A Story of Three Students and One Neighborhood

a story of three students and one neighborhood

The city is never complete. It has a beginning, but it has no end.

It evolves everyday, it’s a living being, always waiting for the new scenes to be added, new people to move in, new stories to live. ns aso are e a r l e l h a t r

u s

“ If we stop for a moment and look around, we can see the beauty of life… sustainability is a response to this amazing gift.“

Sibole, A. (2013, June). The Ethics of Sustainability: Why should we care?

4 Foreword

Why should we care about building We depend on each other The current situation Sustainable (re)development a sustainable society? Because we All living beings on Earth, me, The ever-growing world popula- By making cities more resilient we depend on our environment and on you, us: we all depend on natu- tion and an unprecedented urban- can create environments where each other to survive. ral resources to survive; not only ization have brought substantial everyone can thrive. Sustainable biologically, but also physically, changes in the course of the two development can play a big role ecologically, psychologically past centuries. as it acts on respecting environ- and spiritually. There is only one mental limits, while also fulfilling planet, therefore it is a necessity to Cities, due to their high popu- social needs. It offers opportuni- take care of it. lation density, generate and ties to make the world a better concentrate a lot of global and place and facilitates the adap- This involves caring about the envi- local problems. Thus, there is no tation for a rapidly-evolving and ronment that facilitates life, the doubt that urban areas play a challenged world. people that populate the planet major role in the achievement of >> Sylvie Herzet and the economy that organizes sustainable development. ns aso are and distributes society’s wealth e a r l e l and resources. h a

t r

u s

5 CONTENT:

6 A LITTLE BIT ABOUT... 10 - 19 THE ADVENTURE STARTS! DISCOVERING ZEVENKAMP... 20 - 47 WHAT NOW? 48 - 57 IMAGINE... 58 - 95 LEARNING EXPERIENCE 96 - 109

INTERVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 110-115 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 117

7 WHAT WOULD ELSIA SAY ABOUT ZEVENKAMP? Have you ever wondered how In this book we walk you through Zevenkamp is experienced by our journey, sharing our experi- people who have never set foot ence along the way. in the neighbourhood before? What the houses, squares, fields We hope to inspire you with our and people look like through their vision of Zevenkamp, the result of untrained eyes, and how they see our quest to open up the opportu- the neighbourhood as a whole? nities for Zevenkamp to become an even more flourishing and resilient We are those people! For a period of neighbourhood. 20 weeks we have walked through Zevenkamp, talked to residents, met organisations, read reports and experienced everything that makes up Zevenkamp. Once upon a time there were three You might expect we met because students, who lived their lives we wanted to change the world, or in different parts of the world that our life paths crossed in the and didn’t know of each other’s most unusual way, but in reality existence. They all had their own it all began with something as dreams and ambitions, yet one simple as a shared internship. thing in common: respect towards However, it grew into much more nature and human beings and the than that and became a learning need to make a difference. experience valuable for the rest of our lives. Here is our story ...

“high ethnical diversity” “permaculture “happy garden” neighborhood” “single- “welfare family houses” “low organizations” apartment buildings”

10 A little bit about...... Except Academy multidisciplinary, multi-ethnic, eager to learn

Hi, we are the Except Academy, As a team we form the first Except three wildly different students Academy, which is a project set up working on one project in by Except to teach and inspire stu- Rotterdam with the help of dents and others involved to work Except Integrated Sustainability. towards a sustainable future.

Before we start with explaining The academy is organized as an our project, we would love to urban transformation project, where introduce ourselves! a neighborhood in Rotterdam is studied by us under the guidance of professionals at Except.

This is done by using a systems approach, where we don’t look at just one object or problem, but try to look at the system as a whole.

12 ... us thirsty for change and a better world!

Antonia is an Architect with many Maarten is an Industrial Ecologist Sylvie is an international student at Avans. different passions. Her dream is to create with a passion for the built environ- May it be in a professional context or interactive architecture that focuses on ment and a strong interest in social social context, she tries to bring what she people and the natural environment, sciences. He is always looking for can in her ignorance and knowledge, with making them involved actors instead of ways to challenge himself and his a lot of passion and a touch of humor. She just passive users. ideas, and loves debating about goes by the saying “sharing is caring”, and sustainable topics and the human “if there’s a will, there’s a way”. mind. 13 ... Except

Multidisciplinary experts and social entrepreneurs that work together to make businesses, industries, cities, buildings,…life in general, “more efficient, more sustainable, more human” exceptional people working ... Integrated Sustainability

What does sustainability mean? Defining sustainability Except’s definition What is the difference?

The term ‘sustainability’ has become A suitable definition of the term Since this definition is very broad, This definition allows us to look a trendy concept used by everyone ‘sustainability’ is therefore essen- Except’s team has formulated a at sustainability as a condition and anyone to market a vast amount tial to be able to understand and clearer and more suitable defini- that is constantly evolving, rather different, unrelated things. Starting use it properly. tion of the word sustainability: than being a static structure that out as a vague term to begin with may lead to future challenges. It and repeatedly mis- and overused The most-used definition of “Sustainability is a state of a presents sustainability as part of a throughout its existence, the mean- sustainability emerged from the complex, dynamic system. In this system formed by various intercon- ing of the word has become confus- mission statement of the Brundt- state a system can continue to nected relations and actors, which ing for most of us. As a consequence, land Commission of the United flourish without leading to its inter- are limited by spatial, temporal and the practical application and cred- Nations General Assembly in 1987 nal collapse or requiring inputs contextual boundaries. ibility of sustainable development (in “Our Common Future” report) from outside its defined system have been discredited. which described sustainable boundaries. Applied to our civiliza- As sustainability is a norma- development as: tion, this state is consistent with an tive concept, Except’s definition It is however no wonder this word equitable and healthy society, as recognises the ethical dimensions has become mainstream, as more “Development that meets the needs well as thriving ecosystems and a that support it and expresses the and more people are becoming of the present, without compromis- beautiful planet.” message of global balance as well aware of the various impacts of our ing the ability of future generations as the happiness it carries, which actions and want to take action. to meet their own needs.” are translated into the fundamental elements of the definition: Resil- ience, Autonomy and Equity.

to build an exceptional future together 15 ... Project

The scope of the Except Academy Zevenkamp Defining the goal Research goal was to collectively work on the sustainable transformation of Zevenkamp is a neighborhood in To get a full understanding of the a neighborhood in Rotterdam. “Identify existing and missing the north-east part of Rotterdam. developments in Zevenkamp, its links between: The late post-war neighborhood It’s the biggest neighborhoods people and its functioning, an Zevenkamp is proposed as case in Prins Alexander borough with extensive research into the history, »» actors, study and a time-frame of 20 almost 17000 people living urban design, actors, opportunities, weeks was set. there. Being the second largest problems and many other aspects »» current initiatives, late post-war neighborhood in was carried out over a period of a The Netherlands, it mainly has a month. After the initial research and first » opportunities and challenges in mono-residential function with a » visits to the neighborhood our varied housing offer. Weighing the different possibilities, Zevenkamp, research goal was set. problems, actors and facilities, this investigation led to the final defini- in order to find and inspire collection of the project goal. tive solutions for local:

»» physical problems,

»» social problems,

»» socio- economic problems,

thereby open the possibility for Zevenkamp to became a flourishing and resilient neighborhood.”

16 “Opening the opportunities for Zevenkamp to become a flourishing and resilient neighborhood.”

collective solutions

actors current initiatives inspire problems

ZEVENKAMP identify

research

17 ... Our approach

Exploring Zevenkamp required Visiting the neighborhood Meeting the residents Brainstorming gaining specific skills and knowl- We started exploring Zevenkamp Because the main objective of this All of the knowledge gained also edge with which we could survive with just a little data to get a fresh project is to inspire and involve the needed to be connected in order this urban jungle. sense and unspoiled feeling for residents, meetings with the people to get a clear understanding of the the neighborhood, and gathered of Zevenkamp were essential to us. neighborhood, for which several For a period of 20 weeks we walked information about Zevenkamp. multidisciplinary brainstorming around Zevenkamp at different Talking with residents while walk- sessions were organized. times and days, to get to know its ing around the neighborhood and physical and living environments, Research organizing interviews with different its dynamics and people living organizations provided us with Mapping We went through numerous there. insights into how the neighborhood reports and documents to get is perceived by the people that live Using big sheets of paper, post-its a clear picture of the past and and work in Zevenkamp. and different colors we organized current situation of Zevenkamp This enabled us to discover who the all information. We translated them which could not immediately be key players in the neighborhood into system maps that allowed us seen in its physical appearance. were, and what issues and initia- to visualize the system present in Additionally, we carried out prec- tives were present. Zevenkamp. This enabled us to see edents research to gain inspira- existing and possible connections tion for new ideas from existing and opportunities we were previ- solutions, and enabled us to avoid ously unaware of, thereby helping Workshops reinventing the wheel. us in our decision making process. To get to grips with the growing amount of information, we received help by means of workshops and master classes at Except, which focused on topics ranging from visualization all the way to creating new business models.

18 organizations

field research mapping

meeting residents

research brainstorming “high ethnical diversity” “permaculture “happy garden” neighborhood” “single- “welfare family houses” “low organizations” apartment We started our adventure armed buildings” only with cameras and a few bottles of water. We didn’t know where Zevenkamp was or what to expect, but with a little help from Google maps we departed on a journey by train and metro which brought us to the center of the neighborhood: Ambachtsplein.

By the way, if after 3 months you still can’t pronounce or write ‘Ambachtsplein’ don’t panic! It’s quite normal if you’re not Dutch! The adventure starts! discovering Zevenkamp...... in Rotterdam

Zevenkamp 1970’s 1978 1979 1984 Welcome to the second largest In the 70’s, Rotterdam was late post-war neighborhood in affected by a housing shortage The Netherlands. Zevenkamp is a causing many residents to move residential neighborhood located away to nearby municipalities. As in the north-east of Rotterdam in a result, many new neighborhoods the borough of Prins Alexander. were designed and built.

2 4

1 3

Zevenkamp was one of them: the architect’s quest was to design an attractive residential area with single-family and multistorey housing with gardens, mainly focused on families with children. 1986 1976

22 ... History

1970’s 1978 1979 1984 Zevenkamp was built in one of the On March 20, 1979 the first pile The second phase of the construc- Connection to the rest of Rotter- deepest polders in the Netherlands, was driven into the ground, which tion already saw a simplified dam was realized by the introduc- which began with the purchase of led to the creation of a residential design, with a shift towards more tion of a metro line. It has three the area from Capelle aan de IJsel area spanning 220 hectares. orthogonal roads and larger build- stops, two of which are located by the municipality of Rotterdam in ing blocks. in the commercial centers of the 1978. neighborhood.

2 4

1 3

During the preparation of the The construction of Zevenkamp The third and fourth building By 1986 the fourth phase, and area, the surface of the polder was took place in 4 phases. Initially phases are characterized by an thereby the entire residential covered with a one and a half to it was meant to be a cauliflower even more orthogonal design, neighborhood of Zevenkamp, was two meter thick layer of sand to neighborhood, but historic events combined with low-rise housing finished with 6.500 houses in raise the land and make it suitable like the economic recession of the and with less variety in the types total. for construction. To provide enough 1980’s and changes in policies and shapes of building blocks. sand for these preparations a large had great impacts on the devel- area was excavated north of the opment of Zevenkamp, and even 1986 1976 polder, which led to the creation of changed its physical structure. the Zevenhuizerplas. 23 ... Surroundings & Neighborhood

Zevenkamp is bordered by the Inward character Residential neighborhood neighborhoods of Ommoord and Zevenkamp can be described as Being a residential neighbor- Nesselande to the west and east, a neighborhood with an inward hood, most buildings in Zeven- the township of Oud Verlaat to character, since it is separated kamp are houses. There is also the north and the city of Capelle from the northern areas by a a large amount of public space aan den IJssel to the south. It is a dike, from the southern areas by present for the residents to use, predominantly residential neigh- the A20 and from the eastern complemented by many shared borhood with many one-family and western areas by canals and or semi-public spaces such as houses and gardens. inwardly-faced buildings. courtyards.

