Security often is a bottleneck in complex social issues. Answers mostly come from existing structures and protocols, while some situations ask for a different approach. Designers can develop new concepts and prototypes that create space for different approaches within the existing, static system. This requires knowledge and support from policymakers and experts, whom we can find in the partners of the Embassy. A broad coalition of partners is involved in the Embassy: Vereniging Nederlandse Gemeenten (Association of Dutch Municipalities), Aanjaagteam Ondermijning (Team Undermining), Reclassering (Probation Services) and OM spaces (Prosecution spaces).
Dutch Design Week 2020 was the starting point of a long-term collaboration with several design studios, which focuses on the prevention of subversion on neighbourhood level. How can we increase the resilience of residents in vulnerable neighbourhoods? Special attention was paid to youngsters who are at risk of being seduced by quick cash. A first petty drug transport is carried out easily enough, but these choices can have major long-term consequences. How can we provide these young people with the right insights and tools to choose a different path in life?
The curator of this Embassy is Tabo Goudswaard, social designer, researcher and artist.
The Embassy is currently working on further development for 2021. Keep an eye on this page for the latest updates.
