Living Lab Boerhaavewijk
A design research project employing a living lab approach to develop a participatory planning space in Boerhaavewijk, Haarlem. This initiative was created as a direct response to the Anders Werken aan Wonen open call, issued by the Dutch Creative Industry Funds, aiming to explore housing solutions through alternative approaches.
The main objective of the project is to explore housing within the broader context of the neighborhood unit and investigate how neighborhoods can contribute to an integrated approach towards achieving net-zero emissions. Boerhaavewijk, located in Schalkwijk, Haarlem, is an ideal reference point due to its strictly planned post-war nature, functional setup, and typical housing typologies. The strategies developed for Boerhaavewijk can potentially be applied to other post-war neighbourhoods across the Netherlands.
By adopting the Living Lab approach, we have been able to develop innovative participation methods that are effective at the local level. These methods aim to provide neighborhood-oriented solutions that address larger global and national issues.
To guide our research, we have formulated the following research questions:
How can we establish a connection between the planned and the lived cities?
How can we address spatial challenges related to local, national, and global issues while taking into consideration the preferences of current and future residents?
How can we collaborate to ensure a resilient future for the neighborhood?
How can a living lab facilitate a non-traditional approach to neighborhood regeneration?
Our project aims to transform these research questions into opportunities for the Boerhaavewijk neighborhood and the wider city district. Through design research, we strive to bridge the gap between the high-level strategic choices outlined in the Harlem Development Plan for 2050 and the everyday needs of the residents.
Currently, the findings from the Living Lab project are being further developed and integrated into Haarlem's strategic development plan for the neighborhood.
Type: Design Research, Participatory planning, Neighbourhood Regeneration
Date: 2022-23
Project Partners: Gemeente Haarlem, Ymere, Elan Wonen, Pre-Wonen, Sint Jacob, DOCK, Wijkraad, Stichting SSHO, Stichting Samen
Team: Daryl Mulvihill, Elena Grimbacher, Alexander Petrounine
Collaboration: AP+E
Funding: Stimuleringfonds Creative Industrie
Status: Ongoing
A series of mixed use developments along Floris van Adrichemlaan
Priority for Bike and Pedestrian
Climate adaptive Public Spaces
Housing Renovation and Densification
A bottom up ideas based framework for transition and neighbourhood regeneration
A comprehensive framework plan was created based on more than 100 ideas gathered during the extensive collaborative consultations. These ideas emerged through numerous diverse workshops and meetings held within the Living Lab, involving a wide variety of participants such as residents, schoolchildren, stakeholders, housing corporations, local businesses, and various organisations actively taking part.
The 100+ ideas were then categorised and grouped according to different thematic areas outlined in the Haarlem 2050 development plan. This approach effectively brings together bottom-up participatory planning with top-down development strategies, creating a well-rounded and inclusive vision for the future.
A park through the centre of the neighbourhood.
From a low density monofunctional amenity strip to a medium density mixed use neighbourhood heart.