Open Call Room for Justice

room for justice
In virtually every future vision on spatial planning or otherwise, justice and inclusion are mentioned as important objectives, and rightly so. But what these terms mean exactly and how they can be given shape, remains unclear. In order for the transformation and development to succeed at every level within our super diverse society – in neighbourhoods, districts, villages, cities and regions – these terms need to be delineated. Only then can the reconversion of the Netherlands be given shape and substance from a consciously defined perspective on justice and inclusion.

In the process of transforming our neighbourhoods, districts, villages, cities and regions, linking the various interests and views, and combining the various perspectives on justice and inclusion in particular, lead to new knowledge, insights and opportunities. Through this open call, we encourage designers, stakeholders and interested parties to link and combine perspectives.

Proposals can be submitted by designers entering into a relevant coalition with concerned parties involved and stakeholders. They could be disadvantaged or unnoticed population groups or their representatives, social initiatives, representatives from the provinces, regions and municipalities, area and project developers, corporations and/or healthcare and welfare organizations. But they could also include diversity and inclusivity activists, segregation and gentrification activists and scientists from the social, economic, political, cultural and spatial domains.

Please note: Designers act as the main applicant and are responsible for the project. Collaborative parties act as co-applicant.

The open call focuses on projects that develop innovative spatial strategies for justice and inclusion, using research by design.

The challenge is to be approached from one or more of the following angles:
- The justice perspective in relation to the scale. Which approach to justice and inclusion on which scale is fruitful? Also, what scales are we talking about here?
- The effect of design in giving initiatives more impact. The emphasis here should be on specifically defining a just and inclusive process. How can we design this in such a way that a diversely composed group of civilians can actually influence the landscape of their social world?
- The influence of justice and inclusion on the space in which we live. Does a definition of justice and inclusion that is clarified in this way lead to radically ‘different’ spatial plans?

Design briefs and the term 'research by design' are explained in the Open Call Room for Justice.

The Open Call Room for Justice is divided into:

first phase
The assessment of the applications in the first phase is split into two parts, namely:
- canvas application: In this phase, you draw up a concise application with the Spatial Design Action [SPA] project canvas. A maximum of 26 applicants will be selected and receive € 3,000 to prepare a project application.
- complete project application: Only the applicants selected in the canvas phase can submit a complete project application of up to €30,000. 12 proposals can be selected.

follow-up phase
At the end of the first phase, a maximum of € 40,000 can be requested for the follow-up phase. With the deployment of design power, The results obtained from the first phase can thus be further developed, engaged by the power of design.

impact phase
At the end of the follow-up phase, it is possible to enhance the impact of the supported projects with a maximum amount of € 7,500.

In order to prepare the application, it is important to acquire the right information based on the following documents:

Open Call Room for Justice
Applications are assessed on the basis of the Open Call Room for Justice, which describes the reason and objective, perspectives, phasing, criteria and procedures.

Open Call Grant Scheme
Applications are assessed on the basis of the Open Call Grant Scheme, which describes the general conditions, grounds for rejection, manner of publication, submission procedure, assessment, the award and any grant obligations.

Spatial Design Action project canvas and explanatory notes
The Spatial Design Action project canvas (in Dutch only) is the core of your application. Check it out in advance so you know what is required of you. Also read the Explanatory Notes to the Spatial Design Action project canvas (in Dutch only).

You will receive information for preparing your full project application at the time your canvas application is selected.

Canvas applications are assessed on the basis of the Open Call Grant Scheme and the Open Call Room for Justice.

assessment criteria
- research question in relation to the open call’s theme;
- positioning with respect to existing knowledge on the theme within the area of expertise, and how that positioning is translated into an approach;
- relevance of the intended collaborations with respect to the approach to the issue.

The assessment criteria for the canvas applications are explained in the Open Call Room for Justice. This also contains the assessment criteria for project applications.

Please note: Article 8 (Contents of the application) of the Open Call Grant Scheme does not apply to the canvas application within this open call.

acceptance
When you have submitted your application, the Fund Desk will check if your application complies with the formal requirements of the Open Call Grant Scheme.

assessment
An independent advisory committee will assess your application on the basis of the Open Call Grant Scheme and the Open Call Room for Justice. The committee advises the Fund’s Board.

decision
The Board takes account of the committee’s advice in its decision on the rejection or provision of the grant. You will be notified about the result in a decision.

final selection
Selected applicants may submit a full project application. The closing date for this is 27 November 2023. These applications will also be assessed by the advisory committee.

accountability
If you receive a grant from the Fund, then you will have to comply with the obligations. Two weeks before the conclusion of your project, you will be asked by email to submit your accountability form in the application environment.

Open Oproep Room for Justice
Open Call Grant Scheme
Spatial Design Action project canvas (in Dutch only)
Explanatory Notes to the Spatial Design Action project canvas (in Dutch only)