Regaining a sense of belonging
BYOT: Build Your Own Throne
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Build Your Own Throne (BYOT) is an interactive urban furniture project that empowers communities to contribute to their public spaces and create their own personalized seating. Showcased at Dutch Design Week 2024, it inspired visitors to create hundreds of unique thrones, demonstrating how creativity and personal connection can transform public spaces, foster a sense of ownership and deepen our sense of belonging.
Netherlands
Local
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Prototype level
No
No
As an individual
The project “Build Your Own Throne (BYOT)” is an interactive urban furniture installation that allows users to move and arrange blocks to create their own personalized seating. It aims to foster a sense of belonging and ownership in public spaces by using the principles of placemaking and active involvement. The project provides the community with an opportunity to contribute to their own urban furniture and interact with it in a meaningful way. It aligns with the NEB values of sustainability, inclusion, aesthetic and quality of experience and promotes public participation with an interdisciplinary approach.
With Eindhoven’s rapid growth and the city evolving into a multicultural hub, many residents (locals and expats) experience a lack of belonging. The main objective of BYOT is thus to empower people and communities of all age groups by giving them control over their public spaces, enabling them to form a stronger bond with each other and their surroundings.
The project was first developed in the form of Tetris shaped modular blocks and then a community art workshop was organized for painting them. The prototype was later showcased at Dutch Design Week 2024, where visitors could arrange these blocks and create their own seating. Hundreds of visitors made unique thrones and expressed the experience into feeling playful, proud, and connected to their creations, with many wishing for more opportunities to be able to shape and co-design their public spaces.
This project goes a step ahead of being just an urban furniture, it transforms public spaces into areas of creativity, social interaction, and personal expression. By allowing people to engage, interact, and create something for themselves (in a public setting), the project strengthens their connection to the place, enhancing their sense of belonging.
With Eindhoven’s rapid growth and the city evolving into a multicultural hub, many residents (locals and expats) experience a lack of belonging. The main objective of BYOT is thus to empower people and communities of all age groups by giving them control over their public spaces, enabling them to form a stronger bond with each other and their surroundings.
The project was first developed in the form of Tetris shaped modular blocks and then a community art workshop was organized for painting them. The prototype was later showcased at Dutch Design Week 2024, where visitors could arrange these blocks and create their own seating. Hundreds of visitors made unique thrones and expressed the experience into feeling playful, proud, and connected to their creations, with many wishing for more opportunities to be able to shape and co-design their public spaces.
This project goes a step ahead of being just an urban furniture, it transforms public spaces into areas of creativity, social interaction, and personal expression. By allowing people to engage, interact, and create something for themselves (in a public setting), the project strengthens their connection to the place, enhancing their sense of belonging.
Sense of belonging
Sense of ownership
Person-place bonding
Empowerment
Inclusivity
The main sustainable aspect of the project is its modular design, and the material used. BYOT development involved repurposing everyday materials such as wooden crates, with a goal to use the surplus materials to create a functional urban furniture. The materials were locally sourced from a Dutch manufacturer aligning with the circular economy principles. The concept was to incorporate reclaimed or surplus wood, further reducing environmental impact. The wooden crates were chosen for their availability, affordability, and durability, and to provide an efficient and eco-conscious approach.
Moreover, these crates can be assembled, disassembled, and repurposed again in their original form, which minimizes waste and extends their lifecycle. Furthermore, the modular nature of the wooden crates also makes it easy to store, transport and repair. With the use of simple materials everyday materials, the project ensures that the design remains eco-friendly, cost-effective, making it scalable and replicable for diverse urban or rural contexts.
Moreover, these crates can be assembled, disassembled, and repurposed again in their original form, which minimizes waste and extends their lifecycle. Furthermore, the modular nature of the wooden crates also makes it easy to store, transport and repair. With the use of simple materials everyday materials, the project ensures that the design remains eco-friendly, cost-effective, making it scalable and replicable for diverse urban or rural contexts.
The main objective of BYOT was to strengthen connection and create a meaningful experience. Inspired by Tetris, the geometric shapes were designed to evoke nostalgia and playfulness, making the experience both familiar and engaging. Visitors at DDW24 expressed sentiments like, “...It was cool to build something—we never get to do that anymore...”. An elderly participant reflected, “...Loved the playful approach, makes you feel like a kid again.."
Another goal was to delve into physically interacting with large blocks for a hands-on, immersive experience, cultivating creativity, problem-solving, and emotional connection to the space. An adult visitor shared, "...I loved finding out what could work and what not. Loved the creative thinking...”
