Embedded design gives fresh impetus to an area by exploring the unique character and life of a place through the eyes of designers on the ground. This book documents the work of designers who embedded themselves in and around the former penal colony in Veenhuizen, soon to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reveals the experience gained and lessons learned, illustrating them with countless design projects and events. This initiative, a blueprint for creative research focused on a particular area, is intended to spur similar projects.

Young designers, prisoners, policy-makers and others joined forces in Veenhuizen, inspired by the unique cultural, historical, landscape and architectural reality. This lengthy design collaboration was instigated by embedded designpioneer KETTER&Co, and was guided by Design Academy Eindhoven. With local authorities and prison management in Veenhuizen, they drew up an ambitious ‘Design Deal’. Together they examined the challenges of local development in a long-term process that explored the many perspectives on the past and present. Their efforts helped to define a revised vision for Veenhuizen, one that is local and social, that can be experienced, that is shaped in conjunction with stakeholders, and that has an impact on visibility and policy, with energy flowing in many directions. The work resulted in proposals aimed at boosting commercial opportunities and enhancing the sense of community, while also promoting sustainable heritage management and a dynamic awareness of history. In other words: a magnificent challenge to give renewed vitality to this remarkable cultural landscape.

Through numerous interviews and conversations on projects, design researcher Shay Raviv analyses the preconditions and tools that are needed to facilitate a successful and enduring collaboration between designers and local communities. She also looks ahead and asks: How can embedded design continue to be relevant, not only for the World Heritage Site of Veenhuizen but also for other places?