Collective Playground
Molenbeek
A project to build a playground for 0-6 year olds in a public square in a precarious neighborhood. During 6 months we engaged with local residents in participatory activities including painting, plant potting and wood working in order to give them the opportunity to occupy the square and also input into the design of the overall space. This was an initiative to mobilize residents and engage them in conversations around the future development of their neighbourhood. The result was a mural on the ground and bespoke games built out of wood.
Vision
Support residents who feel unsafe, and to enable families to reclaim the public space.
Activate the public space via activities and neighborhood involvement.
Outcomes
Connection between residents:
Working with different mediums allowed us to involve different demographics, including families and teenagers and create moments of interaction between the residents.
Greater social cohesion:
The colourful result brings a calmer atmosphere to the neighbourhood and creates a safe space for residents to spend time together.
Reappropriation of the public space:
Our participatory approach allowed the residents and especially the children to decide how their playground looked like, creating a stronger sense of belonging to their neighbourhood.