Some of these public and semi-public spaces are well maintained and lovingly used by residents, while others sometimes seem to have lost part of their function.

It is also a green neighborhood, with many grass fields and trees and a large green area to the north of the neighborhood.

24 Zevenhuizerplas Nesselande

Oud Verlaat

Ommoord

Capelle aan den IJssel ... in Numbers

Rotterdam Zevenkamp type Rotterdam Zevenkamp

1 person family 48 % 37 % one-family house 24 % 52% couple without children 22 % 21 % apartments with elevator 23 % 15 % couple with children 19 % 27 % apartments without elevator 18 % 33 % single parent 11 % 14 % unknown 6 % 1 % other 1 % 1 %

age Rotterdam Zevenkamp age Rotterdam Zevenkamp

0 - 15 17 % 17 % 80 -90 27 % 98 % 15 - 65 69 % 70 % 00-15 10 % 2 % + 65 15 % 13 %

value Rotterdam Zevenkamp own Rotterdam Zevenkamp

low (€0-€91.000) 20 % 4 % private lease 19 % 10 % medium (€91.000 - €188.000) 60 % 71 % social housing 46 % 47 % high (€188.000 – up) 20 % 25 % owned 35 % 43 %

26 16.305 7.300 7.128 (employed 4.760) households dwelings

nationality Rotterdam Zevenkamp ethnicity Rotterdam Zevenkamp moroccan 6,7% 2 % Dutch 51 % 60 % turkish 7,8 % 2 % Western 12 % 9 % antillian 3,8 % 2 % Non western 37 % 30 % surinam 8,5 % 30 %

income Rotterdam Zevenkamp life style Rotterdam Zevenkamp

low income 51 % 46 % harmony 30 % 35 % medium 34 % 37 % certainty 28 % 31 % high 15 % 16 % control 19 % 20 % *students 8 % 6 % freedom 24 % 14 %

mq Rotterdam Zevenkamp employment Rotterdam Zevenkamp residential use 54 % 85 % $$ 34 % 23 % non-residential use 46 % 16 %

27 4 5

6 7

10 NIEUW VERLAAT 3 8

AMBACHTSPLEIN DE TOCHTEN 2

16 17 ... Zevenkamp

The heart of the neighborhood Here we see the neighborhood of A great green area is present to the Most buildings in the neighborhood 1. Cauliflower-like design Zevenkamp: a green residential north of the neighborhood, and are single-family row-houses and a permaculture garden is located low apartment buildings, accompa- 2. Instrument neighborhood neighborhood with canals, organized around a small center called right next to it, inside of the neigh- nied by a few elderly houses and 3. Nieuw Verlaat shopping center the Ambachtsplein with a romantic, borhood. other facilities focused around the 4. Xerox sport fields cauliflower-like design in the west, three metro stops. The whole neighborhood is 5. Wollefoppenpark and a more traditional, orthogonal connected to the rest of Rotterdam In between these buildings much 6. Centraal Wonen Zevenkamp design in the east. through a ring road and centralized public and semi-public space is 7. Taka Tuka Land - playground metro line, although the neighbor- present, with grass fields and green 8. Proeftuin - Permaculture garden hood does have a predominantly canal banks, but also a high amount 9. Five km running trail inward character and some infra- of paved squares and courtyards. 10. Jazz neighborhood structural problems as saturation of the traffic at peak hours and 11. Kunstwerk Stalen kubussen difficult car access the recreational langs de Tochtenweg green zone in the north. 12. Recreational Centre Zevenkampse Ring 13. Zevnkampse Ring 14. Rose garden 15. Zuidelijk Wijkpark 16. The Little Cave 17. Trailer park

29 ... heart of the neighborhood

The center of Zevenkamp is the Shopping in Zevenkamp Ambachtsplein, a small square M Besides the Ambachtsplein, some surrounded by shops, supermar- AMBACHTSPLEIN shops and facilities are also kets, small restaurants and several present in the small shopping welfare and health facilities. area of Nieuw Verlaat. Since most of Zevenkamp is residential, The square itself is located next the shopping areas are losing to a canal that runs through their popularity, a trend that the entire neighborhood, and is strengthened by the easily accessible, more varied shopping surrounded by houses. On the c e n t e r centers in nearby neighborhoods. square a small playground for children is present, as are some benches and even chess tables!

Since most shops and welfare Ambachtsplein is surrounded !@#!!# organizations are organized by three-storey buildings and is around the Ambachtsplein, this visually partly closed off to its area truly functions as the heart of surroundingsZEVENKRANT due to its design. bla bla the neighborhood. Many activities It is also a popular place for the bla take place in the buildings close youths in the neighborhood to to the square and on the square hang out, which of course is not itself, and most information about always appreciated during night. the neighborhood can be found here.

30 ... Functions !@#!!#

Education and Health Care Activities and Media ZEVENKRANT Meeting places Due to the largely residential Activities in the neighborhood Until recently therebla wasbla a small function of Zevenkamp, many are coming for a large part from youth center in thebla south of primary schools are present the welfare organizations, who Zevenkamp, which has been throughout the neighborhood organize many activities around moved to a youth center called which are used by children living Ambachtsplein and throughout Youngsters at Ambachtsplein that in and around the neighborhood. the neighborhood. serves the whole of Prins Alexan- One specialized Reformed der. This youth center is run by secondary school is also pres- Some resident initiatives also Most activities are showcased Buurtwerk and offers many high ent, which is mainly attended exist, where neighbors organize in the neighborhood newspaper quality facilities, activities and by students from outside of the activities together. which is delivered door to door, programs for children and youths neighborhood. but unfortunately not all resi- and works with them to improve dents know of the organizations, their lives and neighborhood. programs and activities present in In addition, several elderly houses 300m distance centre of the are present in Zevenkamp, as well their neighborhood. Therefrom used the shops to be a neighborhoodneighbourhood as a church. center in Zevenkamp, which was shops, indoor sports mainlyrestaurants popular among retiredfacility residents, but was also used by a significantprimary schools amount of non-retiredfootball ﬁelds

residents.secondary school church

Currently,elderly houses no neighborhoodpolice station 300m distance centre of the from the shops neighbourhood NIEUW VERLAAT center is present and meeting AMBACHTSPLEIN DE TOCHTEN places where to sit, eat and drink shops, indoor sports restaurants facility are overall rare and not all as affordable as the former neigh- primary schools football ﬁelds borhood center. Most of them secondary school church are located in the Ambachtsplein area, and some new facilities are elderly houses police station being developed. NIEUW VERLAAT

AMBACHTSPLEIN DE TOCHTEN 31 ... In Photos

... Green - Blue structure

Zevenhuizerplas Unique to Zevenkamp is a perma- Biodiversity culture garden, located in the The Rotte dike The biodiversity in the neighbor- north of the neighborhood and hood is low and the large, attrac- accessible to everyone. This tive trees bordering canals block garden is owned by the non-profit out much sunlight and dislocate organization Wollefoppengroen Wollefoppenpark roads. dike & Co., which has close ties to the De Tochten living community of Centraal Proeftuin The water in the canals that give Wonen Zevenkamp located north the neighborhood part of its iden- of the garden, who both try to tity is also highly eutrophic due dike to surrounding agricultural lands involve the neighborhood. Zuidelijk Wijkpark and seepage of unconnected ground water, which leads to low The garden and its facilities are biodiversity of the water and a growing, and a small neighbor- high ‘flushing’ rate of all water in hood center is being built on the the neighborhood, causing a vast site, mainly to facilitate activities energy use. of Buurtwerk and Wollefoppen- When looking at Zevenkamp, one The presence of a dike visually groen & Co. and their partners. of the first things that stands out disconnects the neighborhood is the 34-hectare green area at from the green zone that crosses the north of the neighborhood. from north to south. As the entire FLORA area was raised with sand, the »» 2 protected species: March Orchid This area forms a large part of water network in the neigh- and wild Marjoram the green identity of Zevenkamp, borhood is in fact not directly »» Oak trees which includes courtyards, small connected to the groundwater. buffer zones along the roads, Zevenhuizerplas sports fields and parks, but these The waterways are the most FAUNA green spaces are disparate like a important carriers of green quality dike Rotte The »» 6 species of insects disconnected patchwork. and have an actual function, as they insure rainwater is guided »» Bats Wollefoppenpark out of the area, mainly through »» Birds: Long eared owl, House Sparrow, dike Bittern, Cuckoo, Linnet Tochten De the Ommoordse Tocht Proeftuin »» Small Mammals: Mole and Hedgehog 34

dike Zuidelijk Zuidelijk Wijkpark ... Public space

Public space Semi- public space

Zevenhuizerplas Many of the green areas within Next to public space, semi-public Zevenkamp are concentrated space also exists, mainly in court- around waterways. These green yards and building corners. areas, although widely appreci- The Rotte dike ated, often only have a limited Ownership and responsibility of program, and are surrounded these semi-public areas and of by predominantly stony public other smaller green areas such courtyards space which is mainly furnished as buffer zones between roads Wollefoppenpark with tiles, concrete and asphalt, is not always clear, which some- thereby causing the visual and times leads to residents utilizing dike De Tochten physical connections between these areas themselves to create Proeftuin green structures to be weaker. gardens and attractive spaces, but also leads to neglected areas.

dark tunnels dark tunnels dike Zuidelijk Wijkpark Pedestrian and bicycle network Good sidewalks and cycling networks are present within the neighborhood, guided by water and trees. However, the connection with the surrounding neighborhoods has been poorly designed as pedestrian and bicycle paths go through dark tunnels at the different entrance/exit points. limited program of green areas: mostly visited by dog owners

bad lightning of passages

35 Zevenhuizerplas

The Rotte dike

Wollefoppenpark

dike De Tochten Proeftuin

dike Zuidelijk Wijkpark

... In Photos

... In Photos ... Infrastructure

The different areas in Zevenkamp Because the neighborhood was ? are connected by a main ring built in four stages, striking differ- road that runs through the entire ences in the infrastructure and neighborhood, called the Zeven- building configurations can be kampse Ring. This ring connects seen in the different areas. the neighborhood with the rest In the west of the neighborhood of Rotterdam by three exits in the accessibility is solely provided north and west of Zevenkamp. by the main road, which is surrounded by an inwardly-faced The ring road is broken in the network of cauliflower-shaped north of the neighborhood, caus- secondary roads that connect ing low accessibility between the the houses and courtyards to this north-east and north-west parts of main road. Zevenkamp. On the contrary the east part of the neighborhood has the orthogonal structure which facilitates the traffic. The slow traffic character of This increasing number of cars is The ring road itself is wide and Zevenkamp has lead over the closely related to the lack of local rather hard surfaced. Gate-shaped years to a growing parking capac- facilities, which constrain the resi- buildings around the ring road ity problem, with cars dominating dents to use their cars to go shop- are common and many houses the streets scene. ping outside the neighborhood. along the main traffic and metro route are of a similar design with three to five story buildings. This design created a strong barrier and enabled the visitors to see the green character of the neighborhood, which remains hidden behind the gray buildings.

