Background <p>Climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological crises pose new challenges for prevention and health promotion. Against this background, the current project investigates how the design of biodiverse open spaces can strengthen resilience and biodiversity while sustainably promoting health. The aim is to identify relevant design principles for targeted spatial interventions and to assess user needs.</p> Methods <p>The inter- and transdisciplinary project combines research-based learning and teaching-oriented research within a real-world laboratory at the “Zukunftsdorf Waldhof” (Waldhof Future Village). It culminates in a public exhibition with student posters and design concepts as well as a citizen participation format. The qualitative feedback from the participation process is coded using Mayring’s content analysis and systematically categorized through a six-eyes validation procedure.</p> Results <p>The studentsʼ design proposals illustrate a wide range of approaches, from low-barrier circular trails and audio walks to systematic planning tools. The citizens’ responses show strong appreciation for the multisensory, biodiversity-oriented design. Particularly emphasized are aesthetic quality, concrete usage ideas, and suggestions for practical implementation, but also concerns.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings demonstrate that user perspectives provide practice-relevant insights and that participatory development processes are crucial for the acceptance and implementation of nature-based interventions. The project illustrates how interdisciplinary collaboration and citizen feedback can be used to derive design principles for biodiversity-based nature offers that strengthen resilience, enable multisensory nature experiences, and sustainably promote health.</p>