ComeViVi
A method for visualizing the complexity of quality of life in Venice

 

Product type: Methodology for urban quality of life analysis
Prototype: Developed and tested in Venice
First published: June 2025
Copyright: Superdot GmbH
Protection: Proof of creation and owner record with NFT

The Challenge

Cities around the world struggle to measure and improve quality of life – especially those under extreme tourism pressure, like Venice. Traditional urban assessments often rely on one-dimensional statistical data that fail to capture the lived experiences of residents. The challenge lies in developing a framework that bridges this gap and provides a nuanced understanding of how quality of life varies depending on demographics, location, time, and aspects of urban living. ComeViVi addresses this question: How can public statistics and lived experiences be captured within a unified system?

 

The Principle

ComeViVi supports urban analysis through a four-dimensional conceptual framework that examines quality of life through interconnected lenses. The methodology combines statistical analysis with observation and participatory mapping. A form of «visual ethnography» is used as an equally valid data source alongside statistical surveys. This approach integrates photographic documentation with statistical visualization, breaking down the well-known scientific divide between quantitative and qualitative representation. Additionally, principles of Modular Information Design are applied to provide visual orientation across all topics and levels – resulting in a visually modular and consistent language.

The Book

The ComeViVi book documents our one-month research residency by Nicole Lachenmeier and Darjan Hil in Venice and introduces the systematic framework for multidimensional urban analysis. The publication combines the conceptual foundations, key insights, and all elements of the interactive final exhibition. It inspires the development of participatory methods for community engagement and highlights possible future directions.

 

Limited Collector’s Edition

Only 100 copies will be produced, each personally signed by Nicole Lachenmeier and Darjan Hil – an exclusive collector’s item for urban design enthusiasts and methodology aficionados.

Exhibitions, Urban Benchmarking or Workshops

Based on the validated ComeViVi framework, we offer visual analysis services for urban spaces to cities, planning authorities, and community organizations. Our ComeViVi methodology provides deeper insights into urban quality of life than traditional, one-dimensional approaches.

Urban Analysis Services

+

Preliminary investigations in urban spaces using participatory mapping sessions that directly involve residents in defining their quality of life.

Comparative City Services

+

Systematic comparisons between different cities – offered as workshops and exhibitions.

Ausstellung über Venedig

+

Research findings presented as an interactive traveling exhibition at Design Weeks and other events.

Who is ComeViVi for

The framework is adaptable across multiple contexts and applications. The four dimensions (CHI, COSA, DOVE, QUANDO) provide a consistent structure that can be applied to diverse urban environments – from historic centers facing overtourism to rapidly developing districts.

Tourism Authorities

+

Understand visitor experiences through multidimensional analysis

Public Health Departments

+

Map patterns of well-being across time and demographic groups

Urban Development

+

Gain deeper insight into neighborhood dynamics before making investment decisions

Community Groups

+

Legitimize lived experiences through systematic documentation

Scalability

+

From the micro level of a neighborhood to the macro level of an entire metropolitan area

Business Case

+

More targeted and effective interventions by decision-makers

How does ComeViVi differ from traditional urban analysis methods?

+

ComeViVi systematically integrates quantitative metrics with lived experiences across four interconnected dimensions. Instead of relying on one-dimensional statistical data or question-based surveys, the framework offers a nuanced understanding of urban complexity.

Who is ComeViVi for?

+

The framework is adaptable to a wide range of urban environments and is relevant for urban planning, tourism management, community development, and policy impact assessment.

How can our city implement ComeViVi?

+

We offer Comparative City Studies, Community Engagement Workshops, and tailored Urban Analysis Services.

What’s included in the ComeViVi book?

+

The book documents the full framework methodology, the 23-day Venice research residency, step-by-step guides for conducting your own analyses, and cross-dimensional analysis techniques. It will be published in June 2025.

Can the framework be further developed?

+

Yes – the framework can be extended on the data visualization side and expanded through the number of cities involved, creating a globally connective understanding. It allows for a more differentiated view on many polarizing urban issues.