Hilke Huysinga

Hilke Huysinga views the influence of the living environment on human behavior from a social planning perspective. She is sought after by municipalities, developers, and healthcare organizations to help develop new approaches that address social challenges through spatial design. With her expertise, she provides a completely different perspective on social opportunities, which can be strengthened through correct choices in planning development. She enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team to examine the task at hand, ensuring that spatial, landscape, and social elements lay a foundation for accessible encounters, ultimately creating a fertile ground for neighborly connections.

For over 15 years, she has been involved as a project manager for healthcare organization Kempenhaeghe in transforming a care facility site into the Netherlands' first inclusive neighborhood (Kloostervelden, Sterksel). This neighborhood is based on reverse integration, where about 500 new neighbors cohabitate with 176 Kempenhaeghe clients. As an ambassador, she has been sharing her knowledge for many years to inspire other initiatives. The project won the international Aim2flourish Award in 2018 with the theme 'No outsider anymore,' the Brabant provincial style award in 2021, and in June 2023, Queen Maxima visited the neighborhood as inspiration and an example for others.

Currently, Hilke works as a freelance advisor, applying her expertise in the development of new courtyards, cloisters, manors, and neighborhoods where living, care, and well-being come together. As a 'talk translator,' she not only speaks the language of healthcare but also understands the interests of developers and the challenges faced by municipalities.