Cities are facing a growing housing shortage while available space is becoming increasingly limited. At the same time, many industrial areas within cities are underused and disconnected from daily urban life. This graduation project explores how industrial sites can be transformed into socially sustainable, multifunctional neighborhoods without using additional land.

The research investigates how living, working, public and retail functions can be integrated within an industrial context to foster social cohesion and create a thriving community. Particular attention is given to the role of timber and biophilic design principles, not only as sustainable construction strategies but also as tools to enhance spatial experience, material tactility and human well-being.

Through a combination of literature research, case study analysis and research-through-design, a design strategy is developed for the Houtveemloods in the Minervahaven area of Amsterdam. The proposal introduces a public social hub within the existing industrial structure, combined with residential units positioned above and closely connected to the communal spaces below. The housing is conceived as modular, timber-based “treehouse-like” dwellings that maintain a strong relationship with greenery, shared outdoor spaces and the social life of the neighborhood.

The project demonstrates that the transformation of industrial areas into mixed-use environments can address housing shortages while simultaneously strengthening community life, improving environmental quality and preserving the industrial identity of the site.
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