The Dutch housing market is under sustained pressure, limiting access to suitable and affordable housing for both long-term residents and people in vulnerable or transitional living situations. In neighbourhoods with a relatively homogeneous housing stock, such as Houtwijk in the Loosduinen district of The Hague, these pressures are intensified. Limited housing diversity restricts residential mobility, blocks generational flow, and inadequately accommodates small households and changing living situations.This graduation project investigates how housing diversity can be architecturally deployed to respond to shared spatial needs across different users, including starters, ageing residents, labour migrants, and people in transitional circumstances. By treating temporary and transitional residence as a recurring condition within the housing system, the project explores how varied dwelling typologies and shared spaces can support healthy living environments. ... Read more

This research investigates how car-dominated woonerven in Houtwijk, The Hague, can be architecturally transformed into healthier public spaces while maintaining essential car access and parking. Although Houtwijk contains substantial green space and retains the spatial structure of a post-war bloemkoolwijk, many of its woonerven no longer perform as collective residential environments. Parking pressure, vehicular circulation, fragmented green space and inactive residential edges limit everyday movement, outdoor use and informal social contact.

The study adopts a research-by-design methodology. Literature research establishes how public space can support health through walking, staying and social interaction, while field observations, photographic documentation, spatial measurements and archival analysis examine how these conditions are currently limited in one courtyard woonerf along the Dr. J. Presserstraat. The research findings show that the main issue is not simply the presence of cars or the absence of green space, but the way collective space is organised: cars dominate the spatial layout, green areas remain residual or inaccessible, and the relationship between dwellings and public space is weak.

These findings are translated into three design principles. First, mobility should be reorganised towards walking-first access without excluding residents who depend on the car. Second, residual and parking-dominated space should be transformed into usable outdoor rooms that invite everyday activity, rest and encounter. Third, hard residential edges should be replaced by layered threshold zones that create a more active relationship between private dwellings and collective public life.
The design proposal demonstrates how these principles can be applied spatially. The Dr. J. Presserstraat is transformed into a pedestrian-priority axis, while car circulation and parking are subordinated through mobility hubs and underground parking. Within the courtyard, released surface space is redesigned as a sequence of outdoor rooms for sitting, play, sport, gardening and communal use, supported by green-blue interventions that improve microclimatic comfort. At the architectural scale, verandas, planted buffers, active ground-floor rooms, increased façade transparency and greater dwelling diversity strengthen everyday use around the courtyard.

The research concludes that the health-supporting potential of the woonerf lies in the interaction between movement, staying and social contact. By reducing car dominance without denying car dependency, existing post-war residential environments can be transformed from parking-oriented spaces into everyday places for healthier public life. ... Read more

This project explores how a paediatric rehabilitation centre can become an active part of everyday community life rather than an isolated healthcare facility. Located in Houtwijk, The Hague, the design combines rehabilitation, education, sports, and social functions within a single environment shared by children undergoing rehabilitation and neighbourhood residents.

The project is guided by five design principles: therapeutic play, child friendly scale, connection to nature, visual connections, and social interaction. These principles are translated into the concept of the Hero’s Journey, where rehabilitation is reimagined as a process of exploration, challenge, and growth. The building is organised around two spatial conditions: the Ordinary World, containing structured and functional programmes, and the Special World, a landscape-like environment where play, therapy, and social encounters overlap.

