This project investigates the potential for social integration, social mix, and social cohesion by densification in post-war neighbourhoods with Den Haag Zuidwest as a case study location. The current status of housing and public spaces in post-war neighbourhoods results in challenges regarding social segregation and social dissolution that are at the moment mostly tackled by the regeneration of entire neighbourhoods with little consideration of the existing population. Additionally, a pressing need for additional housing and densification within city borders with limited available urban space. The project looks for an approach that prioritizes the residents’ interests over systematic demolition and gentrification.

Densification of post-war neighbourhoods has the potential to help achieve social goals by increasing physical and psychological connections between a neighbourhood and the rest of the city, increasing population diversity, and improving social cohesion. Densification can shift the city's focus to currently deprived post-war neighbourhoods which can result in the enhancement of public spaces.

These social goals can be achieved through densification with a set of specific design principles that focus on; better and differentiated physical connectivity to enhance social integration and social mix, spaces for diversity and inclusivity for more social mix and social cohesion, and a more distinct character and composition in the neighbourhood to contribute to social integration and social cohesion. Additionally, densification can provide financial incentives for the renovation of the existing building stock and improvements in the public space.

Current visions and structure plans for Zuidwest and similar post-war neighbourhoods suggest a variety of improvements in the social realm, but they fail to present clear guidelines on how to achieve these goals with spatial interventions. These plans are often vaguely described and do not present specific concrete rules and guidelines which results in a slackening of these plans during implementation, failing to have solved the problems at the end of large-scale interventions.

This project aims to do things differently by starting with a problem statement and a vision for the improvement of the situation in Den Haag Zuidwest. Thereafter, this research provides an elaborated structure plan for Zuidwest as a whole, which proposes improved connectivity and differentiation and an exploration of the potential for densification. Then, where most plans tend to stop, the research presents a design for an exemplary more zoomed-in location with an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity and character and composition in combination with the aforementioned structure plan. To be able to translate the findings from this research and design approach for a specific location within Zuidwest, a set of rules is derived from the design that can be applied in the design of other locations in Zuidwest. Additionally, indications for phasing, stakeholder involvement and financial feasibility are given.

Lastly, a short note of the possibility for transferability to similar post-war neighbourhoods with similar problems is explored to increase this research's relevance.

To conclude, this project explores how spatial design and densification can improve social integration, social mix, and social cohesion in post-war neighbourhoods most of which are lacking. The research focuses on the potential symbiotic relationship between densification and these social goals. In the hope of advocating for more in-depth redevelopment visions and plans for derived post-war neighbourhoods. ... Read more

In recent years the need for action against climate change has severely grown. Action is needed now and circularity can help to make sectors more sustainable. The agri-food sector plays a big role in this, as we need three times the surface area of our country to support the needs of the inhabitants.The agri-food sector is putting too much pressure on space and resources and this pressure will only increase as the population continues to grow. However, by creating spaces that are used more efficiently this pressure can be reduced while also providing for a growing population.Decreasing the pressure of the agrifood sector on space and resources will lead to a drastically new South Holland in 2050. To achieve this new South Holland, research will be done on several aspects. First the current situation needs to be analysed. Furthermore, research is needed on possible interventions and the future implications of these interventions. After extensive research is done, a vision of 2050 can be formulated:By 2050, both the land and the sea are used in a space-efficient way, reducing the (carbon-) footprint of the province and providing more food for its own population. Buying and eating local food have encouraged people to become more aware of the process and where the food comes from. This has resulted in a shift in diet and the inefficient space for cattle farms is reduced.This conversion provides space for nature, housing and agriculture while also leaving room for the plans of the next generation. By reducing the meat and the dairy industry, space opens up for more nature and some small scale housing in the green heart. To replace the loss of dietary protein, the province makes a shift towards seaweed and aquaculture. More circularity is achieved through the use of “waste” streams of the harbour, horticulture, arable farming and the meat and dairy industry ... Read more