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Future residents of Poppies joined MaMa for a first walkthrough and creative session, shaping the spaces and culture of this new living ecosystem.
There's something quietly powerful about standing in a place that's about to become your home — especially when you're there to help shape what it becomes.
Recently, we gathered at Poppies for a meaningful milestone: our very first meeting with the MaMa Pioneers Ambassadors. These future residents have stepped forward to co-create the foundation of what will soon be a vibrant, sustainable, and socially connected living community in Buiksloterham.
Community forms the starting point of the living experience at MaMa Pioneers. This vision materialised as we welcomed our ambassadors — residents taking an active role in defining what Poppies will represent both within and beyond its physical structure.
Walking through the building together offered a unique opportunity. Although not yet fully finalised, the space already invited imagination and possibility. Many ambassadors were experiencing the building for the first time, with expressions of curiosity and wonder that captured the essence of what we're creating.
Throughout the building — studios, gardens, rooftop, galleries, coworking and social spaces — conversations flourished about how each area might evolve and come alive through community interaction. Every corner of Poppies serves as an invitation for encounter, collaboration, and expression. Imagine rooftop gardening sessions under open skies, impromptu gatherings in the community kitchen, creative collaborations in the coworking space, and spontaneous conversations along the galleries that playfully connect the studios. Already, imagination transforms architectural elements into the foundation of community life.
Each of our ambassadors is stepping into a role that reflects a distinct dimension of community life: from Biodiversity and Rooftop Farming to Food, Arts & Culture, Fitness & Well-being, Shared Networks, and Hosting. These roles are essential, closely linked to the design and intent of the building itself. Every shared space at Poppies was created with the idea that residents would be the ones to activate it, transform it, and give it meaning.
These ambassadors embody our commitment to sustainability and social impact, serving as stewards who will inspire and empower others to explore creativity, live in harmony with people and planet, and seize new opportunities. By actively caring for our shared spaces and encouraging collaboration, they help cultivate a vibrant community where everyone feels at home.
After the tour, we came together for our first ambassador focus session. We explored what it means to build a community from the ground up — what each ambassador hopes to bring, and how their passions intersect with MaMa's sustainability pillars: Future-Proof & Climate Resilience, Circular & Renewable Materials, Powered by Natural Resources, Urban Nature & Biodiversity, Well-Being & Healthy Living, and Social Cohesion & Belonging
The day was filled with laughter, personal stories, and discoveries of common interests. Beyond discussing roles and responsibilities, we began establishing connections and appreciating the diversity of ideas and energies that will make this place truly unique.
This gathering offers a glimpse into the culture that will define MaMa. It reflects our approach to placemaking: empowering people to be stewards of their environment, and designing buildings that are both sustainable and socially alive.
At MaMa Pioneers, we embody the values of curiosity, family, harmony, and entrepreneurial spirit. We're creating living ecosystems — places where people don't just live, but grow. With our ambassadors leading the way, Poppies is becoming a true playground for curious and ambitious minds, exploring opportunities within our community and beyond—activating shared spaces, connecting with neighbours, and nurturing an environment where every resident feels at home.
