Purpose
This paper aims to explore the integration of values-based design and serious gaming for heritage fieldwork in architectural higher education. By employing serious gaming, the study seeks to develop user-friendly tools that facilitate and motivate the participation of diverse stakeholders in the redesign process. This approach enhances the recognition and conservation of heritage values associated with tangible and intangible attributes in the city of Faro, Portugal, ultimately contributing to the specialization of heritage architects.

Design/methodology/approach
The graduation design studio employs a three-step methodology involving eight master’s students in the city of Faro. Initially, students mapped values associated with buildings and neighborhoods. Subsequently, they developed redesigns using a values-based approach. Finally, they conducted impact assessments through self-evaluation of their redesign solutions. Traditional methods such as interviews, questionnaires and focus groups were adapted to include interactive tasks like treasure hunts, quizzes, 3D games, card games and board games. This methodology engaged various target groups, including schoolchildren, university students, heritage specialists and the elderly, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of community values.

Findings
The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of heritage fieldwork with serious gaming tools to foster citizen engagement and stakeholder collaboration in values-based design. The study confirms that serious gaming facilitates participation and enhances understanding of heritage values for both master’s students and citizens. Despite being new to the master’s students, this method proved successful in engaging diverse stakeholders and collecting relevant data. The results highlight the potential for local municipalities, such as Faro, to apply these approaches in heritage planning. This may lead to improved conservation efforts and sustainability while fostering greater citizen involvement in the decision-making processes related to their built heritage.

Research limitations/implications
This study is limited by its small sample size, short fieldwork duration and the context-specific nature of the case study in Faro, Portugal. The reliance on master’s students as facilitators and the adaptation of serious gaming methods to local conditions may affect the generalizability of the findings. Further research should include longitudinal studies, larger and more diverse participant groups and comparative analyses across different cultural contexts. The implications suggest that while serious gaming can enhance values-based design and citizen engagement, its effectiveness depends on careful adaptation to local needs and ongoing evaluation of its impact on heritage planning processes.

Practical implications
The integration of serious gaming into heritage fieldwork offers practical tools for educators, municipalities and heritage professionals to foster citizen engagement and collaborative decision-making. The methods developed can be adapted for use in other cities and educational settings, supporting participatory urban and heritage planning. Local governments can leverage these approaches to better understand community values, inform policy and improve the sustainability of built environments. The study provides a replicable framework for training future architects in values-based design, equipping them with skills to facilitate inclusive workshops and mediate between diverse stakeholder interests in real-world heritage conservation projects.

Social implications
By involving citizens of all ages in the redesign of their built environment, this approach strengthens community agency and trust in heritage planning. Serious gaming methods help bridge generational and cultural gaps, making participation accessible and enjoyable for groups often excluded from traditional engagement processes. The study demonstrates that such participatory practices can foster empathy among future architects and increase public awareness of heritage values. Ultimately, this contributes to more inclusive, democratic and sustainable urban development, empowering communities to shape their environments in ways that reflect their collective values and identities.

Originality/value
This study introduces an innovative approach by integrating serious gaming into the values-based redesign of buildings and neighborhoods. It bridges the gap between public and professional perspectives, offering a novel approach for engaging citizens in heritage planning. The research contributes to the limited body of work on values-based approaches by demonstrating their applicability and effectiveness in real-world settings. By involving diverse community groups and employing interactive serious gaming tools, the study provides a unique framework for understanding and preserving heritage values in architecture and urban environments, promoting more inclusive and sustainable design practices.