By embedding rehabilitation within shared spaces for movement and discovery, the project promotes physical development, social inclusion, and meaningful interaction between children and the surrounding community. ... Read more

The Netherlands is facing a rapid demographic shift in which growing numbers of older adults are expected to live independently for longer, while much of the existing housing stock remains ill-suited for ageing in place. This challenge is particularly visible in post-war suburban neighbourhoods such as Houtwijk in The Hague, where many long-term residents now live in multi-storey family homes that no longer support their changing physical and social needs. This graduation project investigates how housing typologies and spatial configurations can support healthy and independent ageing within the existing fabric of Houtwijk. Drawing on literature studies, fieldwork, interviews, workshops, and case study analysis, the research explores how architecture can stimulate movement, social encounter, and daily well-being across the scales of the dwelling, the housing cluster, and the direct living environment. The project introduces the concept of activation architecture: an approach in which movement and informal encounter are embedded within everyday spatial routines through shared circulation spaces, galleries, ramps, visual connections, and collective threshold zones. The design outcome proposes a site-specific housing typology that combines independent dwellings with layered collective spaces, demonstrating how architecture itself can foster healthy ageing, social resilience, and independent living. ... Read more

The ageing population in the Netherlands leads to an increasing demand for suitable housing typologies for older adults. The older generation remains in their family home due to financial and social factors. The problem is clearly visible in Houtwijk, a neighborhood in The Hague. A large amount of residents lives in these family homes without needing the space, but alternative, independent housing for this generation is lacking. In addition, a significant part struggles with the social dilemma of having to move to another neighborhood and potentially losing their social network.

This research focuses on the question of how housing for older adults can be spatially designed to support active ageing, while promoting housing flow in Houtwijk. The theoretical foundation was formed by the concept of active ageing, in which health, independence, social participation and a familiar environment were central.

The research shows that the existing housing stock in Houtwijk aligns insufficiently with the needs of the ageing population. But, the older residents in Houtwijk have a strong connection to their neighborhood and are willing to relocate if they are able to keep living within their familiar environment. The factors of independence, privacy, accessibility and the possibility of social encounters are crucial.

Based on the results, a housing complex has been designed. It combines independent living with collective facilities and a publicly accessible courtyard. Within this design, water is the main design instrument. The water supports active ageing on different levels: it stimulates movement through recreational and physical activities, promotes social interactions through several meeting spaces and contributes to mental health through calming sensory experiences.

In addition to its benefits for human experience, water also has many ecological qualities and contributes to the environment, other species and the climate.

The design shows that architecture has an important contribution to the wellbeing of older adults and the existing housing possibilities within a neighborhood. By creating an attractive, accessible and socially connected living environment, older adults are stimulated to relocate within their comfort while helping free up larger homes for younger generations. The combination of age-friendly homes, communal spaces, clear transitions between public and private domains, and the integration of water forms a spatial strategy that supports both active ageing and the future development of Houtwijk. ... Read more

Urban residential areas characterised by low perceived safety, weak social cohesion, and fragmented public space often experience reduced neighbourhood liveability. This research focuses on the northern part of the Historicibuurt in Houtwijk, The Hague, where the existing apartment typologies and their adjacent public spaces contribute to limited visibility, ambiguous spatial boundaries, and insufficient opportunities for everyday social interaction. The central research question is: How could a redesign of the apartment typologies and their direct adjacent public space in Historicibuurt, The Hague, improve perceived safety and social cohesion, thereby enhancing neighbourhood liveability? The study adopts a research-by-design methodology. It combines literature reviews, spatial analysis, fieldwork, interviews, case study research, and design evaluation. The findings show that perceived safety, social interaction, and informal social control are strongly interrelated. In the current situation, blind façades, hidden corners, storage areas, unclear thresholds, and poorly overlooked routes weaken the residents’ sense of safety and reduce collective responsibility for shared spaces. Social cohesion is present in this area, but it remains fragmented and mainly limited to direct neighbours. The research concludes that (re)designs could enhance liveability by designing the relationship between housing and public space into an active, visible, and socially meaningful spatial structure. Key solutions include active ground floors, improved sightlines, collective entrances, communal gardens, soft transitions between public and private space, and shared amenities along daily routes. These strategies can strengthen natural surveillance, support informal encounters, and encourage residents to recognise, use, and care for shared spaces. In this way, the project demonstrates how architectural and urban design can contribute to a safer, more cohesive, and more liveable neighbourhood.
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This research explores how architectural and environmental design can support a sense of home and increase the willingness of older adults to relocate. It shows that relocation decisions are strongly influenced not only by practical housing needs, but also by emotional and social attachments to home, such as comfort, autonomy, safety, privacy, and social connection.

