HOBU

HOBU is a 5-year placemaking project focused on the area around the metro stations Holendrecht and Bullewijk in Amstel III, Amsterdam. Together with Pop-up City, we developed a strategy to transform Amstel III from a gray, uninspiring business park into a multifunctional, vibrant, and lively neighborhood. Our focus is on finding opportunities to involve the communities and local residents in shaping urban spaces and imbuing them with new meaning. We prioritize connecting developments in Amstel III to the existing residential areas of Amsterdam Southeast. We build initiatives that leverage the area’s qualities and people, and our strategy focuses on creating lasting impact. We use temporary opportunities to launch initiatives and engage people.

During this time, we have brought spirit and energy to the area by creating and/or facilitating networks to work on meaningful initiatives. These networks consist of local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit organizations, municipality departments, and residents. We have managed to create awareness around the opportunities in this area and connect them with the right people and initiatives, allowing this place to be a garden of experimentation and growth.