40 road ring - section ... Street - scapes

Accompanying the public space Almost all of these houses were There is a differentiation in the Architectural Identity are houses, 7.128 of them, divided built in the 1980’s, and more than front facades of houses, since Many of the houses are similar over 22 minuscule neighborhoods, half are cozy single-family houses almost all building blocks with in terms of architectural iden- in building blocks with gardens. front gardens have a couple making the building density in tity, leading to a low diversity of of highly paved or neglected Zevenkamp relatively high. architecture with little landmarks. gardens. In some situations stor- There is a differentiation in the age spaces are located in front or orientation of houses though, They house 16.305 residents, besides houses, causing oddly since a some houses have their a number that has been slowly shaped corners and sometimes family houses - building blocks front facades in courtyards or declining over the last decade, even unclarity in ownership. other semi-public space, espe- which make up 7.300 households. Low apartment buildings without cially in the western part. an elevator are also common, especially in the center of Zeven- kamp, and 57% of all houses are Energy and house quality rented, mostly by social housing. storage in front of the houses The whole neighborhood uses The houses in the western part district heating. Insulation of follow a more romantic structure houses is often lacking or of low around courtyards, while the quality, especially on the upper houses in the eastern part are floors of houses where single more traditional. glazing is still common. This lack hard surfaced front yards of insulation has also led to mois- western part ture problems in some houses. - cauliflower design

corridors between the buildings >> front yards

monotonous facades along the ring road

>> back yards 41

... In Photos aths bike p BUILDINGS 'lacking insulation' VESTIA 'moisture problems' WONBRON 16300 PEOPLE 'single glazing on higher levels' 'monotonous architecture' WOONSTAD IDENTITY anonimity 36 % OWNED 'Dark tunnels' 64% RENTED METRO LINE

...FEW storage 1/2 Zevenkamp: LANDMARKS in front family houses RING ROAD LOW INCOME

27 % FAMILIES EDUCATION I´m lonely 14% SINGLE PARENTS

'Inconspicuous ETHNICAL entrances to Nobody neighbourhood' DIVERSITY understand me {40 %} non-Dutch 44 ... People

The heart of the neighborhood are Cultural clashing Aging population Perceived Danger residents, people living in Zeven- More than half of the people living Many senior citizens also live in Besides some minor problems, kamp, most of whom are happy to in Zevenkamp are Dutch, with one Zevenkamp, who are houses in a Zevenkamp is a safe neighborhood live there. They are mostly families third being of non-western descen- number of elderly houses. to live in with a relatively low with children, for whom the neigh- dant. This means there are a lot of Zevenkamp doesn’t offer much crime rate. An unjust feeling of borhood was designed, accompa- different cultures and lifestyles, facilities specifically for them unsafety is present in the neigh- nied by a large group single house- making it an interesting neighbor- outside of their homes. borhood though, caused for the holds and two smaller groups of hood with a high variety of inter- most part by misunderstandings single parents and couples without ests and expertise, but which also Facilities for youths are also between people. children, almost all of whom have a sometimes causes lifestyle clashes limited, causing them to meet low to medium income. and misunderstandings between throughout the neighborhood, This feeling is strengthened by people. sometimes leading to nuisance the lack of function and main- problems, which seems to be tenance of public space, which These social issues are only present mainly due to mutual misunder- causes boundaries to be unclear in very specific areas though, such standing between the youths and partly prevents people from as around the Ambachtsplein and and the rest of the residents in meeting each other. Nieuw Verlaat, while the rest of the Zevenkamp. neighborhood is quite peaceful. This is also reflected in the amount of residents that participate in voluntary work, which is on the low side even though many activities and programs are present to help improve the neighborhood. This does not seem to stem from disinterest, but simply from a lack of awareness of local activities and the possibilities residents have.

45 ... In Photos

Now that we’ve come to grips with the different layers of Zevenkamp and its residents, we seek to find potent solutions that help support Zevenkamp become flourishing and resilient.

“high ethnical diversity” “permaculture “happy garden” neighborhood” “single- “welfare family houses” “low organizations” apartment buildings” What now? Connecting the dots

We ended up with a lot of information on Zevenkamp, divided over all kinds of different subjects and themes that were not directly connected to each other. This high amount of information was hard to work with like that, so we needed tools to help us make sense of it all, as we have already quickly mentioned in our approach.

The tools we used are all part of the SiD methodology, or Symbio- sis in Development, provided by Except Integrated Sustainabil- ity. Simply put, SiD is a iterative methodology that helped to guide us in looking at all aspects of the neighborhood such as the social, ecological , economic and political aspects, and connect seemingly unconnected aspects, in order to understand the system of Zeven- kamp and come up with interventions.

50 Summarizing Sketching Iterating To make the information less To visualize existing information To come to good interventions, abstract and easier to work with, i and new iinterventions that derive solutions had to be envisioned, all information and facts were a from the maps, sketchesa in text changed, combined and scrapped collected and loosely summarized s and drawings were helpful to put a couple of times throughout the in text, tables, graphs and drawings. our thoughts on paper. process to solve weaknesses and l involve new findings. By going ELSIA Testingl through this process of gathering To group information, all facts were E To find the strengths and weak- information and coming up with written on sticky notes and put nessesE of the existing situation interventions, we got a better in the different ELSIA categories, and of possible interventions, understanding of the neighbor- which are Energy, Life, Society they needed to be evaluated and hood after every cycle and even- and Individual. This way we could tested. This was done by using tually came up with interventions discover the significance of these network indicators, which uncov- that we think can positively influ- facts and divide some of them over ered the relationships between ence not just single opportunities different categories, revealing new different factors, leading to new and weaknesses, but the whole clarifying information. insights that required newi informa- neighborhood of Zevenkamp. tion and mapsa to be added to the Mapping existing information. s To connect information and groups, maps were used with sticky notes l to link facts to each other, thereby uncovering connections, similarities E and differences not visible at first hand. These maps were focused on specific categories, and on combining categories. This way, the significance of new and existing possibilities became apparent.

51 The Challenges:

By using the tools, we slowly got Urban Design and Architecture a clearer vision of Zevenkamp. We The quality of the urban design and saw a green, residential neighbor- buildings is relatively low. This is due hood, organized around two small to budget cuts during the realization centers with many possibilities to of the neighborhood and an inflexi- make improvements. ble, monotonous design as well as an uninspiring architecture, which has Lack of transparency, connectivity also led to a lack of identity in the and diversity influence directly the neighborhood. quality of the living environment In addition, buildings are often badly of neighborhood and it’s social insulated or miss insulation alto- cohesion, causing Zevenkamp to gether, and maintenance of houses deteriorate instead of flourish. and gardens is lacking behind in few parts of the neighborhood.

Resident Involvement There is lack of resident participation in Zevenkamp, which seems to be caused mainly by a lack of awareness and visibility of:

»» activities, programs and policies,

»» initiatives going on,

»» organizations and their work,

»» public space.

52 Public Space Diversity Connectivity Collaboration Clear distinction between private, Another striking characteristic of Since the neighborhood is Collaboration between welfare semi-public and public space is Zevenkamp is that the diversity in the predominantly designed for fami- and other organizations in Zeven- missing. This leads to a lack of use neighborhood mainly comes from lies and children, there is a lack of kamp is present between some and maintenance of this space, the people, not the physical design. meeting places for the youth and of them, and a high incentive for deteriorating the neighborhood and Lack of diversity is evident in: the elderly. This causes a discon- more collaboration exists, as well social control. nection between: as a shared need for more resi- »» architecture and materials, dents participation. Many possibilities are present in »» generations, the public space, new functions »» public space and facilities, Feeling of safety can be given to many of the stony »» culture and lifestyles, squares and grass fields, which can »» biodiversity, In the neighborhood is present reduce the unclarity of public space, which becomes the source of a a high feeling of unsafety which increase biodiversity and invite »» social status. high feeling of unsafety present in is caused not only by different people to meet each other outside. the neighborhood. lifestyles and intergenerational Many different cultures, lifestyles and clashing, but also by the image age groups live in the neighborhood. The disconnection is also pres- that projects the neighborhood. A combination of high amount of Facilities In the central parts of the neigh- ent in the physical design of the borhood these sometimes clash, neighborhood: fragmented and badly maintained Facilities available in the neighbor- while most of the neighborhood is green structures and low biodi- hood are of good quality, but low in generally peaceful and quiet, besides »» Fragmented patches of green versity deteriorates the quality numbers and diversity. A neighbor- some hanging youths. are scattered throughout the of public space, which results in hood center is missing and a very neighborhood, divided by stony less involvement of residents and limited amount of places where to Misunderstanding between lifestyles areas and roads, lowered social control, especially meet such as bars and restaurants and age groups exists though, which at night due to a bad lighting. are present in the neighborhood. has led to a feeling of unsafety. »» The water is not connected Affordable activities for the resi- While the neighborhood actually is a to the nutrient rich ground water dents with low incomes are also safe one to live in. which infiltrates and pollutes lacking or are not attractive. the surface water with nutrients.

s K

C i

e i

si j m k is O m b

m o e D c t

t o m

R l o e d

The land of Opportunities:

c P a i

r m

n G

Are

a o S N e

e k t

w s r o

e n

Buurtwerk gani o

B r sa i

o o t

p D W

B p

u i Overall we saw a comfortable Welfare Organizations Good ideas Biodiversity

A o u o

ic r l

l t

t e

s f neighborhood with large green w

t o u p

e n Many organizations and activi- Many resident groups, small orga- Canals running through Zevenkamp

p u

y u

np e s

e n

d areas, as well as many organiza-

g M i

n v n r i ties in Zevenkamp focus on the

nizations and different age groups are full of nutrient rich water, which

t d

tions, programs and activities that i

r e

same things, such as public space,

are looking for a place to be. They could be naturally cleaned by s

e s W

i C n

n i

strive to make the neighborhood a

e residents, finances and bringing

e K

have many ideas and talents wait- improving biodiversity with the right m j

d i

a s c W t

i O n s

m n o

i better place and involve residents.

e people together. Participation o j o m

i ing to be explored! plants. Plans for this have already

o s e m

t c k

C i s m

i W o m

e c

r o Some improvements are possible, n i

between organizations them- s e

been proposed by the Hoogheem- l R

d m e o

e s

t D c t o

t r o c m

P s

a i

o a

o i s

R l especially regarding public space, selves and between organizations

e d o

o Awareness raadschap in the past! b

a m r o r

e l

7 n r b e

c P IDEAS

i e

s n

r b

and residents already exists and is e r A

public awareness and residents

e S v r m N

o o

d e

r t S cooperations

Programs to involve and activate r s w

p o

n G h

r n e

Are

in the process of becoming bigger

a M

S e n Buurtwerk

n N a a

o participation. o i g

i r B

i v e g a

t o

s e o

y w a

w s s

r residents are already forming in a

o p

W h

i t

t e n p

o n

M i

and stronger, which could lead to

Buurtwerk

O i gani o A

i B i r s o

i u n a o

o o t c

l i

l s

a r

d a Housing

D and outside of Zevenkamp, which e W t

B i p f

u s

A great things!

d t o u p

o n

Z c e i

o p

u l

B r e s

O t p n

v l

t e n e

S t can all help to increase awareness

d a n

Cultural diversity M g f i

s n

r o n

v n

i r

t u p

n t

B p

o u e

o y S

p s

U np

r e n r i

e n

d and residents participation!

