Students Develop a Community Engagement Installation for the Huis van de Toekomst
Student Projects
Students of the AUAS Minor Immersive Environments worked on an interactive installation for Huis van de Toekomst. This installation was created to engage people in the Huis van de Toekomst community, symbolizing the delicate yet dynamic balance required to sustain this initiative. Inspired by the Bospolder-Tussendijken neighborhood, the installation reflects both its fragility and its potential for transformation.
The mobile structure represents the intricate interplay between the various elements that contribute to the initiative’s success. Each circle embodies a different activity within the organization, varying in size to reflect the effort and resources each one demands.
The largest circle, marked by a bold red graphic element, represents the foundation of Huis van de Toekomst itself. As the most demanding aspect, it required significant energy and investment to establish.
Each smaller circle corresponds to a specific activity within the organization. These are layered with meaning: the outer circle represents the space where the activity takes place, while the inner circle symbolizes the time and passion required for that activity to thrive. The core element within each circle features a silhouette representing the people who bring life to the initiative: their commitment, energy, and vision serving as the driving force behind change.
More than just an artistic installation, The Balancing Act is designed to spark reflection and dialogue. As viewers observe the delicately balanced structure, they are invited to ask themselves: Why is balance important in a community? What happens when one element is missing or out of sync? How can individuals contribute to maintaining stability? How many people does it take to create meaningful change? They can interact by hanging their own small circle with their names and/or comments on the other side of the initiative to find balance through their participation.
By engaging with these questions, participants gain insight into the mission of Huis van de Toekomst, creating a space where effort, collaboration, and vision unite to build a stronger future. Ultimately, the installation aims to inspire viewers to reflect, and, hopefully, become active contributors to this transformative organization.