The findings are based on both literature and a workshop with residents in Houtwijk. These show that older adults value comfort, gardens, storage space, accessibility, and a safe and familiar neighbourhood. At the same time, they are open to moving when new housing supports these same qualities.

The research translates these insights into spatial design principles and applies them in the concept of the inside–outside world, which balances privacy and social interaction through gradual transitions. It concludes that while architecture cannot decide whether people move, it can make moving more attractive by creating environments that support a sense of home. ... Read more

This graduation project explores how architectural and spatial design strategies can transform the cauliflower neighbourhood of Raadsledenbuurt in Houtwijk, The Hague, into a resilient 21st-century neighbourhood. Originally designed to promote safety and community, the neighbourhood is now facing contemporary challenges, including declining social cohesion, safety concerns, demographic changes, fragmented green spaces and climate-related issues.

The research combines theoretical, spatial and social analysis to examine the current conditions of the neighbourhood and identify opportunities for transformation. This project answers the following research and design question: “How can architectural and spatial design strategies transform the cauliflower neighbourhood of Raadsledenbuurt in Houtwijk into a resilient 21st-century neighbourhood?”

Particular attention is given to the transitions of housing, living together, and water and soil. The study also explores the characteristics of the cauliflower neighbourhood typology and the qualities of a resilient 21st-century neighbourhood. Based on literature developed by Sim (2019), five resilience criteria were selected as most relevant for the Raadsledenbuurt: Diversity of Built Form, Diversity of Outdoor Space, Human Scale, Sense of Control and Identity, and Greater Biodiversity.

The analysis shows that the neighbourhood is characterised by a small-scale, infrastructure-led spatial structure with fragmented green spaces, limited spatial hierarchy and unclear transitions between private and public space. At the same time, these characteristics provide opportunities to rethink the relationship between housing, public space and landscape.

In response, the design proposal “Patchwork of Landscapes” introduces five interconnected landscape typologies that strengthen social cohesion, biodiversity and housing diversity. The proposal transforms underused and private spaces into shared environments and extends the concept of home beyond the individual dwelling to the neighbourhood as a whole. By creating a clear hierarchy of landscapes and well-defined threshold zones, the design addresses the identified social and spatial challenges while embedding the selected resilience criteria throughout the neighbourhood. The project demonstrates how a cauliflower neighbourhood can be adapted to meet the social, ecological and spatial demands of the 21st century. ... Read more

This research explores how architecture can contribute to enabling older adults to remain socially active within their neighbourhood. The central research question is: How can the architectural design of the built environment support older adults in remaining socially active within their neighbourhood? The aim is to develop a housing design proposal for Houtwijk, The Hague, that promotes social interaction, reciprocity, and participation among residents, with a particular focus on older adults.

The research combines a literature review with workshops and interviews conducted with residents of Houtwijk to gain insight into their everyday experiences, needs, and preferences regarding social interaction and the living environment.

The findings show that social networks are essential for older adults to remain socially active and are strengthened through both spontaneous encounters and organised activities. Walkable neighbourhoods, accessible facilities, and shared spaces contribute to daily interaction, while transitional zones between public and private space, together with flexible and age-friendly housing, support both social contact and ageing in place.

These findings informed the development of a housing design proposal organised around a reinterpreted common: a shared, collectively governed space that fosters reciprocity, visibility, and continuous social interaction. The proposal introduces mixed-age housing clustered around this common to strengthen social relationships and embed collective responsibility in everyday life.

