Reimagination of the city bridge as a public place to strengthen social cohesion in Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice

This study explores how the city bridge in Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice can serve as a public place to foster social cohesion in a cross-border setting challenged by population decline, economic disparities and unidirectional flows. Using a multi-method approach, we conducted literature reviews, interviews and observations, which led to a visioning workshop with 25 diverse local stakeholders. We applied qualitative content analysis to identify key themes such as future visions, social interaction, urban development and ecological and human health were identified, mapped via a causal-loop diagram (CLD). Our findings indicate that adding backcasting into visioning and implementing further participatory planning interventions combined with innovative urban design could strengthen social cohesion and serve as a model for sustainable cross-border development. The CLD suggests leverage points to guide these ideas. These insights offer recommendations for urban policymakers.