The goal of the municipality of Amsterdam is to build 150.000 houses before 2050 within the borders of Amsterdam, combined with the growing number of loneliness in Amsterdam, could result in both mental health problems and social problems. When these new houses are not planned properly, the quality of living in Amsterdam will drastically lower. Due to these problems, this research will focus on the relationship between neighbours and residents of large-scale city blocks. This will be done by researching and improving the social interaction between neighbours to lower the levels of loneliness and ensure a feeling of ‘home’ within a large-scale city block. The main research question will therefore be: How can large-scale city blocks be improved to create more opportunities for social interaction between neighbours?”. Ultimately, this research aims to find design guidelines that can be used to design a large-scale city block without undermining the unique qualities of the project.

This thesis aims to investigate the impact of green architecture features on the well-being of children and staff in Dutch preschools, addressing a gap in previous research. It considers six forms of well-being: physical, emotional, environmental, financial, personal development, and work-life balance. Seven green architecture features are outlined: energy efficiency, water efficiency, environmentally preferred building materials, waste reduction, toxic reduction, indoor air quality, and smart growth. Greenery in architecture is noted to reduce stress, promote social interactions, support child development, stimulate personal growth, and encourage physical activity, with potential drawbacks such as allergic reactions and excessive sunlight exposure.

Four Dutch preschools, Open Air School, Het Volle Leven, IKC De Kleine Kapitein, and De Avonturier, are analyzed, highlighting the impact of Green Architecture features on the well-being of the children and staff and how this is visible in architectural elements. Common green architecture implementations include biodiversity, waste reduction, strategic window placement for airflow and natural light, and multifunctional layouts supporting interaction and ventilation. These features positively influence energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and smart growth, ultimately enhancing physical and emotional well-being.