By transforming urban furniture into an interactive activity, the project elevates public seating into a creative expression of individual and community identity. A group of young participants built a shared throne, stating, “...Fun to build something together that we could all use...”
These testimonials confirm the project’s success in creating an engaging and meaningful urban experience. Few other testimonials and feedback notes can also be found in the attachment.
Another goal was to delve into physically interacting with large blocks for a hands-on, immersive experience, cultivating creativity, problem-solving, and emotional connection to the space. An adult visitor shared, "...I loved finding out what could work and what not. Loved the creative thinking...”
By transforming urban furniture into an interactive activity, the project elevates public seating into a creative expression of individual and community identity. A group of young participants built a shared throne, stating, “...Fun to build something together that we could all use...”
These testimonials confirm the project’s success in creating an engaging and meaningful urban experience. Few other testimonials and feedback notes can also be found in the attachment.
“Build Your Own Throne” is designed to be accessible to everyone without any barriers. The project explores how people interact with public spaces and how they feel after making something for themselves in a public space. It's simple concept of arranging blocks into personalized seating allows people of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds to engage with it.
This urban furniture promotes interaction among participants, encouraging them to collaborate and share ideas while creating their seating. By giving people control and bringing them together, it fosters intergenerational and intercultural exchanges turning the public space into a community hub where people. Furthermore, by actively contributing to the design and use of their public spaces, participants feel a sense of ownership and creativity, which strengthens bonds and promotes social inclusion.
The project accommodates both those who seek solitude and observation and those who thrive on social interaction, ensuring that everyone can engage on their own terms. In the long term, this approach creates more inclusive, engaging, and identity-rich urban environments, strengthening community bonds and improving both individual and collective well-being.
This urban furniture promotes interaction among participants, encouraging them to collaborate and share ideas while creating their seating. By giving people control and bringing them together, it fosters intergenerational and intercultural exchanges turning the public space into a community hub where people. Furthermore, by actively contributing to the design and use of their public spaces, participants feel a sense of ownership and creativity, which strengthens bonds and promotes social inclusion.
The project accommodates both those who seek solitude and observation and those who thrive on social interaction, ensuring that everyone can engage on their own terms. In the long term, this approach creates more inclusive, engaging, and identity-rich urban environments, strengthening community bonds and improving both individual and collective well-being.
The project was shaped through a strong participatory process, ensuring that the community played an active role in its co-design and decision-making.
1. Community Workshop: Residents were invited to paint the wooden crates. The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their memories and connection with the city Eindhoven and leave their mark on this public furniture leading to person-place bonding.
2. Interactive Hands-on Participation: During the Dutch Design Week (DDW) exhibition, visitors were invited to interact with the installation by arranging modular furniture blocks to design their own thrones. This direct involvement transformed passive observers into active creators fostering creative expression.
3. Feedback and Reflection: Participants provided insights on how they felt after building their own thrones and how this experience affected their connection to the space. They highlighted feelings of creativity, playfulness, and empowerment, offering valuable data on the emotional and social impact of the project. Moreover, they also provided feedback on the physical form and material, which will be used to develop the project further on.
1. Community Workshop: Residents were invited to paint the wooden crates. The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their memories and connection with the city Eindhoven and leave their mark on this public furniture leading to person-place bonding.
2. Interactive Hands-on Participation: During the Dutch Design Week (DDW) exhibition, visitors were invited to interact with the installation by arranging modular furniture blocks to design their own thrones. This direct involvement transformed passive observers into active creators fostering creative expression.
3. Feedback and Reflection: Participants provided insights on how they felt after building their own thrones and how this experience affected their connection to the space. They highlighted feelings of creativity, playfulness, and empowerment, offering valuable data on the emotional and social impact of the project. Moreover, they also provided feedback on the physical form and material, which will be used to develop the project further on.
BYOT was developed as part of Project NextUp, an initiative by DEMO Eindhoven, in alignment with Gemeente Eindhoven and Knoop XL’s mission to create vibrant, interactive public spaces. This ensured local-level engagement, integrating urban development goals into the project.
At a regional and national level, Dutch Design Week (DDW) served as a crucial platform, bringing together designers, urban planners, and the public to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and explore real-world applications for BYOT. This interaction fostered horizontal engagement with peers in the design and urban development fields.
On a broader scale, the project contributes to discussions on placemaking and participatory urbanism, engaging an international audience interested in inclusive, sustainable public space solutions.
At a regional and national level, Dutch Design Week (DDW) served as a crucial platform, bringing together designers, urban planners, and the public to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and explore real-world applications for BYOT. This interaction fostered horizontal engagement with peers in the design and urban development fields.