Overall, the research demonstrates that architectural design can support socially active ageing by integrating opportunities for social interaction, collective use of space, and adaptability at both the housing and neighbourhood scales. ... Read more

This thesis project focuses on the development of a clinical pediatric rehabilitation center in the Houtwijk neighborhood of The Hague and addresses the current “introverted” architecture of healthcare facilities as well as the regional shortage of inpatient rehabilitation services for children, with the goal of breaking through social isolation by encouraging transparent design and the shared use of facilities by the local community.

Using a research-by-design methodology, literature reviews on Evidence-Based Design were combined with interviews with healthcare professionals, and the results demonstrate that integrating play into daily rehabilitation and opening sports and catering facilities to the neighborhood promotes rehabilitation, while the final design, ‘Healing in Sight,’ explores the possibilities of a hybrid care model in which multifunctional transparent routing is used to lower the barrier between healthcare and society. ... Read more

This graduation research explores how architecture can contribute to the mental well-being and social connection of residents in Houtwijk, a neighbourhood in The Hague, The Netherlands.

The research focuses on two groups: younger people in the emerging adulthood phase and older people in the third phase of life. Younger people in Houtwijk need third places outside of home and school/work where they can spend time, study, and meet others. Older people need places where they can be of significance to others and remain part of society. Despite the different life stages, both groups have overlapping spatial and social needs and can benefit from each other.

The experiences, needs, and perspectives of residents from Houtwijk form the basis of this study. Through a human-centered approach, including conversations, observations and working in the neighbourhood, the dynamics, opportunities, and challenges are analysed. These insights are combined and supplemented with existing literature.

The result is a design proposal for a public multifunctional building, a third place, that brings together a variety of functions and connects existing green structures. The design provides space for meeting, activities, and intergenerational contact, and focuses on how younger and older people can learn from and support each other. This ultimately supports the well-being and social connection of both age groups. ... Read more

The transition from assisted mental health care to independent living remains a vulnerable phase for former mental health clients. In the Netherlands, increasing pressure on both the mental healthcare system and the housing market has highlighted the need for housing environments that support recovery, autonomy, and social integration. This research investigates how housing design can facilitate a smoother transition from assisted to independent living while simultaneously fostering social cohesion and integrating sheltered housing within a mixed-tenure residential complex.

The study focuses on Houtwijk, a neighbourhood in The Hague located adjacent to the mental health institution Parnassia. A qualitative research methodology was applied, combining literature review, interviews with mental health professionals and housing practitioners, case study analyses, and spatial observations. The research explored the challenges experienced during the transition to independent living, strategies for integrating sheltered housing with regular housing, and spatial conditions that stimulate social interaction and neighbourhood cohesion.

The findings reveal that former mental health clients often struggle with loneliness, loss of daily structure, stigma, and the abrupt transition from highly supported environments to independent living. At the same time, they value autonomy, privacy, safety, and opportunities for informal social contact. The research demonstrates that architecture can support recovery by providing gradual transitions between public and private domains, self-contained dwellings, accessible communal spaces, visual connections to everyday life, and opportunities for voluntary interaction.

These findings are translated into the architectural proposal Living Side by Sight. The project combines independent housing, sheltered housing, collective resident facilities, and public neighbourhood functions within a single residential complex. Through carefully designed sightlines, shared spaces, transition zones, and a layered sequence from city to home, the design encourages social contact without imposing it. The project demonstrates how architecture can act as a supportive framework that balances independence and care, while contributing to a more inclusive and stigma-sensitive neighbourhood. ... Read more

This graduation project explores how architectural and spatial design can support age-appropriate housing and everyday social interaction among older residents in Houtwijk, The Hague. In response to the growing ageing population and increasing loneliness among older adults, the research investigates how housing environments can balance independent living with opportunities for low-threshold social contact.

The study combines literature research, case studies, interviews, workshops, and expert insights to identify the spatial qualities that support healthy ageing and informal interaction in daily life. The findings show that older residents value autonomy, safety, greenery, outdoor space, and familiar neighbourhood connections, while social interaction is most successful when embedded within everyday routines rather than organised programmes.

