On April 2, the renewed Middenboulevard will be officially opened by Queen Máxima. After more than two years of work, the redevelopment of the boulevard has been completed. The section between De Pier and Museum Beelden aan Zee has been redesigned, widened, and improved to better accommodate visitors.
As part of this redevelopment, a digital infrastructure has been installed, based on he integrated system design of Living Lab Scheveningen.
Digital infrastructure beneath the boulevard
Along the coastline, a fibre optic network has been installed as part of the digital infrastructure, running from Zwarte Pad to the Zuidelijk HavenhoofdThis provides a foundation for addressing urban and societal challenges using digital technology.
Beneath the Middenboulevard lies a network of fibre optic cables and connections that together form the digital backbone. Along the boulevard, 48 connection points have been installed for sensors, such as cameras and real-time monitoring equipment capable of processing large amounts of data.
These applications are integrated into the public space, for example in lampposts, kiosks, digital information boards, and beach facilities, ensuring they are used efficiently and carefully embedded in the environment. As part of Living Lab Scheveningen, the Middenboulevard is now ready for the future.
New opportunities for urban challenges
The digital infrastructure beneath the Middenboulevard builds on insights gained from the Noordboulevard. In this way, the network continues to expand, creating more opportunities to address urban challenges in public space.
This expansion makes it possible to deploy sensors and technological applications in multiple locations, depending on the situation. For example, to measure crowd levels, inform visitors, and better understand how the area is used.
This helps keep visitor flows moving, identify bottlenecks in time, and ensure the boulevard remains attractive, safe, and accessible, especially during busy periods such as events or warm days.
What’s next
The Middenboulevard represents the next step, where applications from Living Lab Scheveningen are put into practice and further developed. The insights gained here enable broader deployment of these solutions in area development, including key development areas in The Hague such as the Central Innovation District and the Binckhorst.
Together with partners and entrepreneurs, new applications can be developed that contribute to the safety, accessibility, and livability of the city.