Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant global increase in mental health disorders, predicted to rise even further. University students are particularly affected due to their high prevalence of and sensitivity to mental health-related problems. Specifically in the Netherlands, this is further exacerbated by the ongoing housing crisis, which forces many students into poor-quality, cramped accommodations. This research explores how phenomenological principles can inform student housing design to enhance mental well-being. Using a literature review, case studies, interviews, and participatory sketching, the study identifies key architectural elements that support mental well-being. Among these, the most important findings highlight the importance of accessible and visible greenery from the dwelling, ample direct sunlight, quiet bedrooms, communal spaces and the presence of a courtyard.

In the Netherlands, population aging and double aging are leading to a significant increase in the number of people with dementia. At the same time, the healthcare sector is facing severe staff shortages, and current living conditions are often not aligned with the needs of this target group. This societal challenge forms the basis for the central research question: “How can insights from the Hogeweyk Care Concept and dementia-friendly architecture be used to develop a care and living environment for people with dementia in the Tarwewijk?”

This research has resulted in the development of design guidelines from three perspectives: architectural, care-related, and location-specific. These guidelines contribute to a holistic design that, on the one hand, improves the quality of life for people with dementia, and on the other hand, addresses the pressure on the healthcare sector. The design principles can be applied at various scales: from a dementia-friendly neighborhood that emphasizes social cohesion, to the room level, where a homely and recognizable environment is provided.

In addition to improving the formal care structure, the research also focuses on strengthening informal care. By designing with the aim of creating communities at the neighborhood and district level, mutual involvement is stimulated.

As urban individualism intensifies, communities face increasing levels of social fragmentation and isolation, especially in cities like Rotterdam, where nearly half of all households are single-person households. In Tarwewijk, a diverse and often vulnerable neighborhood, these challenges are deeply felt. This research explores how multigenerational housing communities, through architectural and spatial design, can actively promote social cohesion, mutual support, and ecological sustainability.

The central question guiding this study is: Can a multigenerational housing community concept promote social cohesion, in for example the Tarwewijk? Through a multidisciplinary methodology, including literature review, fieldwork, site analysis, mapping, data collection, and case studies, the research identifies spatial strategies that foster meaningful intergenerational interaction while supporting broader ecosystem goals.

Findings highlight the importance of shared, inclusive spaces such as communal gardens, flexible indoor areas, and layered access systems that encourage both planned and spontaneous social encounters. Another core aspect of the design approach is the integration of sustainable building materials, such as recycled concrete and rammed earth, and circular construction strategies that reduce environmental impact. The greenery structure is used not only for climate adaptation but also as a social connector, providing biodiverse, multifunctional outdoor spaces that invite community building.

This project proposes a living environment where sustainability, community, and mutual support are interwoven, balancing privacy with shared responsibility, and ecological health with human well-being. By leveraging Tarwewijk’s demographic diversity and aligning architectural solutions with ecological systems, multigenerational housing can create resilient, socially rich neighborhoods.

This study focuses on the challenges and opportunities in developing
age-friendly living environments in Tarwewijk, Rotterdam. The research highlights the importance of supporting elderly to live independently within their community by addressing deficiencies in housing, accessibility, and social cohesion. Using the WHO Age-Friendly Cities framework and case studies, including the Knarrenhof concept, the study explores design solutions such as fostering interactions in various zones of a building, shared spaces and routes, and accessible infrastructure. The three pillars – building, community, and care – form the foundation, with a stronger community reducing the need for formal care for elderly. The findings serve as a design guide for creating sustainable, supportive environments that promote independence and social cohesion.