Village vision Heart of Driel

Village Vision Heart of Driel is a research project born out of a collaboration of residents and entrepreneurs in the village of Driel. They miss the human and dynamic activities in the heart of their village and want to revive it. Together with Pop-up City, Smartland created a vision of the future, integrating the needs of citizens, entrepreneurs and visitors. This includes regular visitors such as parents of schoolchildren and occasional visitors interested in the historical events in the village during World War II.

The car-oriented centre is under great pressure, requiring space for local entrepreneurs, parking spaces and housing for both older and younger generations.

In the first phase, we analysed the village on a larger scale and studied user flows, resulting in the development of a village-wide strategy. In the second phase, we produced the concrete design, focusing on creating a central square where the church, supermarket and boutiques are located. The design integrates cultural, historical and practical elements for users.

The design process was carried out in close collaboration with local people, resulting in a final product that matched the many interests. The project now enjoys the support of the local community and the next steps in realising the project lie with the decision-makers and property owners.

Location: Driel, NL

Type: Strategy, public space design

Status: Research 2021 -2023

Client: Project group Hart van Driel, Fresh Forward

Participation: Stakeholders, inhabitants

Team: Pop-up City, Smartland