Research

A feasibility study provides our clients with the necessary guidance to make decisions, determine direction, choose the right solution, and convince politicians, users, and residents.

Some questions we investigate include: Which location is suitable, what can we do at a location, how much will the project cost, who are the users, what plans already exist, which functions can be combined, what does the participation process look like, and when could we start construction?

The resulting document (whether this is called a feasibility research, study or vision) helps clients with:

Getting a clear understanding of the actual task and providing the right direction towards the realization process.
Understanding the concerns of residents and identifying stakeholders.
Providing arguments for decision-making.
Organizing the process in terms of design, implementation, planning, financing/subsidy process, and phasing.
Organizing participation processes.
Gaining insight into the costs to be incurred.
Exciting residents and users.

Many ideas are discarded long before the realization stage, both for initiatives originating from the municipality and from residents. The path to realization is long, and the obstacles are numerous.

Research provides an overview and clarity. From the full picture, better choices can be made that are strategically smart in the process and result in a better end product. After all, there is nothing as frustrating as realizing a public project that is not used, does not exploit the potential of the location, or creates an unsafe situation.

"A site location is always part of a larger context. Research ensures that the task is viewed comprehensively in terms of spatial, functional, programmatic, financial, participatory, and planning aspects."

Outdated

A significant challenge in municipalities is the outdated urban sports facilities within the community. Since the early 1980s, skate parks have been built in the Netherlands, but of course, much has changed since then.

Firstly, the economic lifespan of these facilities is long past, and they are often on the verge of collapse. Additionally, these are mostly catalog objects, often made with unpleasant materials and no longer meet the requirements in terms of dimensions and style. Contemporary urban sports require customized solutions.

During our research, we collaborate with experts to investigate existing situations and provide well-founded advice.

In summers, we actually don't skate on this spot. If you fall, you'll burn yourself on the surface of the steel catalog obstacles, that become scorching hot in the sun."
Skater of skatepark Europapark Alphen ad Rijn

Program & Urban Spot

A sports facility is never isolated but is part of a broader context. It may well be that an intervention doesn't work on its own. Research into the environment is essential. What factors are at play in the immediate surroundings, what other needs exist, and can we perhaps link programs and target groups together?

For instance, if you create a kiosk next to a freerun parkour, passersby can enjoy coffee while watching the athletes. By offering a skate repair shop next to a new skatepark, you strengthen the community.

In general, you can say that different programs can reinforce each other. 'Program' can also be viewed in a broader sense, for example, in the form of furniture, square amenities or green spaces. With the Urban Spot, the focus is always on bringing together and facilitating urban spaces for diverse groups of people.

Participation

Perhaps the most crucial requirement for a successful project is the participation of users and residents. In the past, municipalities have often made the mistake of trying to implement something without considering whether the neighborhood actually wanted it. However, times have changed, and listening to residents' wishes and involving them in decision-making is now essential for municipalities.

During our research, both the client and ourselves ask the following questions:

What is the demographic makeup of the neighborhood and what are the needs?
Who are the stakeholders?
How do we organize participation (organizational structure)?
What form of participation is suitable for this project (online, offline, co-design, multiple-choice surveys)?
What topics are open for discussion and what are not?
How can we create ownership for this place (consultation vs commitment)?

Based on the findings, we usually develop a participation plan including actions, strategies, and phased planning.

“Swinging makes people happy. For the 'Schommelstation' (Swing Set Station), we convinced the municipality to transform the old gas station to a creative swing set area, which has become the centerpiece of the square"
Reonald Westendijk Architect Maastricht

Financing

The issue of financing can be divided into two matters: what will it cost, and how will we pay for it? In the final phase of research, we compile a financial 'menu' for clients, detailing the costs of various components at the preliminary design level. Based on this, feedback can be provided, and choices for the future can be made.

The second question, of course, is how to fund the project. What budgets are available and at what time? We collaborate with the client to explore which other departments could be involved, whether there are available subsidies, and whether sponsors or a combination with entrepreneurial and thus investing users is possible.

Operation and maintenance. Lastly, the financial aspect of the story does not end with delivery. Especially the costs of operating and maintaining are often the neglected aspects that must be considered even during feasibility studies. It is also important for the municipality that a broad spectrum of departments participate and think during a project, especially to shape the phase of use effectively.

Planning and Phasing

Just like financing needs, planning and phasing during the feasibility phase are highly indicative. However, by making certain assumptions now, a plan is created that considers all facets. Based on a plan, deviations can be made, plans can be refined and sharpened.

Questions we ask in this phase include:

How does it fit within the larger context of the city?
What parties are involved, such as infrastructure, citizens, water board, maintenance?
When is each part of the financing available?
How are participation, design, and execution coordinated?
What uncertainties and risks exist?

(+31) 20 - 331 33 09

Research

The resulting document (whether this is called a feasibility research, study or vision) helps clients with:

Getting a clear understanding of the actual task and providing the right direction towards the realization process.

Understanding the concerns of residents and identifying stakeholders.

Providing arguments for decision-making.

Organizing the process in terms of design, implementation, planning, financing/subsidy process, and phasing.

Organizing participation processes.

Gaining insight into the costs to be incurred.

Exciting residents and users.

"A site location is always part of a larger context. Research ensures that the task is viewed comprehensively in terms of spatial, functional, programmatic, financial, participatory, and planning aspects."

Outdated

In summers, we actually don't skate on this spot. If you fall, you'll burn yourself on the surface of the steel catalog obstacles, that become scorching hot in the sun."
Skater of skatepark Europapark Alphen ad Rijn

Program & Urban Spot

Participation

“Swinging makes people happy. For the 'Schommelstation' (Swing Set Station), we convinced the municipality to transform the old gas station to a creative swing set area, which has become the centerpiece of the square"
Reonald Westendijk Architect Maastricht

Financing

Planning and Phasing

back to what we do

Research

The resulting document (whether this is called a feasibility research, study or vision) helps clients with:

Getting a clear understanding of the actual task and providing the right direction towards the realization process.

Understanding the concerns of residents and identifying stakeholders.

Providing arguments for decision-making.

Organizing the process in terms of design, implementation, planning, financing/subsidy process, and phasing.

Organizing participation processes.

Gaining insight into the costs to be incurred.

Exciting residents and users.

"A site location is always part of a larger context. Research ensures that the task is viewed comprehensively in terms of spatial, functional, programmatic, financial, participatory, and planning aspects."

Outdated

In summers, we actually don't skate on this spot. If you fall, you'll burn yourself on the surface of the steel catalog obstacles, that become scorching hot in the sun." Skater of skatepark Europapark Alphen ad Rijn

Program & Urban Spot

Participation

“Swinging makes people happy. For the 'Schommelstation' (Swing Set Station), we convinced the municipality to transform the old gas station to a creative swing set area, which has become the centerpiece of the square" Reonald Westendijk Architect Maastricht

Financing

Planning and Phasing

back to what we do

In summers, we actually don't skate on this spot. If you fall, you'll burn yourself on the surface of the steel catalog obstacles, that become scorching hot in the sun."
Skater of skatepark Europapark Alphen ad Rijn

“Swinging makes people happy. For the 'Schommelstation' (Swing Set Station), we convinced the municipality to transform the old gas station to a creative swing set area, which has become the centerpiece of the square"
Reonald Westendijk Architect Maastricht