Living Lab Vrederust

Vrederust, in Den Haag Zuidwest, is a neighborhood facing challenges where livability and safety are under strain. The public spaces are in poor condition, leaving residents with few chances to lead a healthy city life or build a strong community. While many buildings nearby are being torn down, housing corporation Haag Wonen has chosen a different path: to invest in the people, the existing homes, and the neighborhood’s public spaces.

This project, through the creation of a Living Lab, is working toward a fairer, more vibrant Vrederust where everyone has equal opportunities and a better quality of life.

For this project an open and inclusive process was designed that places residents firmly at its heart. In a series of co-creation sessions, locals shared their hopes, concerns, and ideas. These insights have been captured in a clear vision map and an accompanying toolbox for making short and long term improvements to the neighborhood’s public spaces.

These proposed changes are brought to life in a digital twin — an interactive virtual model that shows how parts of Vrederust could look and feel in the future. This digital experience helps all stakeholders — from residents to policymakers — to explore possibilities and dream together about what’s next.

Alongside this, a film has been produced to document the journey so far, sparking further conversations with Haag Wonen, the municipality, and the community itself. Today, they are shaping together a Vrederust that is more connected, healthy, and full of opportunity.