28 October 2021

The winning designs

It was a sucessful traject. The mentors, mr. Johan Martinus and mrs. Angelika Namdar, introduced themselves on August 10, 2021. The students were able to obtain more information about what the competition was about and what the main focus was. The competition started with the teach-in on August 10 and lasted until September 24, 2021.

The mentors started by providing written feedback on a first draft of the participants based on their expert insights, designing concepts and the competition criteria of the project, to steer them in the right direction. This feedback was discussed and clarified in an online session with the participants.

It was clear from the start that there was a choice between digital or manual redesigning. We were surprised when we not only received the beautiful digital designs but there was also a special design made by hand.

The designs were submitted with an accompanying introduction.

Assessment criteria

• The designs with their stories were assessed together. There was NOT an assessment of the technical correctness of the drawing
• Integration of elements that promote quality of life
• Integration of elements that promote urban greenery benefits
• Integration of elements that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's)
• The extent to which the different elements are reflected in the drawing
• The degree of plausibility of the design
• The extent to which the design connects to the Surinamese context
• The degree of innovation/creativity incorporated into the design

Written feedback on the designs was given twice, where necessary.

The jury consisted of mr. R. van Kanten (Tropenbos Suriname), 

mr. M. van den Berg  and mrs. K. Soerjanom .

Three topics have been chosen, the Boulevard, Wi Kontren and the busterminal at the Heiligenweg.

The Boulevard started on an empty site and functions had to be designed at this location. At Wi Kontren, parts of the existing situation could be maintained and new aspects could be devised around them. At the Heiligenweg, solutions were limited by the function of a bus station.

De Sustainable Development Goals form a coherent framework for development. In the context of urban design, this means that design elements contribute to promoting, for example: inclusiveness, poverty and hunger reduction, health, employment, social bonding, sustainability and protection of the natural environment.

First place went to Shrada Patandin who redesigned Boulevard at the Anton Drachtenweg. Shrada is 22 years old and is a infrastructure student of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.

Her story behind her design:

“We are naturally attracted to aquatic hues and associate this color with qualities such as calmness, depth and wisdom. As the expression says, 'we have a blue mind'. But there is also an intertwined ancient relationship between trees and people.
This is evident from the role the trees played and still play in myths, sagas and in all religions. Man is not superior to nature, but a component of it. My motto is “the contempt for our nature is an error of our mind. The physical and mental health of a person is linked with the state of the environment. It is essential to create a natural Boulevard, which is provided with clean air, pure water, fertile soil, efficient fixtures and renewable energy.

It is never the case that nature says one thing and wisdom says another.
The Boulevard is an urban design, which consists of 70% flora with social activities, recreation, sports facilities, educational attractions, a harmonious & soothing atmosphere, and many other points as indicated in the design. In the heart of the Boulevard is the apple island with space for informal workers and information tents. The apple is a complex ancient mythological symbol for love, knowledge, good health and future happiness. This underlying thought creates a positive vibration of the area and represents the phrase “nature heals everything. The silence of nature has many sounds, only the Surinamese community has to listen to it."

View her design here

Riswand Narain, 22 years of age and student of the Polytechnic College Suriname (PTC) chose to redesign "Wi Kontren". His design was chosen as the second best design.

He also has a story behind his design:

"First of all, this location needs a renovation, because it has become a very unattractive place bacause it is neglected. In addition, this location has played an important role in the shaping of the youth of the neighbourhood. Especially in the field of sports. I've intrigued my design with:
· SDG 3(Good health and wellbeing)
· SDG 13(Climate action)
· SDG 7(Clean energy)
· SDG 10(Reduced inequality)
· SDG 2 (No hunger)"

"It is now innovative, sustainable and environmentally friendly environment and at last it is now accessible to all target groups. There is a playground which is now accessible for everyone, such as children with disabilities: who are on a wheelchair or who have autism.
The playground is also educational, artworks of protected species have been placed in it, that it is positioned in such a way that the waste separation bins are right on the other side. This allows them to see from a young age how to separate and recycle their waste. And in addition, a cultivation garden has also been built next to it, so that they can also take over the cultivation culture. There is a garden where vegetables can be grown on both soil and water, which can then be donated to the socially disadvantaged people or children's homes. Growing and caring for the crops promotes mutual connection between people. Both children and adults can participate in this. It's a small step towards SDG 2, but if other people take over this initiative, it could make a big difference."

View his design here

The third winning design was also a one of the Boulevard at Anton Drachtenweg. Alonso Wagino, 23 years of age and a student of the Polytechnic College (PTC) is studying infrastructure.

Alonso his story:

"Perfect place to set up a park with a pier. SDG’s incorprated:
- life on land
- climate action
- no poverty
- life below water
- good health and well-being
"I have designed this concept based on my chosen SDGs. I took the following aspects into account as much as possible: as much wood and vegetation as possible. At the entrance I have concrete for flower boxes, because there is a bit of durability in it. I have built paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Sand was chosen as material because it is much cheaper and fits the theme. I have also placed creeks/ponds with fish."

There is also a playground for the children, for some entertainment.
And as indicated in the map, there is also an open piece of terrain, this is intended for possible art expositions, fairs, pop-ups, etc. Taken into account are also students and for them I have placed huts on somewhat quieter areas which they can use for meetings, etc. A pier with a dike has also been considered. I also placed the mangrove trees as protection against the waves, but also because they make the pier very beautiful. Bicycles can also be rented on site for faster transport. There is opportunity for athletes to trim and there are also very large grass areas where combat sports etc. can be practiced. In some quiet places under large trees I have also placed terrace sets where the people of an older age can relax with cool wind or for people who want to play chess, checkers etc. To summarize; Boulevard is a place where you can do anything and everything from entertainment to relaxation."

View his design here

An extra prize went to Alessandra Martin, 21 years of age and a student of the Natural Technical Institute. She chose to bring her idea to life by hand. Her choice went to redesigning the bus stop at Heiligeweg.

Her story behind her design:

"For my design I chose the NVB bus stop (National Transport business). In the drawing I put footpaths, a roof (which serves as shade), trees, plants, benches, street lamps, signs and solar panels. The first thing I thought of was the bright sun in our house. tropical climate hence I had come to put the big roof for the bus stop. I came up with the idea of solar panels, because there is enough sun in Suriname and a lot of energy can be generated in this way. The bus stop consists of 2 paths for the buses. I also placed as many trees and plants as possible"

View her design here

The organization congratulates all winners and hopes to inspire others with this competition and the beautiful results to actually create a green, more livable and sustainable living environment.

Special thanks to: