Thick mapping through co-creation and geospatial technologies in design studios

This study proposes a set of pedagogical principles for implementing thick mapping in spatial design studios, based on insights from three workshops involving 166 students. Grounded in collective intelligence and framed within an action research methodology, it examines the impact of thick mapping strategies, supported by geospatial and bio-physiological tools, on co-creation processes and spatial understanding in complex urban environments. The research also evaluates the usability of the Field Maps mobile application, comparing open and geofenced modes for spatial data collection, effectiveness, and user engagement. Findings indicate that thick mapping fosters situated, multimodal, and narrative-driven engagement with complex urban environments, while improving students’ contextual insights and soft skills. Ultimately, the study positions thick mapping as an adaptive, creative, and critical methodology in spatial design education, with the integration of bio-physiological data emerging as a particularly promising approach to enriching site analysis. A collective intelligence–powered thick mapping enhances depth and offers a more enjoyable and comprehensive model to traditional challenging site analysis in design studios.The integration of geospatial mobile tools enables effective, collaborative, and multi-layered mapping of place-based values, conflicts, and narratives in urban environments.Harnessing bio-physiological, perceptual, and tracing data in the thick mapping process provides a holistic approach to capturing multisensory experiences.Participatory action research offers a powerful framework for testing and refining thick mapping in design studio settings and through diverse group dynamics.Co-creation practices strengthen soft skills, critical thinking, and spatial awareness among students, particularly when supported by competitive and gamified settings. A collective intelligence–powered thick mapping enhances depth and offers a more enjoyable and comprehensive model to traditional challenging site analysis in design studios. The integration of geospatial mobile tools enables effective, collaborative, and multi-layered mapping of place-based values, conflicts, and narratives in urban environments. Harnessing bio-physiological, perceptual, and tracing data in the thick mapping process provides a holistic approach to capturing multisensory experiences. Participatory action research offers a powerful framework for testing and refining thick mapping in design studio settings and through diverse group dynamics. Co-creation practices strengthen soft skills, critical thinking, and spatial awareness among students, particularly when supported by competitive and gamified settings.