Genk op Gang

Genk op Gang revolves around two green lines that meander through real Genk neighbourhoods, literally trying to shape chance encounters, new connections and rediscoveries. Het Labo collective came up with some playful interventions, both in terms of design and graphics; which add an extra dimension to the line, transforming the neighbourhoods, walks and the streetscape. As a result, the line sometimes turns into a game of hopscotch, sometimes jumping on the walls or weaving through the landscape. 

Het Labo aims to create a positive atmosphere between the ‘project and neighbourhood’. The two lines (two routes) were interspersed with some 15 installations linked to the environment. The line also passes several ‘storyboards’ on which you can read a selection of Genk’s rich history. The product design of the boards was masterminded by product designer Roel Vandebeek.

The jury on Genk op Gang:

Genk op Gang is an invitation to rediscover the city. With a simple, democratic concept, this project transforms public space into an opportunity for encounters and connections. It draws residents outside, invites interaction and makes being in the city more pleasant and natural.

In a humane and accessible way, both in terms of the concept, design and communication, Genk op Gang shows how a design is not only able to organise a space, but also activate a community. It is an example of how small-scale ideas can have a major impact and how a city can reinvent itself by putting people at the centre.

What does this award mean to you?

This award shows how design, the environment and society can be mutually reinforcing and still make a project of this scale possible in an accessible way. The award also fits in with the philosophy that design goes further than just shaping something, but can also contribute to encounters and connections, etc. and provide the environment with a new impulse. 

For the City of Genk, it recognises an intense process of collaboration between city services, designers, a signage company, artists, residents and neighbourhood managers, etc. It underlines the role a local government can take on to provide room for creativity, issue design briefs and, at the same time, create a connection between residents and visitors.

How did the idea for this project come about?

In the French city of Nantes, we saw how a ‘simple’ line on the ground connected different tourist hotspots, and provided designers and artists with opportunities. The idea of an intuitive line on the ground served as the basis of the project, but in Genk we chose to use the line as a connecting factor between residents (and visitors). Through the line, we encourage them to get to know their city and neighbourhoods in unexpected ways. In association with local residents, neighbourhood managers, city staff and executive services, etc. a route was worked out for a total of four neighbourhoods, two of which were included. Applying the line to the ground also proved to be quite a challenge. Het Labo was tasked with adding creative excesses, which they applied manually.

What makes your project so special?

Genk op Gang demonstrates how a design initiative shapes the experience of some Genk neighbourhoods in an accessible way. It is a testament to the empowering effect between design and society. It is important to realise that Genk op Gang could only be achieved through the support, enthusiasm, cooperation of residents, environment and city services, etc. 

The city centre line passes by the city’s green outskirts and Mill Pond, adjacent neighbourhoods you don’t usually visit and the city centre’s green space. It became a loop around the city centre, ending in the middle. The Waterschei line starts at Thor Park, runs along the Stiemerbeek and the multi-culinary Stalenstraat towards ‘cité’ (the mining garden city). The lines provided surprises for everyone.

How does it contribute to a better world?

Genk op Gang has become a network of numerous connections in the city. Neighbours who decorated a bench in their street as part of the project, people who delved into their photo archives in search of old pictures of themselves in Mill Pond Park, Genk locals who shared folk tales with us, designers who were challenged to give substance to places along the line, traders along the green line who jumped to action, etc. In times of polarisation and uncertainty, Genk op Gang turned out to be the project we needed to connect people in a way that was not forced.