Co-creation for doers

WeLoveTheCity ordered 100 empty ‘Paasboxes’. Residents of Paasbos in Nijkerk drew, taped and wrote their wishes and ideas for the new heart of their neighbourhood on them. We were running out of boxes! The harvest of such an approach? The people loved getting to know each other while doing it. Moreover, they shared no fewer than 148 ideas with each other and with us. When, back in Rotterdam, we compiled these, the plan was actually quite ready and feasible too. Only the wish to have Disneyland here was a little too ambitious for us.

The heart of Paasbos revolves around an urban play park with a children’s farm, climbing forest and ‘beach on the stream’. The park will include an indoor-outdoor sports centre. We are also building 150 Pippi Longstocking homes for young and old and a local shop with a chatter’s corner.

WeLoveTheCity often receives such requests: a large and multicoloured social question that has to land on a small piece of land in the middle of a crowded neighbourhood. Thanks to the enthusiasm of residents and entrepreneurs, this almost always succeeds. Take a look at the Village Campus Oosseld, Doetinchem, the House of Droo, Duiven or Lumen, Enschede. Small projects, big impact.

Droo-Zuid derives its appeal from the distinctive mix of residents, the accessible facilities for young and old, the comfortable homes and the relaxed atmosphere.

Tjerk van Duinen Stedenbouw 10/2011 ,Creating a beautiful neighbourhood together’