Artist Xander helps students connect with each other

It worked as follows: one resident received a package, while another received a note with the address where that package could be picked up. They then had to unpack it together. In this way, around fifty addresses were connected. The aim was to reduce loneliness and improve the atmosphere at the Science Park.

Xander came up with the idea when he was working as a bicycle courier. When he delivered a parcel to the neighbours, he thought, “That's going to be a meeting”. Many people live alone in De Bisschoppen, so this would be a way to create more contact.

Every address in the apartment building was approached to participate in the project. Xander expected that not everyone would want to participate. Many people indicated that they already had a large social network. Differences in life stages also played a role: the residential tower is home to a mix of first-year students, young professionals and PhD students.

WhatsApp group for games
For those who came to the drinks party, the project was a success. One resident said that the meeting packages now make it easier for him to drop in on someone else and that he expects to continue doing so. Several students said that contact with their neighbours has improved.

Another resident said he had started a board game group within the residential tower to make more contact himself. According to him, that was something that had been missing before. A WhatsApp group is used to call for people who would like to visit someone's home, for example to play a game. All it took was a poster at the lift entrance.

Door hanger for contact
During the pub quiz and drinks on the roof terrace, Xander asked participants to indicate what they felt was missing in their living environment. The conversations mainly revealed a lack of a supermarket and entertainment venues. Residents also said that feelings of loneliness were not uncommon and that it took a lot of effort to meet other people. These problems have been known for some time.

The art project was realised in collaboration with the Municipality of Utrecht, SSH, Docks Speciaalmakelaars, and Utrecht Science Park, with the aim of improving the quality of life of the residents.

At the end of the pub quiz, participants were given a door hanger with two sides: one side for when they felt like socialising, and one for when they didn't have the space to do so. This final gift marked the end of the project.