
Tucked under a busy highway in Eindhoven’s Strijp-S area is a wonderful new space that was created by local designer Piet Hein Eek and directed by the “Drenthe Village Angels.” The space, which was created using recycled doors and windows, was first opened during Dutch Design Week 2012. The space works as a local community center throughout the year, where residents can get together over tea and coffee.
The use of recycled doors and windows makes a whimsical wall that lets plenty of natural light into the space. With a beautiful sustainable aesthetic that is both imaginative and fun, the Drenthe Village Headquarters provides a safe space for everybody to enjoy making the area a better place to live in.

For the most recent edition of Dutch Design Week, Drenthe Village residents created an exhibition of contemporary objects and photographs proudly lunching their own line called Village Design label. From recycled fabric mice toys by Otman & Ria to strange looking wooden furniture, local residents created everything. Tsjalke also produced a couple of perforated wooden lamps that project wonderful lacey images when they are lit.
Flat-pack cardboard stools situated around a recycled wooden table provide a space to relax and meet people during the Dutch design event. The “Tattoo Tafel” table features all the locals’ tattoos. There were also some nice colorful pictures of the many dinners, parades and other public events that have happened in the area.

A wonderful space by residents for the residents that has gone public for the big design event, Drenthe Village Headquarters is a cute example of how to think globally and act locally.
+ Drenthe Village Headquarters
+ Piet Hein Eek
+ Dutch Design Week 2012
Photo © Ana Lisa Alperovich for Inhabitat