Children as key keepers, preserving heritage

Nowadays, lots of churches in Groningen are abandoned. While the churches may not be in use in their original meaning, the buildings do form a part of our collective heritage. ”Stichting Oude Groninger Kerken" is a foundation that takes care of them and struggled with the question how to give the buildings new meaning in the lives of the people in the village.

We believe we have found the answer: we gave the churches back to their most important inhabitants, the children. We literally gave them the key of the front door. And asked them to keep it. They became key keepers. 

This led to an exciting game for schoolchildren, designed to educate about the history of their church in order for them to see the value of their heritage. The children have to work together in and around the church to find answers. Ultimate goal is to unlock the game church.

Studio 212 Fahrenheit was founded by Albert Buring (Amsterdam, 1977) and Paul Mulder (Oldekerk, 1979). Studio 212 Fahrenheit is a Dutch design studio aiming to surprise clients, but especially our audiences by creating distinctive design for spaces, installations, products and art. We create specific designs for governments, agencies, brands and museums. We are Groningen-based but work internationally.

2015: Finalist European Design Award, Istanbul; 2016: Winner European Design Award Silver, Vienna; 2016: Winner International Design Award Silver; 2016: Winner International Design Award Bronze; 2016: Winner Honorable Mention International Design Award; 2016: Winner Reddot Award, Berlin; 2017: Winner International Design Award Silver; 2018: Winner German Design Award, Frankfurt; 2018: Winner German Design Award, Frankfurt; 2018: Winner Honorable Mention International Design Award.