On a broader scale, the project contributes to discussions on placemaking and participatory urbanism, engaging an international audience interested in inclusive, sustainable public space solutions.
The project integrates public space design with social design, spatial design, urban design, participatory research, and environmental psychology to create a meaningful and engaging urban intervention.
The initial location study of the Knoop XL area in Eindhoven identified gaps in existing public spaces, especially in the context of the city's rapid development and growing population. Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering social interaction and strengthening people's connection to their city. Blending of environmental psychology with design of public spaces formed the foundation of the project, incorporating theories of person-place bonding, sense of place, and place attachment to ensure emotional engagement and user participation.
Social design principles emphasized accessibility and inclusivity, and community participation actively shaped the project through direct interaction. The feedback gathered from Dutch Design Week (DDW) visitors provided valuable insights, highlighting both the emotional impact of the installation and areas for practical improvement in its next phase. Moreover, the testimonials showcased that BYOT is a publicly desired experience that fosters belonging, co-creation, and personal expression in public spaces.
The initial location study of the Knoop XL area in Eindhoven identified gaps in existing public spaces, especially in the context of the city's rapid development and growing population. Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering social interaction and strengthening people's connection to their city. Blending of environmental psychology with design of public spaces formed the foundation of the project, incorporating theories of person-place bonding, sense of place, and place attachment to ensure emotional engagement and user participation.
Social design principles emphasized accessibility and inclusivity, and community participation actively shaped the project through direct interaction. The feedback gathered from Dutch Design Week (DDW) visitors provided valuable insights, highlighting both the emotional impact of the installation and areas for practical improvement in its next phase. Moreover, the testimonials showcased that BYOT is a publicly desired experience that fosters belonging, co-creation, and personal expression in public spaces.
Most urban furniture is pre-designed and static, mainly serving as seating or a point of social interaction. BYOT in contradiction is a dynamic urban furniture with an interactive approach. It provides users a sense of control while showcasing public art. The project is inspired by the place-making initiatives which empowers people to get involved in the development of their neighbourhoods.
In addition, the modular Tetris-like design evokes nostalgia, fostering an emotional connection while making the process of building a playful and engaging experience.
The innovation lies mainly in active engagement where users become co-creators of the public space. Thus, the project offers both artistic expression and functional seating redefining itself as a tool for public participation.
In addition, the modular Tetris-like design evokes nostalgia, fostering an emotional connection while making the process of building a playful and engaging experience.
The innovation lies mainly in active engagement where users become co-creators of the public space. Thus, the project offers both artistic expression and functional seating redefining itself as a tool for public participation.
The methodology for developing Build Your Own Throne (BYOT) was rooted in placemaking and people-centred design.
1.The project began with an urban context study, aligning with the themes set by Knoop XL and Gemeente Eindhoven, which focused on identity, public space, and mental & emotional well-being. The core objective was to enhance the sense of belonging by transforming public spaces into “third places”, fostering ownership and engagement.
2. The design phase prioritized a modular structure, that could resonate with people and could be easily engaged with. The form was built using reclaimed or locally sourced wood to ensure affordability, durability, and weather resistance while adhering to sustainable practices.
3. Inspired by placemaking initiatives, a community workshop was conducted where residents painted the wooden crates, embedding their personal connection to the city into the project.
4. The prototype was then showcased at Dutch Design Week 2024, allowing the public to freely interact with it. Visitors feedback was collected, revealing a strong sense of enjoyment, creativity, and pride in building their own seating. Additionally, some visitors highlighted concerns regarding material comfort and potential theft, which will be addressed in the next development phase.
1.The project began with an urban context study, aligning with the themes set by Knoop XL and Gemeente Eindhoven, which focused on identity, public space, and mental & emotional well-being. The core objective was to enhance the sense of belonging by transforming public spaces into “third places”, fostering ownership and engagement.
2. The design phase prioritized a modular structure, that could resonate with people and could be easily engaged with. The form was built using reclaimed or locally sourced wood to ensure affordability, durability, and weather resistance while adhering to sustainable practices.
3. Inspired by placemaking initiatives, a community workshop was conducted where residents painted the wooden crates, embedding their personal connection to the city into the project.
4. The prototype was then showcased at Dutch Design Week 2024, allowing the public to freely interact with it. Visitors feedback was collected, revealing a strong sense of enjoyment, creativity, and pride in building their own seating. Additionally, some visitors highlighted concerns regarding material comfort and potential theft, which will be addressed in the next development phase.
