FreshBrains week in Almere Buiten: Students inspiring the future of mobility and public space

Can you give us some background information about FreshBrains?

Danique: 'FreshBrains started in 2012, and I participated as a student myself several years ago. The project is organised annually in collaboration with various partner universities. Representing BUas, I was involved in FreshBrains together with Ineke Spapé. The assignments vary depending on the location and the lead country. This year, it was the turn of the Netherlands, specifically Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Almere.'

Why did you choose this project?

Kelvin: 'It was an elective module I could choose within my Built Environment study programme. This project offered an unique opportunity to further develop my skills in tactical urbanism by collaborating with a diverse group of students. Prior to the week, we conducted research, and the week itself acted like a pressure cooker.'

Can you tell us more about the assignment?

Kelvin: 'Our initial task was to research livability in Almere Buiten. We had seven themes, including social connection and cohesion. I compared the government's livability meter and explored how strategies from older cities could be applied in a relatively young municipality like Almere.'

Danique: 'The assignment stemmed from research by the lectorate of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences on the concept of the 15-minute city. This concept proposes that all amenities should be reachable within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, thereby reducing reliance on cars. In Almere Buiten, this poses a challenge because many amenities are spread out.'

How did you address this challenge in your project?

Kelvin: 'We devised strategies to enhance interaction among residents, such as mixing housing types and integrating green streets with facilities like shops. An inspiration was the theory of The Garden City, where hubs are interconnected via a central hub.'

How was your work received by the municipality?

Kelvin: 'On Friday, we presented our plans to the mobility alderman and other stakeholders. The feedback was positive, sparking good discussions on expanding shops not only in the city centre but also in residential areas.'

Danique: 'Each group had to deliver a brochure and pitch their ideas, including to the Almere municipality's mobility policy officer, on Friday morning. It was inspiring to see each group's unique approach to their specific challenge. This fresh perspective is very valuable for the municipality.'

What was the most enjoyable part of the week for you?

Kelvin: 'I particularly enjoyed the tactical urbanism event. We worked on an intervention in a wide street (Evenaar) in Almere Buiten and created a temporary crossing with a zebra crossing and people in zebra costumes. We even caught the attention of Omroep Flevoland and made it into the regional news.'

Were there any special activities during the week?

Danique: 'We also had a bike tour with 70 to 80 students, guided by a mobility advisor from the Almere municipality. This gave the students a good insight into Almere's unique mobility structure compared to older cities.'

'On Wednesday, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences organized a boat trip on the Weerwater in Almere. This was a fantastic way to see Almere from the water, including the former Floriade site where housing development is now underway. It was also a great opportunity for students and lecturers to interact informally.'

What will you take away from this experience?

Kelvin: 'It was an intensive and valuable week. I learned a lot about urban planning and the importance of collaboration across different disciplines. The network I have built with lecturers and professionals is also very valuable for the future.'

What's next for FreshBrains?

Danique: 'Next year, Wuppertal will host the FreshBrains project, and BUas is keen to participate again. We are still waiting to see who else will join, but we are already looking forward to it.'