The role of consumers in sustainable farming at Boerderij Eyckenstein
Five MSc MADE students explored how consumer involvement can strengthen farm resilience at Boerderij Eyckenstein, a human-scale sustainable farm. Through interviews and field research, they discovered that fostering psychological ownership and clear communication helps build a strong connection between consumers and the farm. This, in turn, boosts resilience and supports the transition toward sustainable agriculture, as Boerderij Eyckenstein demonstrates the balance between ecological practices and consumer engagement. Their findings serve as a model for integrating functionality, experience, and sustainability!
Exploring life for young, undocumented, and homeless men in Amsterdam
Six MSc MADE students collaborated with De Regenboog Groep to investigate the challenges young, undocumented, and homeless men (YUHM) face in Amsterdam. Through interviews and co-creation sessions, they identified varying circumstances among YUHM, from mental health struggles to stable jobs. The students developed a framework with solutions to improve support systems, presenting their findings in a documentary that sparked further discussion on next steps with De Regenboog Groep. To document their experiences they had the innovative solution of handing disposable cameras to the men to shoot life from their eyes. Flick through the images below.
The team!
Reimagining Amsterdam's underground parking spaces
As Amsterdam reduces car dependency, six MSc MADE students explored new uses for underutilized parking garages, like the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam South. They developed ParkPlay, a board game that helps stakeholders evaluate potential repurposing ideas. Proposed transformations include converting the spaces into an underground market, a sports museum, or a waste recycling facility. Their 12-step guide for redevelopment offers a framework for turning these garages into hubs of sustainability, culture, or innovation.
Empowering female entrepreneurs in Amsterdam Nieuw-West: A path to financial independence and social cohesion
This Living Lab explored the local dynamics of Amsterdam Nieuw-West and identified key systemic challenges to entrepreneurship, particularly affecting women with a migration background. They found that intersectional discrimination creates barriers to financial independence, but small-scale entrepreneurship presents a promising solution, benefiting both the women and the local economy. However, a lack of resources specifically tailored to supporting early-stage female entrepreneurs persists. To address this, the Living Lab developed a practical handbook, an inspiring comic, and a documentary to empower and guide women on their entrepreneurial journey, fostering social cohesion and economic growth in the community.
Designing future-proof public spaces at Marineterrein
As Amsterdam’s Marineterrein transforms into an innovation district, the question arises: how can public spaces evolve to meet diverse user needs? Six MSc MADE students tackled this challenge, exploring sustainability, innovation, and community as key pillars for adaptive urban design. Through interviews, co-creation sessions, and case studies, they developed a set of design guidelines to make public spaces more inclusive and future-proof. As a tangible outcome, they repurposed on-site materials to create circular urban furniture, demonstrating how public spaces can be both functional and sustainable. Their insights offer a blueprint for Marineterrein’s redevelopment—and for cities rethinking the role of public space.
Shaping smarter mobility at ArenAPoort: Nudging driver behaviour for a more liveable city
How can driver behavior be influenced to ease congestion and improve urban liveability in one of Europe’s busiest event districts? Five MSc MADE students collaborated with Deloitte and BMW to explore this question in ArenAPoort, a mobility hotspot in Southeast Amsterdam. Through a Living Lab approach, the team tested real-world interventions such as coordinated parking based on travel routes, carpooling incentives, and off-peak travel nudges. Developed in close partnership with Gemeente Amsterdam, Johan Cruijff ArenA, and AMS Institute, these interventions offer practical and scalable solutions to reduce traffic pressure and emissions. The project shows how smart behavioral strategies can contribute to sustainable mobility systems—paving the way for greener, more accessible cities.
We'll be uploading new Living Labs as the year continues!