18th of april 2025 - Indy Goris & Ginger Wouters
The Marterrade is buzzing with ideas and energy. The meeting place Kamer Rade has now become a lively place where residents gather for fun activities. There were three inspiring meetings in March 2025. Dreaming, daring and doing were the central themes.
Together with local residents, students from TU Delft, Erasmus University and Leiden University - along with partners such as Haag wonen, Schroeder and other local organizations - we got to work. Together we looked at what residents need in the space. How can we make the Marterrade greener, cozier and more accessible?
Neighborhood development Kamer Rade
For over a year Haag Wonen has been working with residents to develop the neighborhood. In doing so, they are looking at the meeting space as well as the outdoor space. In December they festively opened the meeting space ‘Kamer Rade’. Since then, local residents have been using this place extensively. For bingo, creative courses for children by Art-S-Cool, workshops and care advice. Local partners are also active here.
We want to make strong places where people can come together and help each other. That no longer happens by itself. That is why we are committed to laying a good foundation for that. Students help with this. They map out the residents' wishes, help think about the next steps and see how we as Haag Wonen can support them."
Annemarie Mosterd, neighborhood developer at Haag Wonen
Co-creation sessions with students and residents
During three meetings, the Thesis Workshop The Hague Southwest also joined the Kamer Rade and neighborhood residents, students and partners came together to dream, dare and do. They worked to create a greener, cozier and more accessible square around the Kamer Rade, where residents' ideas took center stage and collaborations came to life.
The first meeting was all about exchanging ideas. Neighbors told what they find important in their neighborhood, while students helped translate these wishes into concrete plans. The warm, open atmosphere was enhanced by a communal meal provided by Ruşen Koç of the Creative Muslim Club. “A great opportunity for students to build something together with the neighborhood and to give something back to the neighborhood,” says Caroline Newton, lecturer at TU-Delft.
During the second meeting, students took to the streets together with local residents. Walking through the neighborhood, conversations started about the square at Kamer Rade: what could be greener or more pleasant there? These conversations helped make the ideas clearer. The day ended with a meal prepared by Mayura Thawornpradit of Mentality Foundation.
The third and final afternoon was all about doing. Sidewalk tiles disappeared in several places to make room for plants. Children enthusiastically helped pry the tiles loose. In addition, a model was built together with local residents - a creative process in which ideas took shape together at the table. Both young and old cooperated in sawing and assembling the parts. Afterwards, participants enjoyed hot snacks provided by Asefeh Eskandari of NOUR+ and looked back on the collaboration with satisfaction.
Everything revolved around the neighborhood," said a TU Delft lecturer. “Green, collaboration, a model ... Very nice how everything came together.”
Working together for a better neighborhood
The collaboration between residents, students and organizations was heartwarming. Room Rade showed what is possible when people work together for their neighborhood. A great example that tastes like more.
“It was a fun and educational period,” says student Tommer Smits. "We talked with residents, thought about practical solutions and rolled up our sleeves together. Working together on the neighborhood creates a greater sense of ownership. This not only strengthens involvement, but also the connection between residents."
Presentations full of creativity and commitment
After their research in the neighborhood, the students presented their findings to concerned residents, fellow students, teachers and staff of Haag Wonen. The different groups of students all brought different perspectives, resulting in creative and surprising ideas. The presentations were enthusiastically received by both residents and employees, who asked plenty of questions and gave feedback. With this valuable input, the residents and employees of Haag Wonen will work to further develop the ideas and implement them in the neighborhood.
The ideas are refreshing and show that students are thinking of everyone. Not just the people who often say something. Some of the ideas we have already started with. Other ideas also fit well, maybe with a little tweaking."
Mariëlle, engaged resident and volunteer Kamer Rade
Building a square together for everyone
Annemarie Mosterd, neighborhood developer at Haag Wonen, says, "We want to involve residents in the square as much as possible. Some great ideas have already been submitted, and we hope there will be even more. Students thought along about greenery, meeting and safety. We will soon hang up their ideas in Room Rade. Residents can then vote and together we will continue to work on a square that truly belongs to everyone."
Curious about the final results? Then click here.
