Over-wegen
2018
“Overwegen” was a design research project where we investigated a section of road in Genk. We explored a path that begins behind the Genk train station and runs up to a higher street level. The path is formed by usage. It runs through a plot of land that was for sale at the time. We mapped out the various actors and worked with them in a participatory manner to explore the usage of the road.
“Het bosje”, as it is called by its users, is used as a shortcut to the station. Not only the residents of the Sint-Martensbergstraat use the road to get to the station and the city center, but also a youth home, for young people struggeling with social difficuties, is located on the Sint-Martensbergstraat. Users pollute the beautiful nature with garbage, drug use takes place, and young people engaging in steam-based activities sometimes make the area unsafe.
After a field research, we decided to further investigate with the research question: “How can we create a pleasant connection between the station and the Sint-Martensbergstraat, together with all involved parties?” We began by actively involving the users of the road to document their experiences when using the path and afterwards for finding and creating possible solutions. We believed this was crucial because the road had grown out of its usage.
The design research and the possible solutions were presented to the city council of Genk, for them to consider when taking further steps.