Freehouse
Foundation that brings skills and qualities of local people together.
Initiator(s)
Jeanne van Heeswijk
Description
The project has focused on the micro-urbanism emerging in small communities across the city of Rotterdam. After a research in the Afrikanerwijk in particular, the initiators developed a foundation with the help of the residents. Freehouse comprehends 3 studios: Wijkatelier, wijkkeuken (kitchen) and wijkwinkel (shop). Here residents can share their skills and create new products in the communal workshops, which are then sold in the shop. Every activity is based on community participation, co-operative cultural production and self-organisation. Freehouse has recently developed a skill-based neighbourhood co-operative.
Goals
To try and instigate projects that challenge people to play a more active part with respect to the space in which they live and work by bringing skills and qualities of local people together.
Beneficial outcomes
The sewing atelier has already received commissions from several designers to produce their clothes; the wijkkeuken has become in a catering service; all the participants are earning money for their work; the market has improved its offer and services, after a struggle against municipal rules.
Location
The Netherlands
Users
Jeanne van Heeswijk, Dennis Kaspori, the inhabitans.
Maintained by
Kosmopolis Rotterdam, Fonds BKVB - Intendant Culturele Diversiteit, Stichting DOEN, Europees Fonds voor Regionale Ontwikkeling van de Europese Commissie, Pact op Zuid, Vestia, CVAH en VETRA.
Duration
2008 - ongoing
Category
Scientific
Pedagogical
Politics
Urban Development
Economy
Environment
Social
