NUMBERS TELL THE TALE: socio-economic impact of Happy Days

ECHO Urban Design and ERA Contour | TBI have begun a multi-year measurement project to map the social and environmental impact in Happy Days. This neighborhood was designed by ECHO from the beginning as a nature- and socially inclusive living environment, a vision that was awarded the Gemma Smid Architecture Prize earlier this year.

For the ecological pillar, an ambassador species was selected for each habitat type. Targeted measures were then incorporated into the design to attract these specific species and to build a robust ecosystem. What works well? And where can we as designers still learn and improve?

Residents are actively contributing to the research by recording their observations in the Bioblitz app. Recently, we organised a meeting where residents were shown how they can register species themselves. These observations will then be analysed together with Ecogroen, whose ecologists will also carry out their own observations in the area.

The first results are promising: in just three months, 44 different species have already been recorded, including a kingfisher, a hedgehog, and several other species typical of green residential neighbourhoods. Curious about what has been spotted so far?

View the observations here: https://lnkd.in/edpa6iwM

In the coming period, the monitoring will be further expanded. We will share insights and lessons via our LinkedIn. Follow ECHO Urban Design to stay updated on the next results. Follow ECHO Urban Design to stay updated on the next results.