Co-creating a housing estate for

Contributor

In collaboration with –Domea.dk

Gadehavegaard, a large public housing estate with almost 1,000 homes, faces an enormous transformation. In its future state, it will have space for educational institutions, common indoor meeting places, public and private housing, and a large biodiverse park area, used as common outdoor space for everyone.

Some residents oppose the changes, feeling as if they are being asked to tear down the upper floor of their own house, sell their front yard to a developer and open their backyards to everyone to use. Transformation here is not just physical: it’s also about changing behaviour and culture.

In this project, Desire asks the question: how do we ensure inclusion in the transformation of the larger outdoor area? How do we create the commitment and support needed to ensure the transformation from a parking facility to a biodiverse park is well received, not just when it is opened but also into the future?

One key principle leads all the work: residents must be at least as well off after the transformation as they were before. Everyone must feel heard. Desire will engage the area's many different residents and user groups by informing and sharing knowledge about biodiversity, showing examples to inspire them.

The future area is designed based on a thorough understanding of the users' preferences and expectations. The physical framework will support safe and inviting year-round use, supported by all stakeholders, and so the transformation can take place with a focus on creating an irresistible biodiverse park.