A tale of two cities: towards the pedagogy of living labs

The living lab approach to problem solving provides opportunities for open innovation and co-creation with users, or in the context of cities, citizens. How can the living lab methodology be adapted as a pedagogical approach for urban design in the context of 'wicked problems'? Here we review an intensive transdisciplinary workshop in which multidisciplinary student groups based in Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh addressed the complex challenges of transport, transit, and tourism in these two cities. The aim was to find and communicate relevant data and information to frame a design proposition that would improve inner and cross-city travel. The paper presents an account of the investigation performed in the workshop, the findings and an analysis of the issues conveyed by participants in the two cities.