My research interest stems from a personal fascination with finding calm in a fast-paced society. Throughout my life, I have often struggled to feel truly relaxed in urban environments, particularly during my time living in Rotterdam. At times, I found it freeing to escape to the rural area where I grew up. However, I believe that by becoming more familiar with city spaces and discovering pockets of relaxation, it is possible to reduce this tension, making city life more manageable and enjoyable.
Despite these challenges, I find urban life exciting and dynamic. There is always something happening. Yet, I am driven by the question of whether the seeming contradiction between the vibrancy of cities and the need for tranquility can be reconciled.
This interest is not purely personal. Rising stress levels are a societal concern (Lederbogen et al., 2011), and I believe hat while architecture alone cannot fully solve this issue, it can play a vital role. Cities are also becoming increasingly anonymous, as traditional communal spaces fade or transform. For example, the diminishing role of churches, once central as spiritual and social gathering points, reflects broader social shifts (Gehl, 2010). The growing sense of individualism presents not only social challenges but also spatial ones. If we can find better ways to share spaces and functions while maintaining a feeling of ownership, we can each enjoy more usable square meters in our daily lives, without needing to increase the total built space (Hertzberger, 1991).
Today’s cities are busier than ever. As urban populations grow, life becomes increasingly fast-paced, dense, and disconnected. This intensification leads to higher levels of urban stress, manifesting in anxiety and social isolation (Evans, 2003). Amid this intensity, people still long for places of solitude, reflection, and connection places where they can pause, recharge, and feel a sense of belonging. These urban sanctuaries, often modest and tucked within the city fabric, offer tranquility and connection despite the lively urban context.
Through my research, I seek to highlight the importance of these urban sanctuaries, demonstrating their value and exploring how their qualities can be incorporated into architectural design.