Timmermans worked at the asylum seeker center in Oisterwijk, which is to be redeveloped. With her design, a space between the center and the neighborhood, asylum seekers can exchange knowledge and people living nearby can visit, so they can learn from one another.

The jury was full of praise for the way in which Timmermans uses the target group's own strengths. ‘The involvement of the target group was clearly felt and this makes the project strong and impactful,’ writes the municipality of Eindhoven in a press release about the award ceremony. ‘This makes the project not only socially relevant, but also personally valuable for the participants.’

The first prize that Timmermans will receive is ten thousand euros, in the form of an assignment to further develop her concept. In addition, she will receive three thousand euros worth of coaching.

Green journal

The second prize also went to an Industrial Design at TU/e: Vere Vreeswijk, for her project ‘Becoming climate friendly journal'. She developed a journal that focuses on growth and helps people make an active contribution to the climate transition by giving them community assignments and allowing them to share knowledge in order to encourage a change of behavior.

The prizes were presented by alderperson Saskia Lammers (Culture and Design) over a breakfast at Kazerne. The award is presented annually to graduates of the Industrial Design program and students of the Design Academy and SintLucas for a project with social relevance, such as inclusion, housing, mobility, sustainability, and healthcare. All prize winners are offered professional help in exploring their opportunities for starting a business.