Ecocity Game London allows participants to engage with the critical challenges facing London as it moves towards an ecological future. Should we grow green or rather implement a degrowth agenda? Should we produce only locally or seek a balance between local-grown and sustainably imported produce? How will we secure clean water, while fighting drought and flood? These are just a few of the pressing questions the game presents, as players navigate the political, social, and cultural complexities of climate action. Ecocity Game London recognizes the importance of local-level decision-making. Each district in London has a role to play in addressing these challenges, and together they form a collective force in driving change. 

The EcoCity London game board serves as  a comprehensive blueprint for envisioning and developing a sustainable future for the city. It highlights redevelopment opportunities (Brownfield Lands), environmental priorities (Low Emission Zones, Urban Heat Spots, Flood Risk Areas), and key infrastructure (Electric Vehicle Charging Sites). The game board map details current land use, including commercial, industrial, and green areas, providing a comprehensive view of the city’s landscape.

Play the City collaborated with EnviroBuild to host the Ecocity Game London Session on November 6, 2024. The session brought together architects, urban planners, economists, and academics for an afternoon of collaborative learning and systemic change exploration. Using London as the playing field, participants assumed the role of policymakers, addressing challenges through the lens of different economic and governance models. The game was designed to explore sustainable urban development by focusing on themes such as accessibility, housing, energy, biodiversity, and water, encouraging participants to imagine and debate solutions while mapping actions directly onto a detailed map of London.

Degrowth Team: Repurposing vacant buildings in Canary Wharf, implementing shared streets, and leveraging AI for sustainable transport in London’s West End.

Green Growth Team: Nature-inclusive high-rises in North West London and energy-efficient housing adaptations near Finchley Road.

Agrowth Team: Green public transport in Peckham, rainwater harvesting and residual heat networks in Canal Park Hackney/ Stratford.

In later rounds, participants debated governance models—ranging from centralized planning to direct democracy—to bring their proposed measures to life. A striking observation was the consensus among teams favoring systemic change, with a preference for combining centralized planning and direct democracy to ensure inclusivity and actionability. The experts participating in the session offered valuable feedback, such as emphasizing who the city is being built for, the importance of balanced representation in governance, and the need for context-specific application of economic models. The game sparked vibrant discussions about sustainability, equity, and urban resilience. It also revealed the complexity of reconciling different perspectives while encouraging a systemic, multi-level approach to urban challenges.