Alsergrund im Schaukasten (Alsergrund on Display) is a social design project about active citizenry and museums of the future.

In Vienna each district has its own museum wich collects and tells the history of the district. Inspired by this, we wondered if besides the general history a museum could also tell the story of the present and become a place where all locals feel represented? For 10 days a dependance of the 9th district museum was set up at Vienna Design Week.

Visitors are put to the test: Which memories and dreams do you associate with the 9th district?  Which topics should be talked about? To which community do you feel connected to? Through participatory design alternative and insightful knowledge is produced. Slowly the empty space fills up with stories and the exhibition room becomes a melting pot.

What is your favorite word? When did you cried last time in front of your friends?

Who are you and who are you not? How many others are like you?

On a map of the 9th district Alsergrund visitors could use flags to mark memorable or secret tip places for them. One Flag said: on exactly this corner I had my first kiss.

Besides questions visitors could also contribute to the exhibition by donating objects. Some brought pieces from home others crafted copies of their objects with provided materials.

This object is a cobblestone was created by an elderly woman. She wants to exhibit it to get a chance to talk to the major. More and more streets in her neighbourhood have been paved over which makes it really unpleasant for her husband who sits in a wheelchair to move around.

Open discussion with visitors.

Last evening before the Finissage.

Prior to exhibiting the project at Vienna Design Week, we did some field research. In a park we approached people and ask them to fill out our questionnaires.

To our surprise people were really open to questions such as: What would you show to an alien to explain your district to it? Which of your belongings do you think would be a great exhibition piece?

First visit to a district museum.