Michi Noeki

Michi Noeki is an innovative concept for public space and community meeting places originating from Japan, translated to the context of the Oosterparkwijk neighbourhood in Groningen. In Japan, Michi-no-Eki literally means “roadside station”: low-threshold places along roads that connect travellers and local communities through regional culture, local products and social interaction.

In Groningen, this idea has been adapted into a small-scale, neighbourhood-oriented meeting place located at Wielewaalplein in the Oosterparkwijk. The Michi Noeki emerged from the design competition Who Cares? and was developed in close collaboration with residents, professionals and designers. The small pavilion offers space to sit down, have a cup of coffee, use a toilet or simply meet others; key elements of what we define as social infrastructure.

The Michi Noeki is a collaboration the UG, Vollmer & Partners, WerkPro, the Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health, and Gemeente Groningen.

Why a Michi Noeki?

In many urban neighbourhoods, traditional meeting places such as shops, cafés and public facilities are disappearing. The Michi Noeki responds to this development by functioning as an informal, public resting and meeting place where:

• neighbours can meet each other,

• volunteers are actively involved,

• social participation is encouraged,

• loneliness can be reduced, and

• mobility within the neighbourhood is supported.

The meeting place functions as a “neighbourhood stopover”; a low-threshold public space that not only provides a place to rest, but also strengthens social cohesion in the area.

What does the research report show?

Commissioned by the Municipality of Groningen, researchers Sander van Lanen and Louise Meijering from the University of Groningen conducted an in-depth qualitative study into the use and societal value of the Michi Noeki in the Oosterparkwijk. Key findings include:

• The Michi Noeki is used by a broad group of neighbourhood residents — particularly older adults — and contributes to the development of new social contacts.

• For many visitors, the location serves as an accessible place to have a cup of coffee, take a break or pause during daily walking routes.

• Visitors and volunteers experience the Michi Noeki as an important support for social interaction, participation and mobility within the neighbourhood.

The report demonstrates that the Michi Noeki is a valuable addition to existing social infrastructure and provides insights into how similar meeting places could be implemented in other residential neighbourhoods.