Build Your Own Throne (BYOT) is can be easily replicated and adapted to urban and rural settings. Both the product and the concept of this project can be transferred with simple modifications to suit local climatic, social, and cultural conditions.
The modular design can be recreated using wooden crates, reclaimed wood, or other locally available materials, ensuring sustainability and accessibility. Future development of the project will explore alternative materials to enhance comfort and durability based on user feedback.
Beyond the physical installation, the concept of engagement and community integration can be applied to other urban design initiatives, allowing people to contribute not just in shaping public spaces but also in choosing materials and design elements. Furthermore, the hands-on interaction and participatory approach demonstrated in BYOT can serve as a model for co-creation in neighbourhood design, strengthening community ties and fostering a greater sense of belonging in shared spaces.
The modular design can be recreated using wooden crates, reclaimed wood, or other locally available materials, ensuring sustainability and accessibility. Future development of the project will explore alternative materials to enhance comfort and durability based on user feedback.
Beyond the physical installation, the concept of engagement and community integration can be applied to other urban design initiatives, allowing people to contribute not just in shaping public spaces but also in choosing materials and design elements. Furthermore, the hands-on interaction and participatory approach demonstrated in BYOT can serve as a model for co-creation in neighbourhood design, strengthening community ties and fostering a greater sense of belonging in shared spaces.
The main global challenge addressed by Build Your Own Throne (BYOT) is the lack of a sense of ownership and belonging in public spaces. Due to migration, urbanization, and globalization, more and more people are moving to the cities. As a result, cities tend to become more diverse, and many people feel disconnected from their urban environments. This project offers a local solution by transforming public spaces into interactive, customizable environments where people can actively participate in shaping their surroundings.
By allowing individuals to build their own seating, BYOT fosters personal involvement, creativity, and social interaction, making urban spaces feel more inclusive and welcoming. This approach also contributes to the broader global discussions on placemaking, participatory design, and social sustainability, demonstrating how thoughtful design interventions can strengthen community ties, improve well-being, and enhance how people experience their cities.
By allowing individuals to build their own seating, BYOT fosters personal involvement, creativity, and social interaction, making urban spaces feel more inclusive and welcoming. This approach also contributes to the broader global discussions on placemaking, participatory design, and social sustainability, demonstrating how thoughtful design interventions can strengthen community ties, improve well-being, and enhance how people experience their cities.
The next phase of Build Your Own Throne (BYOT) focuses on expanding its reach, improving its design, and engaging more communities.
1.Promotion & Dissemination – A key step is increasing awareness of the project by applying for the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prize and sharing the concept with designers, researchers, and urban development stakeholders. The project's visibility will also be increased via exhibitions, conferences, and social media.
2.Design & Material Development – Based on feedback from Dutch Design Week 2024, two major improvements are planned. Firstly, exploring ways to make the installation theft-resistant while maintaining its modular and interactive nature. Secondly, enhancing comfort and durability of the furniture. The current wooden crates are not ideal for long-term outdoor use. Collaboration with makers and material experts will be carried out to explore more durable and sustainable ways and materials that would ensure usability and longevity.
3. Community Outreach & Implementation – Another important step is piloting the project in real urban settings. A potential area is upcoming public space development at the Victoria Park (a residential area near Knoop XL) to engage residents in shaping their communal space. Another potential location is at TU Eindhoven Campus, where local, national and international students can participate in designing and adapting the installation for their own hangout spaces.
Through these steps, BYOT will continue evolving as a community-driven urban intervention, that helps create a sense of belonging.
1.Promotion & Dissemination – A key step is increasing awareness of the project by applying for the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prize and sharing the concept with designers, researchers, and urban development stakeholders. The project's visibility will also be increased via exhibitions, conferences, and social media.
2.Design & Material Development – Based on feedback from Dutch Design Week 2024, two major improvements are planned. Firstly, exploring ways to make the installation theft-resistant while maintaining its modular and interactive nature. Secondly, enhancing comfort and durability of the furniture. The current wooden crates are not ideal for long-term outdoor use. Collaboration with makers and material experts will be carried out to explore more durable and sustainable ways and materials that would ensure usability and longevity.
3. Community Outreach & Implementation – Another important step is piloting the project in real urban settings. A potential area is upcoming public space development at the Victoria Park (a residential area near Knoop XL) to engage residents in shaping their communal space. Another potential location is at TU Eindhoven Campus, where local, national and international students can participate in designing and adapting the installation for their own hangout spaces.
Through these steps, BYOT will continue evolving as a community-driven urban intervention, that helps create a sense of belonging.
