oPEN Lab: Managing citizen expectations, from design to renovation execution. 

In early December, the Genk oPEN Living Lab hosted a reflexive monitoring session designed to deepen insights and maximise the impact of the ongoing renovation work in the “Waterschei” neighbourhood.   

This session, led by Waldo Galle and Sarah Martens from VITO, aimed to leverage the wealth of experiences gained throughout the past 3 years, including unexpected learnings. Project partners in Genk were invited to reflect on their most pressing challenges.  

From design to renovation execution, managing expectations 

Together, Genk OPEN Lab partners deconstructed the following challenges:  

Managing citizen expectations: which strategies are we adopting to align project goals with community aspirations? 

Optimising the renovation process: A critical review of the entire journey, from design to execution, to identify ways to minimise delays and frustration. 

Navigating real-life lab complexities: Addressing the challenges of operating in inhabited dwellings, such as handling vast amounts of sensors and maintaining effective interaction with inhabitants. 

A Methodical Approach to Reflection 

Through a hands-on, analytical approach, participants deconstructed these challenges into their core components, explored relationships and underlying concepts, and collaboratively sought actionable steps for improvement. 

The exercise began with practical, experience-based issues. Challenges were broken down into building blocks, such as involved actors, employed methods, supporting or hindering rules, habits, or assumptions.  

3D shapes were used to create tangible visualisations of relationships and concepts to aid this reflective process. These “constellations” provided a dynamic way to reimagine experiences and foster innovative discussions. 

Outcomes and Next Steps 

By framing challenges as learning opportunities, the session opened pathways to increase the impact of the ongoing renovation efforts. These reflections bring Waterschei’s ambition to become a Positive Energy Neighbourhood closer to reality, paving the way for improved processes and stronger community alignment.