The Art of Connection

Towards a prototype interactive outdoor space that stimulates social interaction among neighbourhood residents

The Art of Connection

Towards a prototype interactive outdoor space that stimulates social interaction among neighbourhood residents

Project info

Project info

Title: The Art of Connection
Theme:Living is more than a house
Duration: September 2021 – February 2024
Contact: Masi Mohammadi
Leading partner: Architecture in Health Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences

The Living Lab
In the creative neighbourhood of Coehoorn, the Netherlands, the Collective Private Contractor Cohousing Arnhem (CPC) is constructing an apartment complex. This development features a variety of homes for single individuals, couples, and families. The CPC is seeking to connect with the neighbourhood and exploring the potential of technology to enhance the semi-public outdoor space surrounding the complex. By creating a dynamic ‘fouth place’, can social interactions be facilitated between CPC residents and other vulnerable neighbourhood residents? They aim to design an interactive outdoor space that fits the DNA of the neighbourhood, with features such as seating that changes colour when occupied, wall projections depicting the history of the area, playful elements, and interactive triggers such as bird sounds or illuminated tiles, and a multi-functional outdoor kitchen. Cohousing Arnhem and the Architecture in Health (AiH) Lectorate are jointly conducting the project, “The Art of Connection”, to address this question.

The objective
The development of an interactive (outdoor) space that promotes social interaction between CPC residents and the neighborhood.
A secondary objective of the co-creation process in which neighborhood residents and other local stakeholders are actively involved is to form a learning community that increases the likelihood of a successful (sustainable) intervention.

The method
The research focuses on the development of an interactive (outdoor) space that aims to promote social interaction between residents of the Coehoorn neighbourhood in Arnhem. In co-creation with residents and stakeholders, the CPC develops a prototype of an interactive outdoor space in an iterative process. The HAN University of Applied Sciences evaluates this pilot through a pilot study using big data, observations, interviews, and expert meetings.

The outcome so far
Based on an exploratory needs assessment among future residents and other stakeholders, guiding requirements and wishes were formulated and 8 personas were established. An interactive meeting with stakeholders started the creative process of designing interactive outdoor spaces. A ‘design letter’ is currently being drafted, serving as the starting point for solution-designs that Fillip Studios will create in co-creation with the different target groups. Conversations are taking place with all partners to pool all expertise for this project.

What is the perspective of the project partner regarding the Living Lab?

Peter Camp, initiator

What has the project yielded thus far?
The Art of Connection plays a significant role in the development of Coehoorn Creative Neighbourhood, promoting and creating a cohesive vision for connection and social cohesion in the community. Aligned with the DNA of the emerging hotspot, it establishes a foundation for socially responsible and creative interventions in the context of the larger goal of social health: reducing healthcare demand. Interactive presentations and a creative approach generate enthusiasm. During the research process, which involved group interviews, filming, and generating ideas, involvement with the research subject and among participants was fostered through meetings and connections between members of Cohousing Arnhem, students, researchers, and other neighbourhood residents. This leads to learning opportunities and the formation of new relationships among neighbourhood residents. These initial steps contribute to social sustainability and community engagement.

The Art of Connection also plays a role in connecting Cohousing Arnhem with other key players in the Coehoorn neighbourhood, both during the planning and construction phases. The research group collaborates with stakeholders in the Coehoorn neighbourhood, including creative businesses, local government and developers of new construction projects. The role of Fillip Studios, being a company located in the neighbourhood, enhances the connection of the Cohousing Arnhem community to existing and new neighbourhood networks.

What is the added value of the collaboration?
For Cohousing Arnhem, participating in this project is both interesting and crucial. Collaborating with the research group members and other participants to identify the necessary components for area development at an early stage is attractive.
As one of the initiators of Cohousing Arnhem, I am eager to achieve our goals, not only on paper but also in practice: walk your talk. I am always enthusiastic about innovative and creative approaches and this Living Lab aligns perfectly with our objectives. I am delighted that we have the opportunity to work together for two years to assess possible interventions. I am also excited about the way we will gain new knowledge together and find ways to collaborate with the consortium and other stakeholders to create one or more interactive artworks.

Researchers

Masi Mohammadi
Professor
HAN – TUe

Gerald Gosselink-Ramos
Senior reseacher
HAN

Marleen van Beuzekom
Teacher-researcher
HAN

Researchers

Masi Mohammadi
Professor
HAN – TUe

Gerald Gosselink-Ramos
Senior reseacher
HAN

Marleen van Beuzekom
Teacher-Researcher
HAN