A design-driven participatory action research into the reactivation of the boropasi at Snoopy

In the densely populated, child-rich neighbourhood of Latour in Paramaribo, Suriname, public space is under growing pressure. A boropasi, a fast transit route for slow traffic, offers opportunities to address the shortage of public space in the area. A large piece of government-owned land around Snoopy is currently underused, but in the future it could evolve, alongside its function as a transit route, into a meaningful recreational space for the community.

Through design-driven participatory action research, this project explores how the area is used, how it is experienced, and what value local residents attribute to it. By engaging with the people who live in and move through this space, a shared vision for its future is taking shape.

The strength of the place lies in the interweaving of public and private spheres, in the visible care shown by residents, and in the sense of safety it fosters. Based on extensive fieldwork, five activation principles are formulated: safe play areas, well-structured greenery, inviting seating, accessible food options, and community-driven activities. These principles provide guidance for a phased and feasible future scenario.

This master’s thesis does not propose a fixed blueprint, but rather a process that invites continuous community participation. It offers a model that can be adapted to similar underused spaces elsewhere in Latour.

Reactivating Snoopy illustrates how public space gains depth and meaning through community engagement, and how participatory design can foster socially sustainable neighbourhoods. In this way, boropasi’s become more than just connections between streets, they also connect people, and represent a potential solution to the structural shortage of quality public space in Latour.