How Readers Helped Shape the Luzerner Theater

THE STORY

The Luzerner Theater occupies a prominent location in the city, yet decisions about its redesign were left entirely to a professional jury, excluding local residents. Through Opinary, however, the Luzerner Zeitung empowered its readers to voice their opinions about the building’s design. 

In one article, the newspaper introduced its audience to the winning design—selected from 128 submissions—and invited them to rate it using an Opinary poll. Over 3,000 participants rated the design, and most gave it the lowest possible grade in Switzerland’s school grading system. 

In a follow-up article showcasing the top six designs, the jury’s choice again received poor public feedback. Out of 4,275 participants, only 17% voted for the winning design, placing it second, while a different project emerged as the public favourite, garnering 44% of the votes. 

Thanks to the Luzerner Zeitung, the voting results sparked a lively public debate, with letters to the editor and expert opinions flooding in. Through Opinary they ensured the conversation was also accessible to those who preferred not to write letters or comments. It served as both a platform for expression and an indicator of public sentiment, helping shape discussions around the building’s size and alternative proposals. 

The Luzerner Zeitung‘s open approach yielded tangible results: after 18 months of public dialogue, architects presented a revised version of the project, incorporating community feedback and addressing key concerns. In a subsequent poll, 62% of the 1,330 respondents expressed approval for the updated plans—proof that even simple ideas can have a meaningful impact on local life. A public referendum on the project is also anticipated in early 2025. 

CONCLUSION

The collaboration between the Luzerner Zeitung and Opinary demonstrates the power and importance of reader involvement, especially in local journalism. It shows how low-barrier participation can open debates at crucial moments and engage even those who usually avoid public commentary, letters to editors, or official complaints. Trust and credibility are vital to this close reader relationship, but small newsrooms often lack the tools, technology, and resources to foster such exchanges. Through the coverage on the Luzerner Theater, the Luzerner Zeitung and Opinary illustrated how simple, effective tools can transform engaged readers into key players in significant cultural decisions—without succumbing to populism.