M i

n s

n v E

r i

e o E

o e S

There is a high cultural diversity

h Media

a c s n s e

i n o

r p A

n g

o t C n in Zevenkamp, bringing varied

n o

ce g

n e

r i

h a C c

W n s

n o e e

Many forms of media are already r t n

Visibility s

expertise, skills and added values

s l o

t r s t e o

W W

c a

i o

a C o

u Z

o v

h n present in Zevenkamp, such as a k

s r

l e c D

a e to the neighborhood. Cultural M

n 7

b r e s s

t IDEAS &

W W e

o r a

L o Zevenkamp is a safe neighbor-

l r

o v

v i o d

o r k a S a cooperations u newspaper, apps, websites, post-

e l D

M n 7 activities and the sharing of skills r b

& c

IDEAS p

a e l s

n a

b e hood to live. By creating under-

v i

s g

v e y u a

o i r

d s o

A r t

S cooperations

ers and flyers of organizations and

H can increase the social cohesion

a p n

s f i i i O

y n l n a

s j standing between different a i v l g

y s e d r y Housing

e a

r s t i

e activities. Awareness of all possi- s

i t d

a t in Zevenkamp!

o n Z i

o d O i

i i B

d n v O

l S s a

l d groups and increasing visibility of n a

Housing

e r

n i

E o

i M

bilities in Zevenkamp can grow to B

O t d o a c

E u p U d Z

5 i o r h i

B n

O t v

t S c

a n activities, the feeling of safety can

u r o

P H

B create more involvement, some of

O e r o

p U h i r r o m i

o s r

a n c a s & e

a c grow as well! p r t i v g

r oens g C o t n c y e

o n h

Y the tools already exist! e

S h r r h r

c s e

& h i e s a c t s

o t r p o l

o r t g t C l

s h cen o n g Z u a c

h r a e c h

e t

s l o e

o t r

L l

c H r

a u Z

o u a

h c e a c

s l

e e s b o

l L o

r H A

a o a u s f y c j l

l b uses s e r e y

Ho A d d a

s a l

ly f e D

j E n y o r e i

t a c E u

e 5 d s h

ld d t s u

e H P

n E i o

o i

m t a c a E u

5 a

h v

t s e

h n

y Y

P H

r h

i o o m

t a o l

a v

r ens y

u c h o o l s o

s & 54

h s

n h

u e t o

r u

Y o d

y Y & l

n r &

e Chi e n r

d e

l l

r y

E d s

r l

y t l

e i h C

u e Chi

E d s

s E

l d

A d

MDA Opzoomer

Pameijer Mee Vraagwijzer

Wijkteam Salvation Army

Wollefoppengroen DOCK Roteb Impact Bewoners- commissie Happiness Buurtsteunpunt & Co

Shop Owner Association Area People are happy to live in Buurtwerk Clusters Networkworker

Zevenkamp. By bringing people organisations together and involving them in Welfare Police the neighborhood, this happiness Makers & can remain and spread! Doeners Municipality VVS Welfare A lot of space organisations Gebiedscommissie Vestia Much public space and open CW7 BOZ Woonbron spaces are present in Zevenkamp Housing which are waiting to be given a corporation Woonstad

new function! Recreational Centre

Sport

e Zevenkampse Ring

s facilities

C i

e i Middin

si j m k is O m Power to change b Health care

m o e D c t

Orion Bavo

t o m

R l o e d

Many supportive and guiding Europoort e

c P a i

secondary RESIDENTS

r m

e programs exist to help resident

ELDERLY

n G

Are

a schools

o S N e

e k t

w s r o improve Zevenkamp themselves.

e n HOUSES

Buurtwerk gani o

B r sa i

o o t

l Laurens

Education

a Suppliers

p D W

B p Residents have the power to make

u i

o day- u o

ic de Aarhof r l

l t

t e

s f w

t o u changes to their neighborhood! p care

e n

p u

y u

np e s

e n

g M i

n v n r i

centres m

t d

E Kwido pa

o e

r e

Aafje de s

Anciano

n Eneco

Vijf Havens

a c t

n s

n o

o primary

C i Evides

e r n s

e t s

W W schools Stedin r

a o o

v o

a r e l D

M 7 n

r b s

& IDEAS

a e

o i d

r S cooperations

n a

i v g

s y e a

r s

i t t

o n

O i i i n s

l d

Housing i

i o

O t

S v

a n

O o p U r i o n

o c o

h re r

i t re & sp a s c g t C h cen o n g r h e r s t lt r o

c a u Z

h c e a

e o

l L

r H

o a u

l c es b Hous A

a s ly fj 55

y er es ZEVENKAMAP

a ld d

D e

n E o i t a c E u d 5 h

t u

P H r

i o

m a

a v

r ens y

h o o l

s h

e r

l y

r Chi e

d l

s E

The vision

By looking at its social, economic, Bringing people together Addressing the right people Inspiring the residents and environmental aspects and how they are interconnected when Bringing people together is The outcomes and follow up of An open and continued dialogue put in the whole picture, enabled necessary in order to evaluate previous reports and advices about the values, attitudes and to see the core elements needed the needs of Zevenkamp, to done on Zevenkamp showed the behaviors that will support people for its sustainable redevelopment. develop a common vision of the importance of presenting the right living and working in Zevenkamp future of the neighborhood, and information to the right people. is more than essential. Because From the research findings it to create a common understand- There is a great necessity for of this, we chose to present key clearly appeared that more than ing of sustainable development reports to be not only credible interventions from all ideas we thought of, due to their potential new solutions what is really (its social, economic and envi- and reliable, but also relevant to increase communication and needed is greater and more ronmental dimensions), and the and addressed to the people awareness in the neighborhood. effective communication between role of residents, organizations, concerned. municipal officials and other key residents, local organizations and players in driving neighborhood In this view, the research process The following interventions offer municipal bodies. change. In addition, this common and results have been presented the opportunity for people in understanding as well as higher in an inspirational book, with the Zevenkamp to get to know each residents involvement is essential population of Zevenkamp as a other, share and express their for an effective implementation of main target audience. messages and stories, and work sustainable strategies. towards an even better Zeven- kamp together.

56 The 7 principles for turning a vision into action

1. Think large: see the bigger picture 2. Listen: you’ll hear the difference 3. Act responsibly: do good today, for more tomorrow 4. Share knowledge: it makes everything grow 5. Dare: you will discover new worlds 6. Be empathetic: you’re not alone 7. Have fun!

57 “high ethnical diversity” “permaculture “happy garden” neighborhood” “single- “welfare family houses” “low organizations” apartment buildings”

An environment where you can pleasantly walk around, listen A place where fresh and healthy to the birds sing, exercise, play food grows and flowers bloom A neighborhood where your senses games, hang out with friends and right in front of your doorstep. get stimulated as soon as you step meet new people. While at any corner, you’ll be outside of your house. Where the learning and discovering some- ordinary is turned into extraordi- thing new. nary, and where your dreams can turn into reality. Imagine... > local food < share your harvest > harvest your health MARKET grown in front of SPONSORSHIP your doorstep < NGO´s > local market < Companies > everybody can get fresh Welfare Entrepreneurs and healthy food < programs Organizations > local restaurant< > youth cooking in their > local community gardens < Mentally-challenged people own restaurant < > transform courtyards into Ex-prisioners unemployed people INFORM community gardens and small urban farms <

g Resident n EDUCATE i >education programs< iniciatives IDEAS rm INSPIRE fa Informative ban signs ur

Housing Skilled & creative minds Corporations willing to express & share > fruit trees < knowledge > pick jummy fruits while taking a walk in your green neighbourhood < > URBAN LIVING ROOM < Ambachtsplein School & > injecting life into roadside university & connecting the greens < projects livi ts > bucket challenge < ng pavemen > make use of social media to Local & regional CONNECT set up challenges that students > guerrilla gardening < promote tree planting < > small depavement projects to “The city is never complete, it has its begin- > save resources while visually connect green areas and Internship ning but it has not an ending. It evolves having fun! h serve as environmental buﬀers < everyday, it’s a living being always waiting turning recycling into a a projects SPACE for the new scenes to be added, new people v playfull experience < e > recycling < to move in, new stories to live... ” f un > make good use of organic r waste and feed local gardens e- with rich nutrients < Municipality cy 60 cling Not design for you, but with you!

With our vision we want to inspire The idea behind Creating social cohesion Interventions people: make them see that they can be the change, that the power The interventions we propose put As we already pointed out our The aim of the interventions is is in their hands and that change in the center the people of the main interest is bringing people to open new possibilities for the for better can be achieved in a neighborhood, their relationships together: first and foremost, for residents to explore within the simple way. with each other and with the residents to get to know each neighborhood and let them be the space they inhabit. By influencing other. In this way the residents part of that process, not only as By coming together we can the built environment and it’s themselves can build a stronger, users but as active participants. create a beautiful environment of image, we directly influence the more sustainable and cohesive life of its inhabitants. community with common goals The interventions we propose are: happiness, respect and trust with for the future of their neighbor- endless possibilities for everyone The main intention is to inspire all hood. »» Knowledge Landscape, to flourish. the stakeholders: share our vision in order to stimulate everybody’s With our interventions we »» Urban Farming, imagination and possible collab- concentrate on improving the oration. physical aspects of the neigh- »» Community Center, borhood in order to give it a new, “The perception of the city can be shifted refreshing image which would »» Espresso Nursery. by leveraging the existing cultural assets of facilitate the social cohesion. architecture, history, local businesses and the everyday life of residents.“

61 The interventions:

Knowledge Landscape Urban Farming Community Center Espresso Nursery

The Knowledge Landscape is Urban Farming is about growing The Community Centre is a mentor- The Espresso Nursery is a meeting simple additions to the public food on neglected and underused ing and inspiring knowledge center place and espresso bar that offers space, showcasing signs, art, and spaces all around Zevenkamp using housed in the empty building of a variety of food and drinks at low complementary design features at local resources, while at the same the former youth center “The Little prices, while providing a communi- key location around Zevenkamp, time giving a new function to these Cave”. ty-based care and service exchange that connect and enhance the areas and providing new activities platform. It’s a central place where natural areas and other places of and healthy food for the residents. It’s an educational and cultural all residents, from youth to retired, interest. community platform that uses can go to relax, refresh and social- Since there is already a permacul- formal and informal methods to ize. It provides as well attractive ture garden in Zevenkamp, which offer a variety of programs and routes for a variety of users, while was established by a resident asso- services to the residents. Developed The Espresso Nursery main concept the various added elements ciation, the idea is to strengthen this with and by the community, as well is to provide single parents or have an inspiring, educational existing local initiative by promoting as in partnership with public and parent- less parents a place where and informative function, raising its expansion to other parts of the private sector stakeholders. to meet surrogate grandparents awareness on local knowledge, neighborhood through the Knowl- to adopt, getting a helping hand activities, facilities and services. edge Landscape and local networks. and listening ear in exchange for company and other services. »» Street make-up, »» Local food production,

»» Pop-up meeting places, »» Local fresh market,

»» Reviving biodiversity, »» Education programs,

»» Urban games, »» Local restaurants with a youth cooking program. »» Fun recycling.

62 route with signs and added features existing 5km running route Route with outdoor fitness machines and sport trails

Green Heart

Creative Area: tunnels, courtyards Espresso Nursery

Community Centre 63 KNOWLEDGE LANDSCAPE URBAN FARMING COMMUNITY CENTER

STREET MAKE- UP POP- UP MEETING PLACES REVIVE BIO- DIVERSITY URBAN GAMES LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE Inspirational public artistic expressions contrib- Repourpose public spaces into Enhance life by providing Provide pubblic activities that build Reporpuse underutilized spaces: Meet people to share talents and ute to a rich and vibrant neighbourhood and spaces that incourage people of all natural habitats for all kinds of and strengethen communities while harvest your health grown in front of ideas, and build a better future by improve visual quality of the public space ages to be social and active species to thrive promoting heathy life style your doorstep helping each other .

> informative signs > urban living room: Ambachtsplein > guerrilla gardening > fun bike > local community gardens Give the neighbourhood New image of Ambachtsplein: Small depavement projects to Turning your journey into Transform courtyards into community INFORM meaningful messages and a place for everybody to be and visually connect green areas and an exciting experience gardens and small urban farms share knowledge EDUCATE give life to the beating heart of serve as environmental buﬀers INSPIRE Informative signs the neighborhood

> art passages > urban beach > bio-purification > fitness trail Turning dark passages into Relax after a long working day at Floating islands installed in the Simple outdoors fitness and CONNECT bright corridors with small the beach next to your house canals take up excess nutrients: exercise equipment could be added art installations it’s called bioremediation all around the neighbourhood > local market > rooftop gardens 5 km walking trail Everybody can get fresh > urban hannock and healthy food Enhance life by providing ESPRESSO NURSERY > sit up trees natural habitats for all kinds of species to thrive Nice cosy places to have a rest > art in the pubblic space ADOPT OMA AND OPA > fruit trees Strenghetn community ties and Bringing colours and shapes > bike repair stations >education programs share skills, favours and stories to the neighborhood Pick jummy fruits while taking a walk in your green Don’t let breakdowns stop neighbourhood you from riding your bike ku ku

> people parking > bird houses > fun recycling > local restaurant Take a rest and meet new > animal farm Make good use of organic Youth cooking in their people at the people parking! waste and feed local gardens own restaurant 45° > bee hotel with rich nutrients

20° 64 KNOWLEDGE LANDSCAPE URBAN FARMING COMMUNITY CENTER

20° 65

... Knowledge Landscape Knowledge Landscape

Zevenkamp lacks identity and is What is the intention? Who can be involved: Added values: relatively poorly maintained. By customizing problematic areas, »» Create an inspiring and »» Municipality, »» Community building, such as tunnels and passage- stimulating environment for ways, and introducing new people of all ages, where they »» Residents, »» Collaboration between objects related to residents in the can become aware of each other organizations, neighborhood, the identity of the and can get to know more about »» Local welfare and health care neighborhood will be visible in the different possibilities organizations, »» Raised awareness, the public space, creating a new available around them, identity for Zevenkamp itself. »» Housing Corporations, »» More initiatives by residents, »» Support local artistic express- ion and improve the attractive- »» Local farmers, »» Increased feeling of safety, By having local residents carry out ness and identity of Zevenkamp, the interventions, local knowledge »» Education Institutions. »» Happier, more attractive & can be used to customize certain »» Facilitate the accessibility to valuable neighborhood. areas according to the local needs. a healthy lifestyle by offering places to relax, interact and exercise while enjoying the outdoors.

