Publications
Enhancing the Modal Split in Paramaribo Through Design-Driven Participatory Action Research Fuelled by Urban Tactics
A balanced modal split in urban mobility is not achievable through a one-size-fits-all strategy, particularly in contexts of weak governance. This study demonstrates that design-driven participatory action research (DD-PAR) can serve as an effective governance strategy to address mobility challenges in Paramaribo North, Suriname. Unlike traditional approaches relying on strong government or proactive civil society, DD-PAR leverages academic research and societal engagement to build actor networks and drive action. The case study identifies key actors and preconditions for such networks while offering insights into urban tactics that can pressure governments to implement supportive infrastructure and policies. This approach holds promise for fostering a more diverse modal split in car-dependent urban environments where governance is fragmented.
Reimagining Heerenstraat: Active Heritage in Paramaribo’s Historic Inner City
A collaborative workshop, part of the Paramaribo Urban Rehabilitation Program (PURP), identified Heerenstraat as a key site for sustainable revitalization within Paramaribo’s Historic Inner City. The study, involving TU Delft students and local stakeholders, demonstrated that small-scale interventions—focusing on spatial justice, social participation, and urban liveliness—can effectively enhance the street's potential as an iconic destination. Leveraging Paramaribo’s shared colonial history with Amsterdam, the workshop integrated insights from Dutch-Surinamese perspectives and cultural archives to develop a concrete roadmap for a more inclusive, safe, and vibrant public space.
Colonial Heritage in Paramaribo, Suriname: Legislation and Senses of Ownership, a Dilemma in Preservation?
Effective preservation of colonial heritage, such as the historic inner city of Paramaribo, Suriname, hinges on resolving complex ownership dilemmas and legal challenges. This study reveals that successful monument preservation policies are intricately linked to legal property rights, legislation enforcement, and stakeholder cooperation—especially in multicultural contexts where colonial structures may be perceived as alien. Despite international recognition of heritage value, Paramaribo's case demonstrates persistent tensions between national policy goals and local realities, including economic priorities and political will. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing Suriname's legislative framework and field data to assess its effectiveness, highlighting critical gaps in enforcement and stakeholder engagement that hinder preservation efforts.
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