Spatial planning and façade design in relation to public or private functions are factors that are considered within every design project. While this applies for newly constructed building projects, it can pose a significant challenge in redesign projects, especially when heritage values and a potential shift from an originally private function to a public function are considered. This study focusses on the approach of spatial planning and façade design by delving deeper into the topic of transparency which herein relates to openness, visibility, proportion, connection and materiality. By conducting a spatial analysis following the space syntax framework of Bill Hillier (2007) and by looking at several literary sources regarding the psychological aspects of façade transparency and transparent materials, the study concluded with an optimalization diagram. By looking at the case study of the redevelopment of the Koudenhorn police station, the study shows how several interventions can be made based on an optimalization of spatial relations, façade transparency and conserving heritage values.

Over the course of the 20th century, healthcare in general has seen many beneficial developments (e.g. medicine, procedures, hygiene etc.) However, when looking at assisted living facilities for mentally disabled people, a development towards an environment that largely resembles hospitals can be observed (den Duik 2015). Since the main purpose of these institutions is not to heal but to accommodate, the question arises how these institutes can strive to provide a real home for its inhabitants. This thesis presents several design considerations that may serve useful within the design process to aid into reaching this goal. These considerations are based on studying the Thomashuizen concept which was initiated by Hans van Putten with the same goal in mind. This concept is compared to the Rudolf Steiner clinic as a historical precedent from the interbellum period which is known to deviate from other historical conventional examples. After a thorough analysis, the concepts of scale, context, image and pragmatism were identified as aspects that could be considered when designing an institute that provides assisted living for mentally disabled people. A small scale may be adapted to provide a family community and more attention per inhabitant, the typologies of the farmhouse and the mansion complement this scale and fit into either the urban or rural context, while at the same time they carry the image of a home. Furthermore a pragmatic approach can be used to design space syntax in order to avoid complex interventions and thereby harming the overall image of a building.