How do we prepare urban boundaries for the future? Panorama Lokaal was a design competition for creative teams interested in tackling this question, commissioned by local coalitions of municipalities, housing corporations, and other stakeholders. Seven locations throughout the Netherlands, neighbourhoods from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, were selected. Teams were challenged to develop plans to breathe new life into these neighbourhoods, not just with design but also by leaning heavily into participation from the community.
The ‘Mosterdhof 2050 Cookbook: A neighbourhood by the Dike’ was a winner. The ideas stem from the original design of this experimental 1970s residential suburb. The integrated approach was not based on a fixed, predetermined plan. Instead, the cookbook offers a vision and provides “recipes” for interventions at four different scales: the home, the courtyards, the public space, and the wider surroundings.
The foundation of the cookbook lies in a resilient collaboration with the many involved stakeholders.
The Cookbook aims for a future-proof and vibrant neighbourhood. The starting point is the original layout of the neighbourhood — a layout with strong qualities (such as the courtyards, spacious homes, and the location) but also shortcomings (such as poor access and disorganised parking).
The qualities form a solid base; the shortcomings present a compelling challenge. Based on the cookbook, an implementation agenda was drawn up. The neighbourhood association was a regular sparring partner throughout the process, which helped create broad support within the community. The “kick off” was a communal Neighbourhood Breakfast on the dike that surrounds the neighbourhood on two sides. In the following years, much of the agenda has been developed into concrete plans and implemented, with a strong focus on public space.
Courtyards as social hubs
The courtyards between housing blocks were originally intended as shared meeting spaces for the various residential clusters within the neighbourhood. Over time, however, they fell into neglect, and maintenance was significantly reduced. The redesign of the ten courtyards followed a three-step process through so-called courtyard tables (hoftafels): an inventory of residents’ wishes, co-design workshops and presenting the proposed plans. This participatory approach has resulted in fresh, green designs and fostered a strong sense of ownership among residents.
The outcome is a diverse collection of green, playful meeting spaces distributed throughout the neighbourhood. Wadis (rainwater retention areas) have also been integrated to capture runoff from the surrounding homes.
The Ring Road
The second intervention focused on the ring road that encircles the neighbourhood, which also served as the primary parking area. Originally, the road felt like the “back side” of the neighbourhood: the residential clusters were repetitively designed and placed, with the ring simply filling in the leftover space. The ring road, now known as the ‘Mosterdring,’ has undergone a complete transformation, from disorganised “back” into a recognisable “front.”
Relocating parking areas has resulted in a safer and more attractive streetscape. The road is narrowed, and an iconic ribbon of planting has been introduced. This green ribbon not only supports biodiversity and drainage but also makes the neighbourhood more recognisable and easier to navigate. Thanks to the active involvement of residents in the design process, the final result aligns seamlessly with their wishes and needs.
The Strategic Location
The strategic location of the suburb is now being used to its full potential. Although it directly borders the dike, floodplains, and village centre, its original layout was historically inward-facing.
The new design strengthens pedestrian connections between the neighbourhood and the dike. In coordination with the upcoming dike reinforcement and in collaboration with the municipality, the adjacent road will be closed to car traffic. In its place, a tiered staircase (also serving as a grandstand) will provide direct access to the floodplains.
At the neighbourhood entrance facing the village centre, several improvements have been made: more space for pedestrians and a friendlier, more distinctive gateway into the area.
The results are clearly visible: the neighbourhood is greener, more livable, and more resilient. Despite some challenges, overall satisfaction prevails. The collaboration between professionals, the municipality, and residents has led not only to a physical transformation but also to stronger community ties and renewed energy for the future.
A Green, Safe, and Livable Mosterdhof
Today, we can proudly say that the goals of the renovation have been achieved. Mosterdhof is now a greener, safer, and more livable residential area. The public space radiates new energy, biodiversity has flourished, and the community has grown stronger.
Data
Landscape Architecture: veenenbos en bosch landscape architecture
Architecture offices involved in the design: Barzilay+Ferwerda architects
Diep: communication, SmitsRinsma: engineers
Location: Westervoort, The Netherlands
