Prototype #1: Huis van de Toekomst

Prototype #1: Huis van de Toekomst

The prototype has two main goals:

1. Support community building: It helps community members identify available resources (such as money, time, skills and community interest) and test scenarios for using these resources to start or develop initiatives. The tool aids in negotiation and capacity-building, showing citizens they can make an impact with the resources they have.

2. Connect with external parties: It helps establish relationships with institutions and other citizen initiatives to share experiences, scale up efforts and influence local energy policy. The tool helps institutions recognise social and other benefits that are currently not visible in the day-to-way workings of these organisations.

The digital simulation model visualises the network of initiatives in HvdT and connects them through different ‘energies’ flowing through the housing block:

1. Huur (rent): Represents financial resources, expenses and income
2. Uur (hour): Represents investments or savings in time
3. Buur (neighbour): Denotes the sense of community
4. Vuur (fire): Represents personal skills, growth and wellbeing

These resources act as inputs and outputs for individual initiatives. Each initiative needs a mix of inputs that combines money, time, skills and community interest and gives back these same resources to the community and individuals. For example, a language café needs the input of someone with the time and skills to teach. The output is people with better language skills and a stronger sense of community. The visualisation tracks the balance of these resources, with surpluses directed to new initiatives.

The digital simulation model does not work alone but facilitates dialogue about and with the community, moderated by an urban curator. For community members, it aids decision-making, reveals untapped resources and encourages new initiatives by showing how small contributions can lead to significant impact. It also highlights vital aspects of community work which are less tangible, like motivation, belonging, care and shared responsibility.

For institutions, the prototype makes the value of community efforts clear. It helps policymakers, housing corporations and energy providers understand what’s happening on the ground, recognise contributions and find ways to support these efforts.

Screen shots of the interactive tool for HvdT showing (from top to bottom): How we start; Where we are now: Where we want to go

The prototype was tested at HvdT during the After-Summer School 2024 organised by the Nieuwe Instituut, the Netherlands’ national museum for architecture, design and digital culture.

Photos: Cristina Ampatzidou
Author: Linda Vlassenrood