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.

Inclusivity and equality for individuals with disabilities have been significant throughout history and have had a profound impact over the last 50 years. This thesis examines the development of legislation for this group, the impact of an inaccessible environment on them, and how the library sector has played a pioneering role in promoting inclusivity even before the legal requirements were in place. Using the Public Library of Rotterdam as a case study, it illustrates how a library constructed in 1983 was already working toward an inclusive environment. The examination of the library covers physical accessibility, access to its collection, and its societal role. The thesis concludes that libraries have played a vital role in
advocating for inclusivity for everyone. Through their commitment, libraries have created a welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities, unlike many other aspects of their lives, where exclusion remains a problem. This thesis offers a fresh perspective and calls for a more wholehearted embrace of inclusivity in our built surroundings.