CRAFT-MY-STREET Project is an SFI OurTech Challenge project that aims to bridge the worlds of gaming, learning and participatory decision-making processes for climate action. The project’s goal is to amplify young people's voices in society by providing playful experiences. Which is essential for addressing pressing societal challenges, including climate change and sustainability.

The project will drive capacity building and knowledge transfer, addressing crucial societal issues such as climate change and sustainability. Additionally, it will promote digital transformation in the public sector by using data and digital technologies in emerging media popular among young people. Our solution is a web-based platform which uses gamified participatory processes as a communication and feedback channel between the public sector and young citizens.

The solution

Our solution centres around the development of a playable participatory planning system (PPPS). Craft-my-street platform will become a user-friendly web-based tool for educators and local authorities that allows for the creation of site-specific Minecraft virtual spaces. Minecraft has been selected due its popularity and scalability when involving schools in the process of engaging with young citizens. A big strength of this tool is that it leverages existing open-source and official geospatial data. This means it's not just a tool; it changes how we approach learning and engagement.

Craft-my-Shore - Dublin Docklands

Brace yourselves, young builders, for a tale that blends the magic of Minecraft with the urgent challenge of climate change. Embark on an epic Minecraft adventure and join forces with a group of extraordinary visitors from a parallel dimension who have a message for you! In this journey, our interdimensional friends have discovered a mysterious portal connecting our world to theirs. Instead of doom and gloom, they bring a beacon of hope, offering us the chance to tackle climate change together. Mischievous monsters, born from the ripple effects of climate change, are threatening their world and making their climate also worse. But fear not, for Minecraft is our battleground, and nature-based solutions are our weapons! Picture this: You find yourself in a world where the waters of Dublin Docklands are on the rise. It's not a catastrophe, it's a challenge! Our interdimensional friends have unravelled the monsters' plans, and it's up to you to outsmart them.

Explore the secrets of nature-based solutions – the power of trees, the wisdom of sustainable construction, and the magic of ecosystems.

Prove your skills by designing sustainable solutions and watch as your creations come to life. But beware, Creepers will attempt to thwart your efforts! Dive into the heart of Craft-my-Shore - Dublin Docklands, where you and fellow players can reshape the city to adapt and resist to rising waters. Teamwork is key!

Three areas were identified under the imminent threat of flooding, necessitating urgent action to ensure their protection and resilience against rising waters.

The map has been created using OpenStreetMap data.

How to join

1: Register to confirm your participation in this adventure!

2: Set up your Minecraft

3: Attention to the server rules:

• Have fun: Remember to have fun and enjoy playing on the server with other players!
• Be kind to others: Always be respectful and kind to other players on the server, and don't say or do anything that might hurt their feelings.
• Build things properly: Make sure to follow the rules for building on the server, such as using the right materials and building in the right areas.
• Don't cheat: Cheating is not allowed on the server, and can ruin the fun for everyone else.
• Talk to other players: Communicate with other players to help each other out and make the game more fun.
• Explore and build the city: Work together with other players to build houses, streets, parks, and other cool things in the city.

4: Climate action!

In order to help us develop the Craft-my-street platform we are conducting a number of workshops with stakeholders (teachers, local authorities, researchers etc.) to showcase, educate and gather feedback to help us improve our platform. A timeline of the remaining workshops is provided below.

Registration: Workshop 4 - Sense-Making

We are now taking registrations for our upcoming sense-making workshop. Are you a climate action officer, or do you work for a local authority?

Register HERE

Workshops Timeline

Workshop 3 - Gameplay Design

Workshop 4 & 5 - Sense-Making

Workshop 6 & 7 - Resources

Workshop 8 - Pilot Testing with Schools

Are you interested?

Please fill in this FORM if you are interested in receiving updates of all upcoming workshops, or if you would like to organise any in-person workshops with students.

Analog Games

Craft My Coast

Carbon Neutrality

Happy Village

Craft-my-Game Prototype

We are currently developing the 'Craft My Game' approach, where users will be able to create custom games using a simplified criteria selection framework. A current prototype of the 'Craft my Game' tool is now avaiable for use.

Alternative Link!

Tweets by @craftmystreet

The project is funded with the financial support of the EU Commission Recovery and Resilience Facility under the Science Foundation Ireland OurTech Challenge Grant Number 22/NCF/OT/11150