Change starts with a vision
Following a public European tender, the College of Hoogeveen commissioned architects Common Affairs, includi – as third place specialists – and IMd consulting engineers to develop a design for the new Cultural Complex together with the cultural partners. In this multifunctional building De Tamboer (theater), Het Podium (pop venue), the Library and Verhalenwerf, the Centrum voor de Kunsten Scala (arts center), Punt H (tourist information) and the Historische Kring Hoogeveen (historical archive) will offer joint cultural activities. The Cultural Complex will combine renovation with new construction, preserving the theater’s characteristic rooms with a fresh twist to create a revitalized identity. The tender focused on a vision aligning with Hoogeveen’s ambition to be the most child-friendly municipality in the Netherlands.
"Next to thinking along, we will investigate to what extent residents can actually help build. For example, by supplying materials or objects, adding a personal touch to the building."
"The new Cultural Complex will contribute to an attractive city center, upgrading Hoogeveen’s position as one of the four leading cities of the province of Drenthe."
Centered on community needs
The shared motto was to create a building by and for the people of Hoogeveen, placing residents and users at the heart of the development process. The first workshop where young people were asked to design their own dream building took place during the tender phase. Their wishes will be included in the preliminary design to be developed. Common Affairs and includi will further closely involve Hoogeveen residents and nearby villagers in the design process, including using special card games. The design team will even stay over as ‘architects in residence’ during a workshop week, engaging with local wishes, culture and identity to incorporate them into the plan.
A dynamic, future-proof public space
The key aspect of our entry is making the new Cultural Complex an authentic third place focused on people. The building’s design will reflect the dynamic program, with liveliness extending to the square on the main street and the park on the side. To enhance this, elements of both the square and park continue onto the roof in the proposal, creating a dynamic public space for various activities.
Does the creation of a Cultural Complex really have to be complex? With includi’s approach, creating this inclusive space will be child’s play. The developed vision includes a high dose of child-friendliness: come play, move, discover or just have fun! For a future-proof, social and sustainable Cultural Complex three things are essential: flexibility, accommodating daily diversity in programming and adapting to future changes in functionality. In short, with this vision we lay the social and sustainable foundation. We are hopeful and excited for the next steps!
"Residents and users are at the center, closely involved in the development process, which is an element of user-based design."
Discover our inclusive places
