This data-driven tool offers detailed insights into well-being factors and represents a crucial step towards improving well-being in the region around Schiphol. The pilot is integrated into the Digital Twin platform that we previously developed for SADC, contributing to the realization of their 'Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).' In doing so, we provide an integrated approach that ensures a healthier and more enjoyable environment for everyone who visits and works in these areas.

What Makes This Pilot Special?

When discussing Broad Prosperity, the focus is typically on residential areas. Although we spend a significant part of our day in our work environment, work locations are still often overlooked. For this reason, in this project, we specifically focused on work locations and selected two study areas: Schiphol Trade Park (STP) and De President. STP is still in the early stages of development with limited activity, while De President has an already more extensive business park. In this analysis, we concentrate on two crucial aspects of 'Broad Well-being': the quality of the spatial context of the work environment (health) and the accessibility of amenities (proximity).

Method

We have employed a detailed methodology by identifying various spatial indicators that directly or indirectly contribute to Broad Prosperity in work locations. Building on insights from our previous GOBR project, we divided 'health' into three themes: physical, mental, and social health. For physical health, we considered factors like air quality, heat stress, and infrastructure supporting physical activity. Mental health was assessed through noise pollution, environmental factors and safety, while social health was linked to conditions encouraging social activities, such as benches. We categorized the public space into three typologies: urban greenery, urban space, and streetscapes, establishing Health Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each theme and typology, as well as for proximity.

These indicators were then evaluated and weighted, allowing us to determine the extent to which they contribute to or hinder Broad Prosperity in each subarea. Our interactive dashboard provides a platform to explore these insights and individual indicators. The perspective on Broad Prosperity is still evolving and is likely to be refined in the future. Therefore, the model is designed to be modular, enabling the addition of future themes and KPIs, making it an adaptable model.

Next Steps

Following the successful completion of this pilot, we have identified various possibilities for expansion. This includes researching the accessibility of amenities by car and public transportation, and scaling up the research to cover the entire SADC Schiphol corridor. Additionally, we are looking into broadening the scope by integrating it with other modules in the SADC Digital Twin and by testing various development scenarios to enhance well-being in the area. We are currently working on an ecological and financial module for SADC, but there are plenty of other themes left to explore!