Knowledge Landscape

Inform and connect: Increase attractiveness: Offer meeting places:

Awareness of activities, develop- »» Informative signs: Currently Zevenkamp lacks identity, By creating in-door and out-door ments, organizations and each By showcasing what goes on in by simple additions to the public meeting places we offer to the other is one of the main problems the neighborhood, what residents space, showcasing sculptures and people a place where they can share in the neighborhood. Residents can do themselves, where they art made by children, mental- their everyday thoughts and help have many possibilities to get can go for specific information/ ly-challenged residents and local them create a social bonds. involved with activities and help and what organizations are artists that can be easily changed. organizations, can start initiatives, present, awareness will be created, With simple urban design in a public »» Urban living room: can change their environment and residents can be enthused space we can increase its attractive- Ambachtsplein, and can make their neighborhood into starting an initiative, joining ness and make people feel safe in better. However, it is unclear activities, volunteering, etc., their neighborhood, and by involv- »» Urban beach: Wollefoppenpark, where residents can go for what ing them we can create a feeling of activities, information or help, and »» Wi-fi spots in the neighborhood, belonging and ownership. »» Sit up trees / urban hammock, organizations as well as events and initiatives are inconspicuous, »» Cell re-charge points. »» Educational street arts, »» People parking: pop-up meeting all of which is partially leading to places for everybody. a lack of involvement of residents. »» Colorful crosswalks / streets,

»» Art in the tunnels, passages, and under bridges.

Collaboration Between Raised Awareness Community More Initiatives by Increased Feeling of Higher Biodiversity Fresh food & Cleaner Air Source of Income Happier, More 70 Organizations Building Residents Safety Attractive & Valuable Neighborhood Revive Biodiversity: Start recycling: Stimulate healthy life:

Today we are more and more alien- »» Bio purifictaion along the canals Waste collection is marginal Attractiveness of the neighbor- ated from the nature. In Zevenkamp and bio-pool in Wollefoppenpark: in Zevenkamp, limited only to hood can also be increased by there are vast green areas, but hey To increase the water quality and paper and rest-waste collec- providing out-door activities that lack biodiversity. By increasing it improve the use and function of tion at house, with some central offer people to exercise on a fresh we can create a rich environment public space, water-filtering plants collection points for plastic, glass air, and by stimulating a bicycle which would contribute not only to can be installed at several locations and rest-waste. By gathering use we decrease air pollution and a life quality in general but also to a in the canals based on the helo- materials from the neighbor- increase everybody’s life quality. economic and social aspects. phyte filter principle. These plants hood, both trash and natural, a will take up the excess of nutrients new business can be set-up that »» Playful bicycle paths, »» Guerrilla gardening: in the water, in collaboration with creates products and jobs, and closely related to urban farming, it natural cultures of bacteria who gets people back to work by using »» Outdoor fitness trails, allows residents to make changes in break down the nutrients. waste locally and selling sepa- the public space. It has less to do rated waste streams to recycling »» Bike repair spots. with food production and more »» Rooftop gardens, facilities. with improving the identity and image of the neighborhood, by »» Plant fruit trees: ex. by planting »» Recycling centers in different partly) replacing pavement with apple trees we can start apple parts of the neighborhood, green structures and adding bio- juice production, diversity to the neighborhood, using »» Fun recycle bin design, activities such as depavement, »» Bird houses, animal farm, adding semi-permeable pavement, bee hotel. »» Waste compost for the planting trees, moss graffiti, etc. gardens. > Impact timeline

Collaboration Between Raised Awareness Community More Initiatives by Increased Feeling of Higher Biodiversity Fresh food & Cleaner Air Source of Income Happier, More Organizations Building Residents Safety Attractive & Valuable 71 Neighborhood 72 73 74 75

... Urban Farming Urban Farming

Much of the public space in Zeven- The intention is to: Who can be involved: Added values: kamp lacks a function and experiences a low level of maintenance, »» Support urban food security »» Municipality, »» Creates jobs, income, and food and low level of biodiversity which and healthy nutrition by production, both deteriorates the neighbor- promoting local food production, »» Residents, hood and costs money. »» Promotes healthy eating and »» Encourage community »» Local welfare and health care lifestyle, support mental and The municipality wants residents interaction and community organizations, physical activity, to take more control of their commerce, »» Housing Corporations, »» Increases social cohesion & neighborhood and the state of »» Offer a landscape of serene builds social capital, public space. By allowing residents beauty and contemplation that »» Local farmers, to use the public space for urban can mitigate environmental »» Raised awareness and provides farming and a small animal farm, impacts such as flooding and »» Education Institutions. education opportunities, large areas of public space gets a p o l l u t i o n , a n d o ff e r v a r i o u s useful function and is maintained habitats for plants and animals »» Helps clean up the air and the by residents. This will also greatly all around the neighborhood, rain water, stops soil erosion improve the image of Zevenkamp and topsoil removal, and will provide residents with »» Increase awareness on food, their local food production and new health and environmental benefits, »» Happier, more attractive & activities. and to promote physical exercise. valuable neighborhood,

»» Creates safer places, reduces blight and increase real estate value,

»» Lowers maintenance costs of public spaces.

78 79 Urban Farming

Reinforcing existing initia- Small urban farms Local fresh market Education Programs tive Allowing residents to take care of Food could be sold in a local fresh Additional educational workshops There is already a permaculture certain patches of public space, food market or restaurant and via around food and nature could be garden in Zevenkamp, which was like grass fields and courtyards that existing smart phone applications set for the local schools in coop- established by a resident associ- have currently lost their function. that already exist in Prins Alexan- eration with the already existing ation. This local initiative should These spaces could be converted der and Zevenkamp. programs, involving children in be strengthened by promoting into small scale urban farms. food production. the expansion of urban farming to Local restaurants other parts of the neighborhood Urban farms could be managed by Reduction in costs the knowledge landscape and residents, local health welfare and Local restaurants, both existing local networks. residents organizations. Municipal- and planned, could make use of A reduction in maintenance costs ity would allow residents to claim the local food and provide an of public space for Werf Prins Alexander could be reached when Re-use of neglected public public space for their own use on income to the urban farmers. They residents take care of patches and semi-public space a contract basis, while assuring the could be combined with a youth usage of this space for a set amount cooking program, giving the youth of land. The Werf could focus on By growing food on neglected of time and with clear rules on a possibility to get new skills and offering training and support to and underused spaces all around use, thereby preventing municipal stay away from the streets. new urban farmers. Residents Zeven-kamp and using local cleanup costs. associations in collaboration with resources, a new function can be local and regional organizations given to these areas and provide could provide support, knowledge new activities and healthy food. and training for the urban farmers.

> Impact timeline

Functionality Community Building Fresh food & Source of Income Higher Increased 80 Public Space Cleaner Air Biodiversity Attractiveness & Value Neighbourhood

Collaboration Between Raised Awareness Community More Initiatives by Increased Feeling of Happier, More Organizations Building Residents Safety Attractive & Valuable Neighborhood

Place to Meet & Be Source of Income Community Building Happier Parents & Seniors

New Knowledge Community Building New Skills & Activities Source of Income Start of Local Economy Job Opportunities support ort Municipality upp P S ro rstanding ion gr nde rat am U Local & Regional Schools bo Ac s lla ti & o vi Bussiness, Professionals & c t s

t ie y incomes Regional e s m n e R ono Institutions g c Housing e ec e cal d n g lo Urban Farms d a u

e k u l n t e Coorporations a

Municipality t t S w in n i S a io o g o t & Elderly Homes U in u M c n nd nd S p n u n ersta k d s

K e P p

io S il o R n C l

r t o u s r o a i o Youth t

r t p & k

m a l p e l P k Local n r a p o n o o o w S o

b up

o E L r o le por

b m s t o y t d

t o x o ll w Restaurant ge

i a t r

t i K

l i o a c C r

l o k

l l

n a a s e t

n i e o t i

o l d o c & Market i c d

C t r

o e n g i

F w n W a u m c o n a

f n f e

l o

s e k e e n e

s c r r S w i d o g u

u v Senior Citizens m o k p g d e r f p M

p e y e or a E e W l o t & inte N S M n p x r anagment ance t K w c Reduction o r S now a ledg o e r u e t t n Local S p u im K p g e p g po on Municipality o n i in MOCK i Urban rt t t r S & o e t el m h m e New li r e o p ng a lp r M rogr F Farmers P ams fo ort o Supp Kno d e sit&meet wledge c e to n n lac a o P n ti n Farming te c tio ain u o M ed Welfare om Workforce R d Pr foo h d

Organizations es Empty Retail Former Building

fr o

e o r

& v n i f

c Ambachtsplein e F o t s i

P Parents “The Little Cave” t Residents n u d

g o o

r e y fo n o t i n g m

m l i n

M i i m

e c l ll o

l r a

g e f e

e P o e S

a e w

n t e S t g

S i N i a n

o u d

M g

n d e

& l

m o S

e o o w r

a f r

c o t e s s l s h y

r l n n e s a p c e i

r K m e o v

e c r r nd m a e Public Space v Fun S o e F t s n & Courtyards u u C e Welfare Organizations Youth, Students & Unemployed residents on Promoti ills Welfare d sk ge an n Knowled Organizations io Local ot om Participation Pr Residents t & por 81 Shops App Sup Urban Farmers Knowledgeable Seniors 82 83

... Community center & Espresso Nursery Community center

Unemployment and poverty are The intention is to: Who can be involved: Added values: growing, while the neighborhood itself offers little possibilities for »» Provide a place for people to get »» Municipality, »» Increases social cohesion, employment. Talented residents empowered and are guided to with ideas are present in the develop their passions, creativity, »» Residents, »» Increases residents participa- neighborhood, but need support knowledge, skills, attitudes and tion and involvement, with realizing their ideas. values needed to shape the future »» Local welfare and health care they envision, organizations, »» Addresses local needs, An institution that offers support »» Offer a place that promotes »» Housing Corporations, »» Knowledge and skills sharing, with utilizing talents could bring collaborative learning experiences a new source of employment and which cultivate reasoned judgment »» Local farmers, »» Job opportunities , self-employment to the neighbor- and greater empathic engagement hood. A mentoring and inspiring to think and act as part of a global »» Education Institutions. »» Generates incomes, knowledge center can be housed family in a shared neighborhood, in the empty building of the former »» Provides space for diverse local youth center “The Little Cave”. »» Provide a place for people to get activities and programs. empowered and are guided to By providing neighborhood-redevelop their passions, creativity, knowledge, skills, attitudes and lated programs as a starting point, values needed to shape the future residents are also more involved in they envision, their own neighborhood, bene- fiting both the resident and the »» Create a place developed with and neighborhood. by the community and in partner ship with any person, organization or company with an interest in building community capacity.

