Haalbaarheidsonderzoek Wijkgebouw Balai Pusat

Balai Pusat is a meeting place for all ages. The roots of most visitors lie in the Moluccas, a small archipelago in Indonesia that was colonized by the Netherlands. In 1951, many Moluccans came to the Netherlands after the turmoil of Indonesian independence. Some of them found a new home in Vaassen. Together with residents, associations and foundations, a variety of initiatives are organized at the community center. Since 2024, the Epe municipality, neighborhood council, the Balai Pusat management foundation, housing corporation Triada and other partners have been collaboratively envisioning the future of this special place. 

includi was asked to guide the process and conduct a participatory research trajectory. The challenge? Preserve Balai Pusat as the social anchor in the neighborhood, while making it future-proof – not just physically, but socially and culturally. Think shared spaces, support programs and possibly innovative integrations with housing or care. So the building can truly grow with its community.

Our step‑by‑step approach combines participation, research and visualization. During accessible walk-in workshops and neighborhood interviews, residents, users and other stakeholders shared their full vision for the future of Balai Pusat. Using interactive tools like idea boards and our includi card games, we gathered valuable input on function, usage and meaning. The findings form the basis of the feasibility study, where we explore various future scenarios – from renovation to new construction, including possible combinations with care or housing. In a one-day idea workshop, we collaboratively shape a shared vision, illustrated through an inspiring sketch that points the way forward in the development of Balai Pusat. This builds scenarios that are socially, spatially and financially viable, aligned with the community’s needs.

The process outlines a guiding vision for Balai Pusat, expressed in words and images, grounded in research and conversations with the people it serves. Not a rigid plan, but a solid reference for next steps. The key to a successful Balai Pusat lies in an accessible, flexible building, a community‑owned program and an open organization. The community needs spaces for gathering, culture, flexibility and ownership.

From this shared vision, four scenarios will emerge – renovation or new build, each with or without additional functions. We test every scenario for social value, spatial potential and financial viability, including a cost estimate. All insights are bundled into a clear final document. A valuable foundation to help Balai Pusat gradually evolve into a neighborhood living room: a warm, welcoming space where you feel at home – without needing any explanation.