European collaboration for an inclusive playground in 's-Hertogenbosch Netherlands |
|
|
|
|
 |
| 91 sec |
Research on the involvement of vulnerable groups in urban green spaces
In 's-Hertogenbosch, work is underway on an inclusive and natural playground that is accessible to children with disabilities. This is part of the European research project Naturo, where researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are observing how the municipality involves vulnerable groups in the planning process. The collaboration provides the city with valuable insights, as well as access to expertise and additional resources.
| Illustration: example of an inclusive playground in the Belgian city of Kortrijk, Rollegem district (Image: BOERplay) |
The Naturo project is part of the European program Driving Urban Transitions (DUT), which aims to accelerate sustainable urban development. Within this program, municipalities and researchers collaborate to ensure that research results align better with practical applications. At the same time, municipalities can learn from each other's approaches and share best practices.
In Naturo, the focus is on the involvement of vulnerable groups in urban green projects. How can we ensure that everyone has a voice in the design of public spaces? Researchers from Sweden, Slovenia, and the Netherlands are working with three European cities, including 's-Hertogenbosch, to find answers to this question.
A playground as a living lab
The municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch was approached by WUR to participate in the project and selected an already planned initiative: the construction of a playground suitable for children with mental or physical disabilities. This project aligns well with the research as it provides insight into how vulnerable groups can be effectively involved in urban green space planning.
|
|
How can we ensure that everyone has a voice in the design of public spaces? Sweden, Slovenia, and the Netherlands are collaborating with three European cities to find answers.
| |
|
The playground serves as a living lab, meaning that the municipality follows its usual process while researchers observe and analyze. The first meeting within the living lab has already taken place, bringing together entrepreneurs, experts, and parents of children with disabilities to collectively define the research objectives. In total, three meetings will be held to develop a concrete plan.
Opportunities and challenges
Participating in a European research project offers benefits but also presents challenges. William Jans, project leader at the municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch, states that the academic setting requires patience. Research results are not always immediately applicable in practice, and the time investment can be difficult to estimate.
However, the advantages of collaboration and knowledge exchange are significant. Through participation in Naturo, 's-Hertogenbosch can learn from other European cities and leverage scientific expertise. This increases the project's impact and accelerates urban sustainability, both locally and across Europe.
|
|
Participating in a European research project offers benefits but also presents challenges: Research results are not always immediately applicable in practice, and the time investment can be difficult to estimate.
| |
|
This article was originally published on February 19, 2025, on the Stad + Groen website.
| Wageningen University and... | |
| Gemeente 's-Hertogenbosch | |
| |
| LOG IN
with your email address to respond.
|
|
|
| There are no comments yet. |
Tip the editors
|
| |
Anyone can place small ads for free through their own account.
Place a free ad
|
|
|
|