86 87 Community center

Conferences and Workshops: Education and Information Creating partnerships: Functionality Community Building Fresh food & Source of Income Higher Increased Public Space Cleaner Air Biodiversity Attractiveness & Value »» Rentable workspaces, »» On topics as entrepreneurship, »» Local welfare organizations: »» Retired residentsNeighbourhood and elderly financial management, job offering and sharing information houses could be made to offer seeking and talent, on activities and events, »» Local councils meetings: this free conferences and workshops facility could be used by the to younger and/or unemployed »» The variety of workshops and »» Skill trainings organized in the organization’s networks to residents, programs could initially be community center by any involve a greater number of managed by employees of local company, which could save residents in diverse decision »» Existing local educational, welfare organizations and hiring costs in a later stage, making, recreational and welfare school, but eventually be led by organizations, local residentsCollaboration as well, Between Raised»» Tutor Awareness services: Community More»» MOOC Initiatives resources by platform.Increased Feeling of Happier, More Organizations Students teach and giveBuilding Residents Safety »» WithAttractive local and & Valuableregional »» Language exchange sessions. workshop sessions in exchange educationalNeighborhood institutions. for elective points,

Place to Meet & Be Source of Income Community Building Happier Parents & > ImpactSeniors timeline

New Knowledge Community Building New Skills & Activities Source of Income Start of Local Economy 88 Job Opportunities support ort Municipality upp P S ro rstanding ion gr nde rat am U Local & Regional Schools bo Ac s lla ti & o vi Bussiness, Professionals & c t s

t ie y incomes Regional e s m n e R ono Institutions g c Housing e ec e cal d n g

lo Urban Farms d a u

e k u l n t e Coorporations a

Municipality t t S w in n i S a io o g o t & Elderly Homes U in u M c n nd nd S p n u n ersta k d s

K e P p

io S il o R n C l

r t o u s r o a i o Youth t

r t p & k

m a l p e l P k Local n r a p o n o o o w S o

b up

o E L r o le por

b m s t o y t d

t o x o ll w Restaurant ge

i a t r

t i K

l i o a c C r

l o k

l l

n a a s e t

n i e o t i

o l d o c & Market i c d

C t r

o e n g i

F w n W a u m c o n a

f n f e

l o

s e k e e n e

s c r r S w i d o g u

u v Senior Citizens m o k p g d e r f p M

Organizations es Empty Retail Former Building

fr o

e o r

& v n i f

c Ambachtsplein e F o t s i

P Parents “The Little Cave” t Residents n u d

g o o

r e y fo

n o t

i n g m

m l i n

M i i m

e c l ll o

l r a

g e f e

e P o e S

a e w

n t e S t g

S i N i a n

o u d

M g

n d e

& l

m o S

e o o w r

a f r

c o t e s s l s h y

r l n n e s a p c e i

r K m e o v

e c r r nd m a e Public Space v Fun S o e F t s n & Courtyards u u C e Welfare Organizations Youth, Students & Unemployed residents on Promoti ills Welfare d sk ge an n Knowled Organizations io Local ot om Participation Pr Residents t & por Shops 89 App Sup Urban Farmers Knowledgeable Seniors Espresso nursery

A meeting place and espresso bar The intention is to: Who can be involved: Added values: that offers a variety of food and drinks at low prices, while also »» Connect people to each other, »» Local welfare and health care »» Increases social cohesion, providing a community-based care and give them the possibility to organizations, and service exchange platform. A create lasting friendships, »» Raises cross-generational and central place where all residents, »» Housing Corporations, cultural understanding, from youth to retired, can go to »» Provide new opportunities relax, refresh and socialize. for retired citizens to be in the »» Residents, »» Simplifies shopping for retired neighborhood and get out of people, parents and other their houses, to meet the rest of »» Education Institutions. residents, The Espresso Nursery also provides the community and to feel families and residents a place to needed and useful, »» Generates income, meet surrogate grandparents to adopt, getting a helping hand »» Bring generations together »» Offers possibilities for knowl- and listening ear in exchange for to share stories and talents, edge and experience sharing, company and other services, like play games, watch movies, doing their shopping. listen to music, read books, do »» Provides new activities and crafts, and go for walks, social contacts for isolated It offers the opportunity to parents target groups. »» Build a foundation for a to temporarily leave their children long-term growth of community- under the care of retired people based care services. while doing their shopping, while also providing a new facility with new activities for retired and any other residents.

90 91 Espresso nursery

Offering a place to relax: Management: Creating partnerships:

»» Centrally located on Ambach- »» Based on non-profit principles, »» Youths can be included as »» Elderly homes and welfare tsplein, it offers a place to rest, retail prices could be low and employees or volunteers, getting organizations who already refresh and visit the (free) toilet revenue can be used for rent, them in contact with the provide activities and support during shopping, maintenance and providing neighborhood and providing them for retired people could include payment for employees and with useful skills, supported by the espresso nursery in their »» Home-baking and cooking volunteers, local youth programs, programs and help with its items from volunteers could be promotion and management, »» The initial set-up could be sold at low prices,Functionality in addition to Community»» Run byBuilding a community of residentsFresh food & Source of Income Higher Increased regular food Publicand drinks, Space and volunteers, the espressoCleaner Air provided by one or more welfareBiodiversity »» WelfareAttractiveness organizations & Value with nursery can become a cooperative organizations, working together programsNeighbourhood for youths and children »» A café-like section where people where a part of the users become and combining their volunteering could use the espresso nursery as could meet, relax and enjoy the managers as well, and professional networks. one of their programs to integrate coffee and food, and a section them into the neighborhood, where retired people and possibly »» Sitting and meeting places could providing a new opportunity to youths can do the same, while offer possibilities for local start up conversations between looking after children at the same residents groups to meet and different age groups. time. organize small-scale activities,

Collaboration Between Raised Awareness Community More Initiatives by Increased Feeling of Happier, More Organizations Building Residents Safety Attractive & Valuable Neighborhood > Impact timeline

Place to Meet & Be Source of Income Community Building Happier Parents & 92 Seniors

New Knowledge Community Building New Skills & Activities Source of Income Start of Local Economy Job Opportunities support

ort Municipality upp P S ro rstanding ion gr nde rat am U Local & Regional Schools bo Ac s lla ti & o vi Bussiness, Professionals & c t s

ie y incomes Regional e s m n e R ono Institutions g c Housing e ec e cal d n g

lo Urban Farms d a u

e k u l n t e Coorporations a

Municipality t t S w in n i S a io o g o t & Elderly Homes U in u M c n nd nd S p n u n ersta k d s

K e P p

io S il o R n C l

r t o u s r o a i o Youth t

r t p & k

m a l p

e l P k Local n r a

p o n o

o o w S o

b up

o E L r o le por

b m s t o

y t d

t o x o ll w Restaurant ge

i a t

t i K

l i

o a c C r

l o k

l l

a a s e

n i e o t i

o l d o c & Market

i c d

C t r

o e

n g i

F w n W a u m c o n a

f n f e

l o

s e k

e e n e

s c r r S w i d o g u

u v Senior Citizens m o k p g d e r f p M

h d

Organizations es Empty Retail Former Building

fr o

e o

& v n i f

c Ambachtsplein e F o t s i

P Parents “The Little Cave” t Residents n u d

g o o

r e y fo

n o t

i n g m

m l i n

M i i m

e c l ll o

l r a

g e f e

e P o e S

a e w

n t e S t g

i N i a n

o u d

M g

n d e

& l

m o S

e o

o w

a f r

c o

e s s

l s h y

r l n n e s a p c e i

r K m e o v

e c r r nd m a e Public Space v Fun S

o e F t s n & Courtyards u u C e Welfare Organizations Youth, Students & Unemployed residents on Promoti ills Welfare d sk ge an n Knowled Organizations io Local ot om Participation Pr Residents 93 t & por Shops App Sup Urban Farmers Knowledgeable Seniors There is no perfect place on Earth to live ...

The fact is that we are the cause of Today is the tomorrow you were We are all in this together and Any dream starts with a first most of our problems. As absurd thinking about yesterday these issues are everyone’s step as it may sound, the problem is the responsibility solution. As with any situation, the Zevenkamp is a neighborhood You might see the challenges that Building a sustainable society solution is hidden in the problem. with a great mix of personalities Zevenkamp has either as a shared demands changing our percep- and all kind of tough issues we doom or a common call for action, tions, roles, habits and believes In this age of ever growing knowl- believe can be solved by coming but as individual you may see there first by becoming more aware of edge and technology, we have found together. When looking outside are goals we all share as human the impact of our actions. Simples our own little world and exploring beings: to be happy, healthy, safe a lot of answers to the problems our actions can have great impacts. It Zevenkamp, we realized how most and confident. These are common society is facing, what we need is to may sound foolish, yet a simple problems have shared responsi- values that can help us build a act, both on a global scale, on the smile can make someone’s day. If bilities. The world, the society and shared vision of a common future. we look around we can see that scale of a neighborhood like Zeven- even humans being interconnected all the laws that force people to kamp, and on an individual scale. complex system themselves, a And we must act today. finger cannot be pointed out to a adopt social change have not yet single entity and therefore solu- managed to save the world nor tions cannot be carried by one. the neighborhood of Zevenkamp. The reason is that change must first come from within.

94 ... yet each of us has the ability to create a healthier and more balanced environment.

Like Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Space is the canvas for the “The opportunities are all we must be the change we want stories of our lives “ around us“ to see. With this book and our vision the Change in the Zevenkamp does main aim was to inspire people; not depend on new knowledge, empower them to influence their special expertise nor a special physical environment so that they shift in culture. The opportuni- can create their own world and ties exist and can be strengthen inhabit it through play. instead of being left aside to deteriorate, it simply needs The environment we would like to a design framework and an create is an environment where approach to bring all the stake- the stony streets are filled with holders to the table and turn their the pow life and laughter, where kids can shared knowledge, resources and ve e a r learn while having fun. energy into actionable community h ! A neighborhood where the public driven urban development. u o space is shaped for and by all y the residents in order to create a sense of ownership and identity. We want to create a design from different cultures taking the best from all the worlds and creating something new ans fresh, unique to Zevenkamp. Each of us has the ability to influence change, a single act at a time.

95 Now you have seen Zevenkamp Looking at Zevenkamp, learning through our eyes: a residential about the neighborhood and about neighborhood with a lot of possi- the city of Rotterdam and searching bilities to make it an even better for ways to make improvement has place to live. been the main goal of this project, and has been what we have been trying to achieve.

the pow ve e a r h ! u o y

96 A learning experience

97 98 What did we learn?

We looked at the different aspects Mistakes are proof we are trying Sharing knowledge Working environment that make up Zevenkamp. By learning about its dynamic and During our internship at Except we’ve While working on a project we The innovative approach is not only how those aspects are intercon- been introduced to a lot of different didn’t only use the knowledge from needed when facing problems. The nected when put in the bigger topics, meet various experts and our personal backgrounds, but way we work today has changed picture, we identified many differ- experienced a real life situations. It we’ve also exchanged it with each throughout the history and it has in ent ways to improve the neighbor- was an interesting experience that other and we learned one from a way deteriorate. Our education is hood. taught us not only everyday lessons, another, as well as from the experts becoming more and more specific but also introduced us in a working from Except. and in a way limited, while the But that was only the subject of world. problems we are facing are becom- the project, the official goal. To We’ve learned how to deal with a ing more complex. In order to tackle reach this goal we have expe- The most important lessons we big scale projects, work in an multi- them we need to be able to adapt learned came from our mistakes. disciplinary and even more import- and open ourselves to new possi- rienced a continues learning As a student, and a person, we often ant multicultural team. We’ve been bilities and ways of working. process. find ourselves in the situations we’ve introduced to a system thinking never been before and that can or which was a big challenge for all us Working in a multidisciplinary team break us or make us. and an epiphany. is challenging, but it permits us to have a complete overview of the At Except there were moments like At the beginning of the intern- situation and unite our forces and that, and those made this journey ship we were introduced to a SiD our work. It stimulates our creativ- more valuable. It made us a stron- methodology which is an interest- ity, enriches us personally and ger individuals and even stronger ing framework and it takes time helps us come up with new and coworkers and professionals. to familiarize. However it’s a very better ideas. useful tool which we hope to be able to use in the future. The model Except presents is a good example that should/could become a basis for a new way of working.

