Active Ageing in Tarwewijk, developed within the design studio Designing for Inclusive Care, explores how architectural interventions can enable older adults to live independently, safely, and with dignity within existing housing stock. Set in Rotterdam’s Tarwewijk neighborhood, the project reimagines the outdated yet structurally sound Haagse portiekflats through minimal but strategic design modifications—such as step-free access, new lift cores, adaptable and culturally responsive interiors, and communal spaces that encourage daily interaction. Challenging conventional models of institutional care, the proposal envisions a community-based support network that embeds care within the neighborhood fabric, addressing growing demand amidst a shrinking professional care workforce. More than a technical retrofit, the project is a broader inquiry into what it means to age with autonomy and how thoughtful design can cultivate resilience, connection, and a sense of belonging for older adults.

The intricate relationship between water appropriation, human settlement dynamics, and cultural practices is exemplified in the case of the Klip River in South Africa. This 120-kilometer river, a major tributary of the Vaal River, has been significantly altered by human activities over the past century, particularly due to gold mining in the Witwatersrand region. The consequences of mining, including acid mine drainage and heavy metal pollution, have led to challenges in water quality and ecosystem collapse along the Klip River and its wetland network, impacting downstream areas including the Vaal River and its barrage system. Despite these environmental threats, religious practices such as river baptisms persist along the banks of the Klip River, demonstrating the enduring socio-cultural significance of water despite its compromised state. This paper proposes a novel approach to understanding the intersection of mining-induced alterations to water systems and socio-cultural practices by tracing the trajectory of toxicity along the Klip River. By utilizing diverse sources including archival data, scientific literature, and contemporary accounts, the study aims to geolocate and analyze the impact of mining pollution on the river and its surrounding environment, juxtaposed with the continuation of religious rituals along its banks. This interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from environmental and social sciences, shedding light on the complex interplay between human activities, ecological degradation, and cultural resilience in shaping the Klip River landscape.