The same space has been used to create more trees and parking spaces. One of the streets will even have 10 trees, 12 parking spaces and 50% more greenery added!
The water storage capacity has been increased in the testing ground. As a result, two million more buckets of water are now collected in the neighbourhood each year.
The data-driven approach has resulted in a data hub that has enabled professionals from the local authority, project partners and residents to complete the process more quickly and effectively.
Residents are actively involved with Doe Mee Cafés and by adding 15 resident sensors to a public dashboard. The dashboard is accessible to everyone and contributes to positive participation.
CO2 storage will increase from 729 to 2,165 kilograms per year in 30 years. Particulate matter capture will increase from 42 to 92 kilograms per year.
This innovative approach is being further integrated into the council’s internal processes and applied to new projects, redevelopment and environmental legislation.
The Zeeheldenbuurt neighbourhood faces challenges such as heat stress and flooding during peak rainfall. Instead of traditional residents’ evenings, the project team has opted for an interactive approach with Doe Mee Cafés (Join In Cafés) and innovative technologies such as sensors, VR glasses, AI and the GAES Digital Twin. By substantiating decisions with data and being able to visualise it, there is increased participation and accurate insight into the challenges and opportunities of the neighbourhood. Ultimately, these evenings have quadrupled the number of residents participating!
Analysis – Data as a driving force
In the Zeeheldenbuurt neighbourhood, we are installing fifteen sensors in public spaces and at residents’ homes to collect real-time data on temperature, particulate matter, humidity and soil moisture. This data forms the basis for the baseline measurement and provides insights into heat stress, flooding and perceived temperature. Using AI, we even analyse parking data, which allows us to identify unused space for optimal parking facilities that we can green.
Advice – Greenery as the key to liveability
Using a data-driven approach, we have made design proposals that reduce heat stress and flooding. These include strategically planted trees, permeable paving, wadis and a sunken playground that can temporarily collect excess water during heavy rainfall. Thanks to VR technology, residents can even take a virtual walk through their own neighbourhood. This progressive approach speeds up important decisions and shortens the lead time.
Getting started – Innovation in design and participation
Using the GAES Digital Twin, various future scenarios have been calculated, revealing both immediate improvements and long-term effects. The calculation of these designs is almost 100% automated. When the drawings are loaded into our Digital Twin, you automatically see the benefits it delivers. This allows professionals in the municipality to immediately see how much value green spaces really have.
Result – Residents feel heard
The project in the Zeeheldenbuurt neighbourhood is more than just a redevelopment; it is a blueprint for future-oriented, climate-resilient development. Residents say they feel truly heard for the first time, and the approach is also inspiring other neighbourhoods in the region. From spring 2025 onwards, we will actively measure what the changes actually mean for the neighbourhood and its residents. What happens to the soil moisture content, how much CO₂ is absorbed by the greenery and what is the perceived temperature? By combining technology with resident participation, we will find the answers to these questions and more. This will create a healthy and attractive living environment for the residents of the Zeeheldenbuurt neighbourhood.