Based on these insights, the project develops a housing proposal on the former Connexxion site in Houtwijk. The design introduces a megablock structure organised around collective gardens, access galleries, and a central orangerie that functions as the social heart of the building. Through layered transitions between private, semi-private, and public spaces, the project creates opportunities for voluntary interaction while maintaining independence and privacy.

The proposal demonstrates how architecture can contribute to ageing in place by integrating housing, greenery, climate strategies, and social infrastructure into one coherent spatial framework. ... Read more

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant global increase in mental health disorders, predicted to rise even further. University students are particularly affected due to their high prevalence of and sensitivity to mental health-related problems. Specifically in the Netherlands, this is further exacerbated by the ongoing housing crisis, which forces many students into poor-quality, cramped accommodations. This research explores how phenomenological principles can inform student housing design to enhance mental well-being. Using a literature review, case studies, interviews, and participatory sketching, the study identifies key architectural elements that support mental well-being. Among these, the most important findings highlight the importance of accessible and visible greenery from the dwelling, ample direct sunlight, quiet bedrooms, communal spaces and the presence of a courtyard. ... Read more

The assignment for the graduation studio Dwelling Designing for Health and Care focuses on designing a health- or care-related building that promotes an inclusive and supportive living environment for the lonely in society. Tarwewijk, an urban neighborhood in Rotterdam South, serves as the central case study.

Loneliness is a growing social and health issue that needs to be addressed in Western cities, particularly in urban neighbourhoods. While occasional loneliness is not inherently harmful, chronic loneliness poses serious health risks, including depression, heart disease, and increased mortality (Cacioppo et al., 2006; Thurston en Kubzansky, 2009; Penninx et al., 1997, Coalitie Erbij, 2018; Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). In the Netherlands, elderly individuals are especially vulnerable due to declining physical and cognitive health, which hinders social connections (Campen et al., 2018). The Campaign to End Loneliness emphasizes its severity, equating its health impact to smoking 15 cigarettes daily (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015).
However, young adults aged 16 and 24 are also at high risk of loneliness, according to international surveys, especially in Western countries (e.g., Hammond et al., 2018; Nemecek, 2020; DiJulio et al., 2018; Pyle & Evans, 2018; Payne, 2021; Ibbetson, 2019). Factors, such as relocation for education or work (Kaplan etal., 2020), or reliance on digital communication, rather than socializing in person with friends, family, neighbours or colleagues (Roe & McCay, 2021), contribute to this trend. Urban contexts further amplify loneliness in this group when feelings of distrust, insecurity, or lack of belonging arise (Pyle & Evans, 2018). This shows the complexity of loneliness because it is multifaceted, multigenerational and context-specific (Moore et al., 2023), requiring tailored urban interventions to promote inclusion and social engagement.

In conclusion, loneliness among elderly people and young adults is increasingly prevalent and detrimental to health in urban neighborhoods. This study investigates how urban neighbourhoods, like Tarwewijk, can incorporate multigenerational communal spaces that foster social wellbeing, social engagement and a sense of belonging in the neighbourhood, hypothesizing that such designs are an architectural means to alleviate loneliness.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In what way can the design of
communal spaces in urban neighbourhoods, such as the Tarwewijk, help reduce loneliness among residents of different age groups?
1. What specific factors contribute to feelings of loneliness among residents in the Tarwewijk?
2. What roles do the current communal spaces play regarding combating loneliness in the Tarwewijk?
3. How can the design of (future) intergenerational communal spaces be catered to the social needs of the elderly and young adults? ... Read more

Habits profoundly physical and mental health, shaping behaviours such as exercise, diet, and
social interaction. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 70% of global deaths,
are closely linked to unhealthy lifestyle factors, including inactivity, poor diet, and social isolation. Tarwewijk, a neighbourhood in Rotterdam, shows elevated rates of obesity, limited healthy food options, and challenges related to mental resilience and social interaction, making it an ideal context for exploring architectural strategies to promote healthy habits.

