awareness, involving diverse stakeholders such as youth workers, educators, artists, and activists in collaborative processes, and fostering community-driven sustainability discussions. Additionally, the project sought to build capacities among educators by providing practical tools and scalable methods to integrate playful learning into non-formal education, explore public urban spaces as interactive educational environments, and establish open-source resources to support future adoption and adaptation.
The project "Gaia Calling – Urban Games for Sustainability" was initiated to develop innovative approaches to sustainability education and community engagement by combining Urban Games and Live Action Role Playing (LARP). Traditional educational methods often fail to deeply engage the public, as they frequently remain abstract or theoretical, making it challenging for individuals to connect emotionally or experientially. Recognizing the untapped potential of games and playful interactions to stimulate civic dialogue, behavioral change, and experiential learning, the project aimed to bridge gaps between diverse stakeholders such as artists, activists, educators, and youth workers. Specifically, the project addressed critical needs including low public engagement in sustainability topics, lack of interdisciplinary collaboration, and limited tools for educators and youth workers beyond conventional workshops and lectures. Furthermore, the project tested new interactive, narrative-driven methods in public urban spaces to inspire meaningful discussions, curiosity, and active participation in shaping sustainable urban futures.