Re-humanizing Buitenhof

Abstract

This project investigates the role of the NOBIS collaborative murals in fostering social connections between the Buitenhof district in Delft (Netherlands) and the rest of the city. Furthermore, it aims to enhance their impact through a design intervention aimed at promoting empathy among city residents.

Utilizing qualitative methods, including interviews, workshops, and participation in local activities, this research engages both Buitenhof residents and Delft citizens to explore their perceptions of the district, the dynamics of social connections in the city, and the impact and limitations of the NOBIS murals. The findings highlight a strong disconnect between Buitenhof and the wider city, and suggest that, if their limitations are addressed, the murals hold potential to bridge this gap.

Building on a series of iterative design explorations and prototype testing with participants, a final design intervention called Voices of Buitenhof was developed. Voices of Buitenhof is an interactive experience that enables mural visitors to connect with residents’ personal stories. This intervention was then evaluated, with the results informing reflections on potential project evolution, implications for the field, and recommendations for future initiatives.

The final discussion covers key themes, including the influence of mural art on social connections, the power of authentic storytelling in evoking empathy, the unique challenges of the city as a context for design projects, what “collaboration” means in collaborative projects, and possible future directions and limitations for the project.