This handbook captures AMS Institute’s approach to transforming urban environments into real-world testing grounds, where research and practice intersect. Grounded in our experiences in Amsterdam, the handbook offers both a conceptual framework and a practical guide for designing and managing Urban Living Labs.
From exploring the foundations of ULLs and their role in addressing complex urban challenges, to offering an eight-step methodology—the Urban Living Lab Way of Working—this publication serves as both a comprehensive introduction and a hands-on reference. It also outlines the roles and competencies needed to effectively coordinate these labs, complemented by practical tools, examples, and definitions.
With this handbook, we aim to support researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in navigating the balance between innovation and integration. Ensuring urban solutions don’t just work in theory, but thrive in practice.
You can download the full handbook here
This publication is part of the Dutch National Growth Fund program Toekomstbestendige Leefomgeving, Infrastructure Consortium, Project 4: Living Lab Leeromgeving.