‘Fabric for Dialogue’ (Stof voor Gesprek) is a textile project to give insight into how neighborhoods are evaluated on their ‘livability’. In The Netherlands, neighborhoods are regularly measured by the ‘Leefbaarometer’, a governmental tool that visualizes how cities, municipalities and neighborhoods ‘score’ in terms of livability. In this methodology, also used by policy makers, the following definition is used for ‘livability’: 'Livability is the extent to which the environment corresponds to the requirements and wishes set by humans'.

The ‘Leefbaarometer’ works with 100 indicators, categorized in 5 dimensions, that together lead to one final score. The final score for the Oude Noorden is evaluated as ‘Weak’.

In their collaborative research for Taskforce Fashion, Lena Winterink and Lisanne Janssen decided to look into the 100 different indicators that led to this outcome. To their surprise, they could only retrieve data of the 5 dimension scores and the final score, but not of the 100 individual indicators that were used to score the Oude Noorden.

Which parameters led the Leefbaarometer to score the Oude Noorden as weak? According to the Leefbaarometer, anything that deviates from the norm constitutes a negative score on the quality of life. But what is that norm? And whose wishes and requirements are being taken into account? With this project, Lena and Lisanne provide insight into indicators that inform the 'Leefbaarometer' and also create a space for conversation about what is important (to local residents) for the quality of life in the Oude Noorden.

In its first version ‘Fabric for Dialogue’ provides inhabitants and involved parties the chance to add on indicators and fill in the data themselves on a big table-canvas. Visitors can use the colors as indicated in the legenda to fill out their own ‘Leefbaarometer’ scores. There is also plenty of space on the textile canvas to leave notes or comments. In this way, we will create a personal version of the ‘Leefbaarometer’ of which the scores are visible and accessible to the public.

With the second work for ‘Fabric for Dialogue’, we give insight, by means of a woven cloth, into the indicators on which the Leefbarometer is based, and invite reflection and dialogue. The fabric can be used as a tablecloth during important dinners and meetings with those involved making decisions about different neighbourhoods.