A parking space that generates energy and makes people happy
To contribute to the National Climate Agreement, the municipality of Heemstede focuses on solar panels on rooftops and above parking lots. One of them is the parking space at the Groenendaal sports park. On behalf of the municipality of Heemstede, Changency designed and facilitated a citizens participation process.
The goal was to reach a broadly supported design vision for a ‘solar parking’ near the sports park. The wishes and ideas of residents, associations, and entrepreneurs were not only collected but also visually presented and translated into three scenarios, each different in theme and ambition level.
Approach
Change the process | Change the product
Client
Municipality Heemstede, Energy Region of North Holland
Partners
What Design Can Do, Kennisland
Year
2022 –
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Challenge
… that can provide energy to 200 households with other ecological challenges such as circularity, enhancing biodiversity, and climate adaptation?
Insight & Strategy
… Especially on weekends, it is busy. During the week, few cars are parked. With the construction of the solar parking, there is an opportunity to transform this place into a green public space, promoting both social interaction and healthy behavior.
Creative Approach
….What would residents or users wish for in this place? How can you combine sustainable energy generation with other functions? Designers and architects played a crucial role: they inspired participants with innovative practical solutions and visualized ideas. Together, we developed a (preliminary) list of requirements and three possible scenarios.
Implementation
… and three design sessions with residents, associations, businesses, and representatives from the municipality of Heemstede. Specifically, we delivered a programme of requirements and wishes, three visualized scenarios, and the research report ‘Six lessons on co-creation in the energy transition.’
About the Client
…Together with residents and businesses, they work towards a livable and beautiful Heemstede, both now and in the future.
