Using our power

to empower others

Using our power to empower others

© Antonio Carlos Queiroz Filho

Co-creation as a catalyst for architecture

At Studio Willem Elskamp, we go beyond traditional engagement – we believe in co-creation. Our commitment to community involvement fuels our design ethos, as we partner with local communities through workshops and participation. This collaborative journey brings forth inclusive spaces that mirror aspirations and address needs. Together, we shape environments that not only cultivate belonging but also spark enduring positive transformations.

We incorporate gamification into our community participation. Games serve as bridges that connect people of all ages to the essence of their spaces in a fun and interactive manner. By engaging in playful workshops and utilizing innovative tools like our card game, people from different generations can dissolve barriers, making urban planning accessible and exciting. Through weaving games into our methodology, we ignite enthusiasm, inspire conversations, and amplify the collective impact, fostering a sense of inclusivity and involvement across diverse age groups.

We embrace the innovative potential of video games like Minecraft. Through these digital platforms, we invite individuals to be architects of their own visions, crafting and designing within virtual landscapes. This dynamic approach transcends geographical constraints, allowing community members to collaboratively build and reshape spaces. By analysing the designs and configurations that emerge from these creative journeys, we gain a profound understanding of the unspoken needs, desires, and priorities of the community.

Using our own developed card game we invite participants to step into the roles of mayors and city council members, immersing themselves in the intricate process of urban planning. With this interactive game, we bridge the gap between vision and reality, encouraging lively discussions and empowering individuals to actively shape the future of their city. Through strategic decisions and collaborative problem-solving, our card game transforms workshops into captivating journeys of co-creation.

European collaborations

European collaborations

In a significant gathering at the esteemed Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, we had the privilege of presenting our work in the URBiNAT Conference, which united visionaries, experts, and urban enthusiasts.
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School workshops

School workshops

Discover our engaging school workshop in Faro, where we partnered with a local school to embark on an interactive journey with young minds, fostering creative problem-solving and addressing urban challenges at the heart of their city.
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Street encounters

Street encounters

Discover our engagement efforts in Faro, where we engaged with the elderly residents gaining valuable insights into their perceptions of the urban landscape through workshops and street interactions.
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participation in all aspects of our work

We firmly believe that the most exceptional architecture emerges from a collaborative and inclusive process. Participation is woven into the very fabric of our architectural philosophy. From international collaborations to encounters with communities, participation takes center stage at all levels of our work.

Collaboration with local

governments and experts

Let's collaborate !

We’re eager to connect, collaborate, and create with you. Whether you’re envisioning a new architectural project, seeking innovative design solutions, or simply want to explore the potential of a collaborative partnership. We look forward to start a project with you.