99 Previous experiences are not everything!

Team work The methodology Zevenkamp project

Team work, as everything in life, The more complex a project or Finding out how to work with the In approaching Zevenkamp proj- has its positive and negative effects group is, the harder it seems to vast amount of information we ect, we used the SiD methodology and it takes time and effort to make become to accommodate these had, and use the methodology that guided us through the whole it work. Working together can seem adaptations, however necessary provided by Except has been a project. It helped us understand to be a straight-forward way to go they are. If not addressed prob- great challenge that we have gone where all problems derive from when you are involved in projects lems could mount and in the through by trial and error. and how to create the solutions with several people. Sharing knowl- worst case lead to collaboration that not only tackle those issues, edge and combining views will becoming virtually impossible. In the beginning we learned about but take the opportunities and likely lead to new ideas that none how to use the methodology resources present in the neigh- of the individuals in a group would Preventing this can be considered every day, and slowly got to grips borhood and reinforce what is have been able to come up with by a priority when working together, with its different aspects. Even already there. themselves, which in all probability which can in part be done by though this took up a lot of time, will lead to more integrated, well taking a step back and looking it taught us how important iter- The analysis showed the presence considered ideas. at the project and situation in a ation is in a complex project like of many social problems, but the more objective way sometimes, this, and the more we got to grips real cause comes from the built There is more involved in collabo- allowing you to adapt accordingly. with the methodology, the faster environment. Designers them- ration, though, since while working As well project management is our progress was. selves created the problems. together you don’t only combine crucial for the positive outcome of the beneficial aspects and traits the whole process and has to be “The complexity of this project highlighted By function separation and group- of all involved, but also the disad- guided closely. the importance of using a systems thinking ing the same types of people in vantageous and even potentially approach, which the 5-step methodology the building blocks, they auto- detrimental ones. Adaptation “Part of the challenge is allowing yourself of Except provides. Regardless of the time matically prevented creation of is therefore needed, especially to maintain a wider vision on projects and needed for the understanding of the applica- any social bonds which as domino when projects and project groups the people involved, not focusing on details tion of this method, and the trial and error it effect lead to the deterioration of become more complex. alone, and seeing when and where adapta- involves, a rapid and continuous iteration of the living environment and the tion is needed. This, of course, is easier said the SiD process is key to developing sound bad neighborhood image. These than done, although not impossible.“ and integrated solutions.“ developments aren’t characteris- >> Maarten Bruinsma >> Sylvie Herzet tic only of Zevenakemp: we can see them as well in our cities.

100 Thank you!

An enriching experience “We have grown and learned not only from a professional point of view, but most importantly life lessons that can’t be learned This learning experience turned at any school. We worked in an interna- out to be an enriching process all tional and interdisciplinary group which was along the way, which we believe interesting and surprising and sometimes is as important as the project really difficult. We challenged ourselves, our goal itself. We have learned to habits and our fears and helped each other work on a project by our own to grow.” with people we barely knew on a >> Antonia Sore neighborhood we were unfamiliar with, which forced us to look at things in different ways which were previously unfamiliar to us.

From start to end it has been an interesting challenge, from finding the first pieces of information to working out solutions. In the end we have gotten to know Zeven- kamp, Rotterdam and each other very well over a period of 20 weeks, which has been a valuable experience to all of us.

101 Happy city!

Cities of today Perception of the space Sustainable (re)development Happy city

One of the biggest challenges since Why we use space in different Sustainable development isn’t Our aim is to create a call to action the beginning of the last century ways from culture to culture, only about the energy, waste and and involve the residents in the is the development and design of and why our criteria about water, more importantly it is about process of change: design with them, the cities. Today 54% of the world norms, behaviors and values is the people. If we want to create a not for them! population lives in the cities and it so different, is a way complex beautiful self-sufficient places for is estimated that by the 2050 the question which answer has roots everybody to thrive in, we need to We don’t want to make Zevenkamp number will increase till 70%. in geographical, historical and start from the strongest, and in the just a nicer neighborhood to live in, sociological conditions. same time the weakest, asset we we want to create a base for a strong Throughout the last century the rely on: the people. community and a self-sufficient cities have been developing rapidly But one thing is certain, the built environment, not only in terms of and today we are facing not only environment influences and That does not mean only to involve energy, water, waste, and food, but the problems of future extensions shapes our behaviors and vice all the stakeholders in a design most importantly in job creation and of the existing structures, but also versa. The dynamics present in process from initiation through to social bonds. the redevelopment of the same: Zevenkamp are universal and can living realization, but to educate we need to fix the mistakes from be seen in other cities around the them and make them aware of our We want to educate people, make the past while thinking about the globe. The attention we give them interdependency of each other and them responsible for their/ our envi- future. and the importance changes, but the world we live in. ronment: people will take care of and the fact remains: the landscape protect their own, our role is to make The dynamics and developments communicates to people. Design can play a big role in this them active part of the landscape we are/were mostly the same around mission and we need to be aware create and not just passive users. the world, but it is interesting of the power we have in our hands to note the differences in the and use it well! Starting from the creation of social approach in urban planning, society bonds, together we can (re)invent structure and the perception of the With this in mind the interventions the physical environment we badly environment we live in. we propose in the Zevenkamp are designed in the past and build meant to inspire its residents, make a foundations for a healthy and them aware of the neighborhood flourishing environment, and most they live in and all the possibilities importantly happy cities for every- around them. body to live in.

102 Zevenkamp urban gardens falls don’t forget to smile GO XEROX !! bike repair stations

ﬁtness trail stretch animal farm

urban beach

fresh food delivery

bio pool Botanic garden urban hammock

>> guerilla gardening<

NIEUW VERLAAT

45°

20°

MARKET

Urban gardening Tunnels Espresso AMBASCHTLAND DE TOCHTEN art nursery

45°

20° people parking

Adopt your oma and opa! urban living room Urban Jungle

fun passages

sit-up learn while trees free playing 45° street art climbing 20°

roof fun bike gardens paths

discover the hidden courtyards bird houses

45°

20°

Community learn while Centre fruit playing trees

art on the water Our Experience at Except Academy Looking back...

104 Sylvie Herzet | Bachelor Environmental Science | Avans

I can't help but say that Except Academy sure is...exceptional. The unique way of teaching concepts, the method used to tackle complex problems, the great humanity of each coach and the freedom of thought and choice allowed have revived my passion for learning and inspired me to hack my own education.

I believe that Except Academy provided me with valuable tools to create the change I want to see in this world. In addition, the multidisciplinary aspect of Except enabled me to be in contact with a great range of networks and the opportunity to explore new talents.

105 Antonia Sore | Master ABITA | Florence, Italy

Before coming to the Except, I In the six months I’ve been at or working and thinking, way of knew I wasn’t gonna find a typical Except I’ve learned many differ- living. work space but I didn’t know what ent things, among which I would During my internship I’ve worked to expect exactly. My doubts grew say system thinking approach on big scale urban project, which as I received our first bibliography and working in multidisciplinary was quite a challenging, and it assignment. At the beginning I team are the most valuable ones. gave me a good insight in devel- was a bit shocked by the contents, By combining different expertise oping such projects. I’ve learned and slowly with reading it my and taking an approach where we how to work better in order to confusion and excitement grew. look at the objects from differ- come up with integrated solutions ent perspectives and in relation that not only solve the problems Finally the first day came and I one to another, one can truly pointed out but also create added met my coaches and teammates. understand where the integrated values that enrich our living envi- Now when I look back at the first solution lies. ronment and work. period, I can tell you it was full of contradictory emotions and Before this experience I’ve seen All in all it was one of the most surprises. sustainability as something wage, interesting experiences that mostly connected to new tech- taught me a lot and enriched my The thing I love about Except nologies and construction strate- personal and professional life. Academy is that it opens a new gies in order to lower the energy world where everything is fresh consumption; a new business and different, the things you case. At Except I’ve seen a differ- thought you knew are questioned ent side of sustainability, I’ve and you discover them from the learned that it’s not something we new perspectives. add to our product, but is a way

106 Maarten Bruinsma | Master Industrial Ecology | Delft

When I joined the Except Acad- At the core, it has always been a Project management rather than emy I had a lot of expectations, project on urban redevelopment, carrying out a specific assignment some based on what I had heard but where I expected to work was therefore at the core of the and read, other based on what I with spatial and technological project from the outset, and has was hoping to learn. In general, improvements in collaboration remained an important challenge I was expecting to work on an with stakeholders, the project throughout the project’s course. existing real-life urban redevelop- quickly turned out to be mainly ment project within Except, during a social assignment! Also, since All in all I have learned a lot at which we would look into sustain- the project was still being set-up, Except, especially with regards to able solution opportunities to we were given a high amount of project management and collab- improve a neighborhood, together freedom with both setting the oration within a group and with with Exceptionals. I knew it goal and carrying out the project. stakeholders. I have experienced would be a project which I would So instead of joining an exist- how projects are formed outside carry out with other students ing project and work together of the academic world, and I have with different backgrounds, and with Exceptionals, it turned out seen how systematic thinking can I was hoping to learn from their we would partly create our own be applied in real-life situations, insights, as well as from Except’s project under the supervision of which was a very interesting and SiD methodology and the experi- Exceptionals. This gave us a lot of valuable experience. Finally, and ence of Exceptionals. room to incorporate our personal equally important, I have learned goals and expectations, but also to work with the SiD methodology Looking back, I can see that the had as a consequence that a clear on a basic level by applying it project coincided with a lot of my assignment and project structure during the project, and I have had expectations, but has also been were missing in the beginning. an introduction into how a collab- surprisingly different in some orative like Except operates. aspects.

107 Tom Bosschaert MSc MArch Chantal Klaver, Merel Segers MSc, Industrial New Learning & Leisure Expert Ecologist and Designer

Tom is the founder and direc- Chantal wants to make a difference; Merel’s main goal in life is to tor of Except, and the visionary she is passionate about facilitating contribute to a sustainable future. force behind its development. He Change processes and integrating She will only be happy when she’s started Except with the ambition social media. During her career in working on that... which is exactly to find more effective solutions healthcare as a HR Manager she what she does at Except: working for pressing societal challenges was offered the opportunities to on the big picture. Her expertise using systems understanding, develop the HR department. Having stretches from problem analy- innovative design, and multi-dis- a lot of fun doing this she decided sis and strategy formulation to ciplinary cooperation. to start as a independent Business concrete activities like writing and Administration Consultant. graphical work.

108 People behind Except Academy

Max Senden, Graphic Designer Marta Suanzes, MArch Roy van Pamelen B. MCD, Carmen Vercauteren, Urban and Social Developer Industrial Ecologist

When he was a child Max would Marta brings to Except her skills Roy is passionate about connect- Carmen is an Industrial Ecologist often escape city life and lose as an architect and engineer. She ing people and making challeng- with a big heart and a scientific himself in the Dutch landscapes. is able to work in variety of areas ing ambitions happen in a sustain- mind. With her care and insight There he became fascinated with such as graphic design, urban able context. Complex projects she aims to create opportuni- how humans interacted with their planning, and architectural design, need people with different ties for a flourishing world, and surroundings and their desire to including the development of backgrounds and different exper- inspires others to join her. Carmen bring order to chaos. Nowadays he’s infrastructures required by a wide tise to work together. Roy guides facilitates teams by adding analyt- is an all-round graphic designer range of projects. this process with experience and ical, critical, and systems thinking, who’s mission is to promote criti- pleasure for teams of people. and her enthusiasm and diplo- cal thinking and reinterpreting our matic posture encourages people image culture. to work together.

109 “happy “permacultur- “high neighbour- al garden” ethnical hood” “single- “welfare diversity” family organisations” We would like to thank all of you houses” for your help and generosity. This book is made possible by you.

