Ons Kolderbos
The City of Genk and housing company Nieuw Dak adopted a participatory approach for the transformation of the Kolderbos neighborhood, following the demolition of two large housing blocks. The goal was to create new housing and sustainable public spaces that encourage community interaction. The residents, representing 32 nationalities—many of them young people—were actively involved in shaping the future of their neighborhood. Through a comprehensive participation process, new homes, streets, and communal spaces were designed to reflect the needs and ideas of those who live, study, and visit the area. This process included an online survey, street-level conversations, and discussions with various groups, including mosque attendees, the elderly, and local schools. These inputs formed the foundation for the analysis and design phase. In collaboration with Saamo and Health for the People, we organized guided walks to showcase the proposed designs. The plans and a physical model of the master vision were presented during a “spring chat” and an outdoor play day, both of which were well received by the community. The project gained recognition, with Team Master Builder writing an article, and in spring 2023, the City of Genk unveiled the model to the satisfaction of local residents. Wonen in Limburg is now working to translate the master plan into actionable subprojects.