Creating Meeting Spaces with Ukrainian Youth

What makes this project so valuable is that young people shape a space where they truly feel safe and welcome. That sense of ownership can make a real difference.

– Marianne van Bochove

Introduction

Researchers from the research group Grootstedelijke Ontwikkelingen work together with Ukrainian youth to create meeting spaces in reception centres in Den Haag and Zoetermeer. Together, they design and realise spaces for relaxation, social interaction, and activities. The project contributes to healing environments that support the wellbeing of young people.

Project Background

Many meeting spaces in reception centres do not match the wishes and needs of Ukrainian teenagers and young adults. At the same time, their mental wellbeing is under pressure due to war, uncertainty, and displacement. Research on healing environments shows that aspects such as light, colour, privacy, and autonomy can contribute to improved wellbeing. This project explores what young people themselves value in a meeting space.

Objective

To co-create meeting spaces with Ukrainian youth that support relaxation, social connection, and wellbeing.

Target Group

The project focuses on Ukrainian young people aged 13 to 23 living in reception centres in The Hague and Zoetermeer. Students, researchers, and reception centre staff are also actively involved in the project.

Method

The research uses a participatory action research approach in which young people actively contribute to imagining, designing, and realising the spaces. Through workshops focused on dreaming, designing, and creating, participants jointly develop meeting spaces. Observations and informal conversations provide insight into how the spaces are used and experienced.

Results

The project will realise two meeting spaces together with Ukrainian youth in reception centres. In addition, the research will produce a scientific article, a workshop titled Creating a Place during the Week of Just Living Together, and a news article about the project.

Impact

The project contributes to the mental wellbeing of Ukrainian youth by creating safe and meaningful meeting spaces. Young people experience greater ownership, connection, and opportunities for relaxation. The research also generates new insights into participatory approaches to designing healing environments within reception centres.

More Information

During the project, a workshop titled Creating a Place will be organised during the Week of Just Living Together.

Start and End Date

September 2025 – September 2026

Funding

The research is funded by the Hague University of Applied Sciences through the theme Just Living Together. Rotary clubs Voorburg-Vliet and Zoetermeer co-fund the material costs for the meeting spaces.

Collaboration

The project collaborates with:

• TU Delft 
• Rotaryclubs Voorburg-Vliet en Zoetermeer 
• Opvanglocaties Oekraïense ontheemden Den Haag en Zoetermeer 

Researchers and students from TU Delft contribute expertise on care, physical space, and healing environments. The reception centres were selected in collaboration with the municipalities of The Hague and Zoetermeer.

Team

• Marianne van Bochove 
• Stefanie Schuddebeurs 
• Stephan van Berkel 
• Kenan Bayrak 
• Anastasiia Navaliana 
• Arjan Hoeblal 

Contact

Marianne van Bochove
[email protected]