You gave us the opportunity not only to discover and understand better Zevenkamp, but also to meet the core of the neighborhood: the people.

bla bla bla bla bla

110 Interviews and Bibliography

111 Interviews

During our investigation we met 16/09 - Centraal Wonen Zevenkamp - Karel Slot, meeting with many people and organi- 18/09 - Gebiedscommissie - Corstiaan Breedveld, interview zations to gain their insights 20/09 - Centraal Wonen Zevenkamp - Karel Slot, tour and learn about Zevenkamp. All 25/09 - Anne Bruin, interview planned interviews and meetings 27/09 - Neighbours day - several residents, informal meetings are indicated here. 06/10 - Makers en Doeners - Marjanne van Ginneken, interview 06/10 - Repair café - Aad van Mourik, meeting

07/10 - Gebiedscommissie Area Networker - Jennie Greevink, interview 07/10 - Dock - Anique Schelling, interview 29/11 - Salvation Army - residents, informal meeting 09/10 - Bewoners Organisatie Zevenkamp - Volunteers, meeting 09/10 - Buurtsteunpunt - Volunteers, meeting 09/10 - Doc.Shop + Youngsters - Tour 14/10 - Buurtwerk/Youngsters - Miranda van de Peppel, interview 14/10 - Buurtwerk/Youngsters - Sebastian Combrink, tour and meeting 14/10 - Buurtwerk/Youngsters Nesseland - Ambulant worker, meeting 17/10 - Bewonerscommissie 7kamp - Aad van Mourik, tour and meeting

112 20/10 - Anteneh Getnit, meeting 21/10 - Gebiedscommissie - Corstiaan Breedveld, interview 21/10 - Buurtsteunpunt - Patricia de Jong, interview 21/10 - Police - short meeting 22/10 - Service Dienst Werk - Mandy Smith, e-mail conversation 22/10 - Maatschappelijke Dienstverlening Alexander - Johanneke Kamp, e-mail conversation 22/10 - Pameijer - meeting 23/10 - Woonstad - Debby Smit, interview 23/10 - Woonbron - Eric Walter, interview 23/10 - Vestia - Martin Spierink, interview 19/11 - Shopowners association - Fernande van der Pluijm, interview via e-mail 29/11 - Salvation Army - residents, informal meeting 29/11 - Wollefoppengroen & Co. - Frenk Walkenbach, meeting 02/12 - Buurtwerk/Youngsters - Sebastian Combrink, meeting 11/12 - Youngsters - Miranda van de Peppel, meeting 11/12 - Makers & Doeners - Marjanne van Ginneken, meeting

113 Bibliography

An investigation into many docu- »» Bloemkoolwijken (n.d.) Bloemkoolwijken - Zevenkamp, Rotterdam. Retrieved 18 September, 2014, ments, reports and fact sheets has from http://www.bloemkoolwijken.nl/project.php?idproyect=31 been performed. The sources used »» Bomenkrant (2014) Eetbaar park in Zevenkamp, Rotterdam, Bomenkrant. Retrieved in this document are listed in this from http://www.bomenkrant.nl/eetbaar-park-in-zevenkamp-rotterdam/ bibliography. »» Braam, M., Fessem, E. v., Goor, R. v., & Ritzma, W. (2002). Wijkveiligheidsactieprogramma - Deel B: Analyse op wijkniveau voor de wijken Zevenkamp en Nesselande. Rotterdam/Den Haag: ES&E. »» Bruin, A. V. (2010). Future Proofing Late Post-War Neighborhoods. TU Delft, Delft. »» Bruinsma, M. C., & Herzet, S. (2014, 18 September). [Meeting with Corstiaan Breedveld]. »» Bureau Verten. (2014). Nieuw Recreanten Atlas. Retrieved 26 September, 2014, from http://www.vertenonderzoek.nl/index.php/recreanten-atlas.html »» Deelgemeente Prins Alexander. (2013). Integrale aanpak Winkelcentrum Zevenkamp. Rotterdam: Gemeente Rotterdam. »» Deelgemeente Prins Alexander. (2014a). Gebiedsafspraken Zevenkamp en Oosterflank 2010-2014. Rotterdam: Gemeente Rotterdam. »» Deelgemeente Prins Alexander. (2014b). Gebiedscommissies Rotterdam. Retrieved 26 September, 2014, from http://www.prinsalexander.nl/Prins_Alexander/Actueel/Gebiedscommissies_Rotterdam »» Deelgemeente Prins Alexander. (2014c). Gebiedsplan Prins Alexander 2014-2018 - Kwaliteit is Kwetsbaar. Rotterdam: Gemeente Rotterdam. »» Dorst, M. v., Geerling, L., Graaf, P. d., Vink, J., & Wal, H. v. d. (2009). 7Up - Zevenkamp als case study voor een duurzame herstructurering van jaren ‘80 en ‘80 wijken. Rotterdam: Atelier 7Up. »» Except Integrated Sustainability. (2014). Zevenkamp Parel van Rotterdam Urban Metabolism. Rotterdam: Except Integrated Sustainability. »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2011a). Beleidsregel Burgerschapsbeleid - Participatie: Kiezen voor Talent. »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2011b). Uitvoeringsprogramma Woonvisie 2010-2014. Rotterdam: Gemeente Rotterdam. »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2013). Inventarisatie Beeldende kunst PA Zevenkamp. Rotterdam: Gemeente Rotterdam. »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014a). De Gebiedscommissie Prins Alexander gaat met u in gesprek. Retrieved 18 September, 2014, from http://www.persberichtenrotterdam.nl/bericht/203/ »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014b). Emancipatie, discriminatie en diversiteit. from http://www.rotterdam.nl/burgerschapsbeleid »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014c). Gebiedscommissies. Retrieved 26 September, 2014, from http://www.rotterdam.nl/gebiedscommissies

114 »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014d). Monitor Zevenkamp 2014. Retrieved 26 September http://www.rotterdamincijfers.nl/ »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014e). Oosterflank en Zevenkamp - Acupunctuuraanpak voor meer kwaliteit. Rotterdam. »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014f). Rotterdam Feiten. Retrieved 26 September 2014 http://rotterdam.feiten.info/ »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014g). Subsidie aanvragen voor burgerschapsbeleid. from http://www.rotterdam.nl/product:subsidie_burgerschapsbeleid »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014h). Subsidies. »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014i). Taken van de gebiedscommissie. Retrieved 26 September, 2014, from http://www.rotterdam.nl/takenvandegebiedscommissie »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014j). Wijkprofiel Rotterdam 2014 - Zevenkamp. Retrieved 22 September http://wijkprofiel.rotterdam.nl/nl/rotterdam/prins-alexander/zevenkamp/ »» Gemeente Rotterdam. (2014k). Zevenkamp. Retrieved 18 September, 2014, from http://www.rotterdam.nl/zevenkamp »» Van Heijst, G. (2014). Altruism in interactive media. Hogeschool Rotterdam, Rotterdam. »» Keizer, H., & Davids, R. (2014). Advisering gebied Prins Alexander inzake WMO-kader 2015-2018. Rotterdam: Gebiedscommissie Prins Alexander,. »» Koopmans, R. (2006). Het Mysterie van de Naastenliefde. Sociologie(2), 114-138. »» Kriens, J., Geluk, L., Kaya, O., & Schrijer, D. (2008). Rotterdam sociaal gemeten. Rotterdam: Gemeente Rotterdam. »» Lankester, J. (2009). Deelgemeentelijk Waterplan Prins Alexander: Deelgemeente Prins Alexander, Gemeentewerken afdeling Watermanagement, Hoogheemraadschap van Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard. »» Lee, Y., Lim, Y., & Suk, H. (2011). Altruistic Interaction Design: a new interaction design approach for making people care more about others. Designing Pleasurable Products and Interfaces(June), 22-25. »» Putterman, L. (2006). Reciprocity, altruism and cooperative production. In S. C. Kolm & J. M. Ythier (Eds.), Handbook of the Economics of Giving, Altruism and Reciprocity (Vol. 2, pp. 1409-1435). »» Rijnmond, R. (2012). Schimmel in huizen Zevenkamp maakt bewoners ziek, RTV Rijnmond. Retrieved from http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/21-06-2012/schimmel-huizen-zevenkamp-maakt-bewoners-ziek »» RSO. (2014). Wijkprofiel Rotterdam. Rotterdam: Gemeente Rotterdam. »» Ruimte & Wonen. (2013). Zevenkamp en Nesselande - Ontwerpbestemmingsplan. Rotterdam: Ruimte & Wonen, Bureau Bestemmingsplannen. »» Sibole, A. (2013). The Ethics of Sustainability: Why should we care?, Santa Clara University. Retrieved from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/environmental_ethics/sustainability-arguments.html »» Trivers, R. L. (1971). The Evolution of Reciprocal Altruism. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 46(1), 35-57. »» Ubink, M., Koolstra, M., & Nederend, M. (2009). Wijkanalyse Zevenkamp - Rotterdam. Haarlem: Bureau Middelkoop. »» Varese, F., & Yaish, M. (2001). Altruism and the Theory of Rational Choice: an Empirical Exploration. Paper presented at the Fall 2001 Politics Department Seminars, New York. »» Zevenkamp Blog. Zevenkamp Rotterdam - Nieuws en Informatie. Retrieved 18 September, 2014, from http://zevenkamp.wordpress.com/

115 116 Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks go out to A special thank you to Chantal We additionally want to thank all organizations and people that helped us everyone who assisted us in the Klaver, whose bright personality, gain information through interviews, in particular: course of the Zevenkamp study, we knowledge and attitude have high- would not have been able to do it lighted our experience. »» From the municipality of Rotterdam: without you. Corstiaan Breedveld and Jennie Greevink, Our thanks go out to everyone at »» Centraal Wonen Zevenkamp: Karel Slot, Except Integrated Sustainability, »» Makers en Doeners: Marjanne van Ginneken, Finally our thanks go out to the in particular to Tom Bosschaert, »» Repair café and Bewonerscommissie Zevenkamp: Aad van Mourik,f Rabobank, who financed our Roy van Pamelen, Merel Segers, »» Dock: Anique Schelling, research and believed in our cause. Carmen Vercauteren, who helped »» Het Leger des Heils/Buurtsteunpunt: Thank you all for making this us to get to grips with Except’s Patricia Platell-de Jong and Wietse Luth, project possible! SiD methodology, assisted us in »» Buurtwerk/Youngsters: gathering and processing informa- Miranda van de Peppel, Esther Moed and Sebastian Combrink, tion and supported us throughout »» Woonstad: Debby Smit, the project, offering us the oppor- »» Woonbron: Eric Walter and Hilga Nieuwstraten, tunity to gain a professional and »» Vestia: Martin Spierin, human experience. »» Wollefoppengroen & Co.: Frenk Walkenbach, »» Winkeliersvereniging Zevenkamp: Fernande van der Pluijm. We also thank Marta Suanzes and Max Senden, who helped us with the design of the book and its visualizations. And finally Anne Bruin and Anteneh Getnit, as well as Harmen van de Wal and Dirk van Peijpe for sharing their knowledge with us.

117 Colofon

Except - Integrated Sustainability Core Research Team: Stadhuisplein 15 Maarten Bruinsma 3012 AR Rotterdam Sylvie Herzet 010 - 7370215 Antonia Sore [email protected] http://www.except.nl Supervisory Support: Tom Bosschaert Chantal Klaver Roy van Pamelen Merel Segers Max Senden Carmen Vercauteren

Text: Maarten Bruinsma Sylvie Herzet Antonia Sore

Graphics: Maarten Bruinsma Sylvie Herzet Antonia Sore Marta Suanzes

Layout: Antonia Sore Marta Suanzes

118 CC - Creative Commons Attribution- ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.

You are free: • Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format • Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.

Under the following conditions:

• Attribution You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. • ShareAlike If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original. • No additional restrictions You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.

Notices: No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material. Copyright of individual images and texts remain with the original copyright holder.

119 each one of us has the ability to influence change, a single act at a time...