Our Approach

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The Block by Block Methodology

The first Block by Block Workshops using Minecraft as a community engagement tool were held in Nairobi in 2013. Both participants and facilitators agreed that the Minecraft model had a positive impact on the dialogue in the workshop, and the Block by Block Methodology was born.

We make our unique Minecraft-based methodology freely available to all. The Block by Block Playbook is a free resource for anyone who would like to use this unique tool to transform lives and public spaces. This publication has been downloaded by hundreds of public and private organizations, civic leaders, and academics.

Learn more and download the free Block by Block Playbook here.

“For me the most amazing thing about Block by Block is the methodology, using one of the world’s most popular video games, Minecraft, for community participation in urban design processes. It’s not a gimmick—it really works. Using a simple, 3D tool like Minecraft is a great way of helping hard-to-reach groups such as youth and disadvantaged people in poor urban settings make their voice heard.”

— Pontus Westerberg, UN-Habitat

Step by Step

Les Cayes Waterfront Minecraft - Mashable.jpg — 1. Model

Select the site to be redeveloped, and create a Minecraft model of the existing site using images, plans, Google maps, and other inputs.
*Redevelopment site, Les Cayes, Haiti*
*Credit: Block by Block team*

20171113_104328 (1).jpg — 2. Mobilize

Identify 30-60 people living and working near the site who are interested in improving their urban environment. Ensure broad representation of the community, including women, youth, older people, and people with disabilities.
Community mobilization in Kalobeyei, Kenya
Credit: Block by Block team

P1012141 (1).JPG — 3. Organize

Organize community workshops (2-4 days; 30-60 participants; 1 computer per 2-4 participants).
Identify a Minecraft expert to lead training and provide support.
Block by Block Workshop, Gaza Strip
Credit: Block by Block team

IMG_6655 (1).jpg — 4. Introduce

Brief participants on public space basics and general design considerations for the selected space, and begin shared dialogue on relevant issues.
Workshop kickoff, Accra, Ghana
Credit: Block by Block team

20170704_121158 (1).jpg — 5. Observe

Walk through the site as a group and document with images. Share reflections and observations.
Site visit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Credit: Block by Block team

20170906_111355 (1).jpg — 6. Teach

Train participants in the fundamentals of using Minecraft.
Minecraft training session, Niamey, Niger
Credit: Block by Block team

IMGL7991 (1).JPG — 7. Team Up

Break into teams of 2-4 people to develop ideas in Minecraft.
Block by Block Workshop team, Wuhan, China
Credit: Block by Block team

“Minecraft lowers the barrier so that anyone could actually have a say in their public space.”

— Lydia Winters, Mojang

2017.03.06 09.34.58 lovestrandell.com [BbB_HANOI] BILDNRKA2_4370.jpg — 8. Present

Arrange for the teams to present models and advocate for their ideas to stakeholders and professionals including urban planners, architects, and local policy makers.
*Teenage girls presenting their ideas to community stakeholders, Hanoi, Vietnam*
*Credit: Microsoft team*

IMG_9643.CR2 (1).jpg — 9. Prioritize

Workshop participants and stakeholders discuss how to improve the public space and collaboratively prioritize the proposed improvements.
Community prioritization discussion, Cairo, Egypt
Credit: Block by Block team

Dey Pukhu Minecraft (1).png — 10. Plan

Minecraft models from workshop inform cost estimates, budget allocations, and professional design work.
*Minecraft 3D Model of Dey Pukhu, Nepal*

10-2 (1).jpg — 11. Build

Continue the momentum by actively engaging the community in the final design, construction, and maintenance of the site. Engage with the community to resolve conflict if it arises or address unexpected issues related to the public space.
*Community building party, Surabaya*, Indonesia
Credit: Block by Block team

Estación Villa María (VMT) - Créditos_JairoRosales (1).JPG — 12. Advocate

Expand impact by advocating for continued investment in public space transformation and more forward-thinking policies at the local level and beyond.
*Public space micro-intervention at Estación Villa María, Lima, Peru*
*Credit: Jairo Rosales*

“Minecraft is a very powerful tool that allows a community to dream. You can try all these permutations, combinations, possibilities — you can aspire for something more.”

— Celine d'Cruz, Block by Block

FAQ

Why Minecraft?

Minecraft is more than a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that is as widely recognized on the streets of Hanoi as in Houston. It’s also a design platform that’s so easy to use it has transformed into a powerful form of communication. Read more about our unique methodology here.

Do people have to know how to play Minecraft, or how to use computers, to participate?

Block by Block Workshops include training on both Minecraft and computer use—we generally find that anyone can pick up the necessary skills in a day or less. Block by Block is sometimes people’s first exposure to technology, and the process is often very empowering. Through Block by Block Workshops we have helped fishermen who had never touched a computer design their own waterfront park in Haiti, street kids in Addis Ababa find their voice, and children of migrant workers in Anaheim envision a career in technology for the first time.

Who builds and maintains the projects?

Our founding partner UN-Habitat works with local partners to oversee the implementation of funded projects. In many cases the community members participate in the project construction, and as a result of the process feel a much stronger sense of community ownership that results in long-term maintenance of the spaces.

Where did the Block by Block logo come from?

The Block by Block logo was originally designed by the Mojang team, using three blocks to represent Minecraft, in the shape of a heart to symbolize the mission to improve quality of life worldwide. The colors are derived from UN-Habitat blue to communicate our strong partnership.

I want to do this in my community! What do I do?

We make our Block by Block Methodology freely available to all here.

Other helpful resources: Using Minecraft for Community Participation (UN-HABITAT), Using Minecraft for Youth Participation in Urban Design and Governance (UN-HABITAT), and Shaping Urbanization for Children: A Handbook on Child-Responsive Urban Planning (UNICEF)

Can you participate or speak at our event?

We love to spread the word about Block by Block. Get in touch, and we’ll see what we can do.