We will work with three design studios on three different cases. Design studios can apply for all three cases, but will be selected to work on a maximum of one.
In the Netherlands, various social and demographic developments are impacting experienced wellbeing. These include ageing, physical inactivity, loneliness, stress and health inequalities. These challenges are leading to steadily increasing healthcare and societal costs. Health and wellbeing represent the largest expenditure in national and many municipal budgets. There is therefore a strong urgency to prevent healthcare costs: prevention. We see the transition from care to prevention as a highly urgent challenge. In this, the living environment — buildings and areas — can play an important role.
How can Heijmans explore the user perspective in construction projects and area developments among users who are not directly known, and translate these insights into effective interventions? The aim is to positively influence the wellbeing of residents and users of an area.
Context
Heijmans aims to play a meaningful role in this transition and have a positive impact on experienced wellbeing, precisely through its role as a construction, development and infrastructure company within the living environment. As a creator of healthy living environments, Heijmans is committed with conviction and passion to leaving the country better for future generations. “Our projects and solutions must be good for people and not come at the expense of the planet.”
Within the field, there is growing knowledge about the impact of the living environment on health and wellbeing. Research increasingly shows how the living environment influences wellbeing — including exposure (air quality, noise, etc.), behaviour (movement, social interaction, perspective) and experience (place identity, aesthetics, etc.).
However, there is still limited (scientific) research on the effectiveness of targeted interventions and measures within the spatial domain. Existing research tends to focus more on interventions from the social domain. As an area developer and construction company, Heijmans wants to understand which design choices and practical solutions can effectively contribute to wellbeing.
The design question
The design question guiding this research is: How can Heijmans explore the user perspective in construction projects and area developments among users who are not directly known, and translate these insights into effective interventions? The aim is to positively influence the wellbeing of residents and users of an area.
Challenges within the main question
Impact on wellbeing requires a human-centred approach rather than one driven solely by technical or financial considerations. It is therefore essential to gain a clear understanding of the user perspective. Not only in terms of housing preferences or spatial requirements, but especially from the question: “What works here, for these people, to enhance their wellbeing?” A key challenge lies in finding methods that also work when people do not yet live there, are not personally known or are only passing through, as is often the case in infrastructure projects.
Three cases
We will work with three design studios on three different cases.
Case Real Estate: Area development ‘Bazaar Beverwijk’
Area development on a former industrial site in Beverwijk.
New ways of gaining insight into the needs and wellbeing of people in the area, including those who do not yet visit, do not yet live there and may not yet know what they need to feel well and healthy.
Case Construction & Engineering: ‘Restorative Horizon Home’
A timber-based concept home for suburban and peri-urban low-rise environments.
For the further development of concept homes, the process begins with user research focused on wellbeing in housing product development. This aims to uncover the needs of the target group. Based on these insights, interventions can be developed and concrete (sensory) design adjustments can be made, aligned with actual needs in support of mental health.
Case Infrastructure: ‘From disruption budgets to wellbeing-driven environmental management’
Environmental management for a complex infrastructure project.
Can we shift the mindset from preventing disruption to a more positive approach? And how can we move beyond merely reducing disruption to actively improving wellbeing? What forms of environmental management and which temporary interventions can trigger lasting behavioural change or enhance wellbeing?
Design studios can apply specifically for one of the three cases and will each work independently on a case in collaboration with Heijmans and involved partners.
Who are we looking for?
For this Co/Lab, we are looking for three design studios, each working within one of the cases to explore how wellbeing can become a structural part of area development, housing and infrastructure. Design studios can apply for one of the three cases and will work independently throughout the full duration on their own trajectory, in close collaboration with Heijmans and involved partners. During update meetings, design studios and case teams will also share progress and knowledge collectively.
We are looking for designers who do not approach wellbeing as an abstract concept, but as something that can be designed spatially, sensorially and socially. Designers who do not start with solutions, but with understanding people — even when those people are not yet visible.
This Co/Lab is not only about developing interventions, but about creating new ways to research user perspectives and structurally translate these into design decisions and working processes.
Two phases
This Co/Lab consists of two phases, in 2026 and 2027.
- Phase 1 (until the end of 2026, including DDW 2026):
Exploring new and surprising ways to research user perspectives and wellbeing needs
The central question is: What new and unexpected ways can we develop to understand user perspectives, enabling wellbeing to become a more integral part of our plans and processes? Insight into the user perspective is essential for designing effective solutions to improve experienced wellbeing. Wellbeing is partly subjective and context-specific. What works well in one neighbourhood may create resistance in another.
- Phase 2 (2027, including DDW 2027):
Translating user insights into effective interventions
After researching the user perspective, insights are translated into (expected) effective interventions. Findings from the analysis are translated into design decisions and practical solutions — from calming building elements to co-living concepts and nature-based play opportunities. In short, which interventions can we design, and how do we measure or test their impact on the quality of life of residents and users of an area?
Does this sound like a design challenge for you?
In the briefing below, you will find all the information about the Co/Lab and the challenge. You can apply for this Co/Lab until 6 April, 23:59.