This research investigates the role of architectural design in fostering health-oriented behaviours, bridging gaps in the interdisciplinary understanding of habits, health, and architecture. Drawing from environmental psychology and anthropology, the study integrates theoretical insights from scholars like Jane Jacobs and Jan Gehl with the concept of “nudging” to subtly encourage healthier choices while addressing ethical considerations.

Fieldwork, case studies, and literature reviews form the methodological backbone, uncovering existing and missing habits in Tarwewijk and assessing architectural influences on behaviour. Key findings highlight the significance of multifunctional spaces, accessibility, visibility, and the integration of transit and destination roles in designing for health. Case studies reveal the potential of adaptive spaces and spontaneous activity programming to promote participation.

The study culminates in design guidelines tailored to Tarwewijk, emphasizing:
1.Integration of local habits into programming.
2.Addressing NCD risk factors through the program
3.Ensuring participation by enhancing multifunctionality, transit-destination synergy, programming spontaneous activities and spatial visibility.

The research contributes to understanding how architecture can influence habitual behaviours, offering actionable design principles to reduce NCD risks and foster healthier communities. ... Read more

MADE TO MOVE is a design that addresses the growing health issues caused by inactivity, especially in neighborhoods like Tarwewijk in Rotterdam- Zuid. Worldwide, and particularly in lower-income areas, physical activity is decreasing, leading to negative impacts on our health. This project offers an innovative solution: an office design that encourages employees to join sports sessions after work. Additionally, the building’s roof, accessible to local residents, provides free sports and social facilities. In a city like Rotterdam, where space for sports facilities is becoming increasingly scarce, this concept offers a smart way to create more opportunities for movement without taking up additional space. ... Read more

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. ... Read more

The aging population in the Netherlands is growing rapidly, with the number of people aged 80 and above expected to double from 800.000 in 2020 to 1.5 million by 2050. This development, known as ‘’double aging’’, will significantly increase the number of people living with dementia, rising from 300.000 in 2020 to 620.000 by 2050. This demographic shift poses significant challenges for care and housing.

This research aims to explore how to design a care facility for people with dementia that enhances quality of life and autonomy. Additionally, the facility should align with the multicultural context of Tarwewijk. The main research question is:

‘’How can a care facility for people with dementia be designed to foster a humane and inclusive environment, with a focus on promoting autonomy and quality of life, for example in a neighborhood like Tarwewijk?’’.

The findings of this research show the importance of addressing three scales in the design: the environment, the building and the personal room.

At the environmental scale, the facility should integrate with the neighborhood to avoid isolating residents and encourage social interaction, enhancing their sense of autonomy. At the building scale, clear and simple layouts with recognizable landmarks help residents navigate independently. Small scale care settings, accommodating groups of 8 – 10 residents, provide a higher quality of life compared to larger groups. On the room scale, personalization and familiarity through personal items are crucial for creating a sense of comfort and belonging.

Given the multicultural context of Tarwewijk, the design must consider cultural preferences. Some cultures, such as Turkish and Moroccan, often prefer not to place their parents in care facilities, believing this reduces their quality of life. To address this, the design should include intergenerational homes alongside small-scale scale care facilities. In these homes, older adults can live with their children in one house, with separate entrances for privacy. This arrangement allows children to care for their parents while maintaining their own independence, this enhances the quality of life and autonomy of the older adults who can still live partially independently.

This research provides valuable insights into designing care facilities that promote autonomy and quality of life for individuals with dementia. It highlights the challenge of balancing safety, autonomy, and quality of life. It is important to note that this study focuses on general strategies to improves these challenges, individual needs and preferences can vary significantly. A set of design guidelines has been developed from this research, which will assist with the further design of care facilities in Tarwewijk for elderly people with dementia.
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Loneliness is a pervasive and complex issue influenced by numerous factors, including the design of the spaces we inhabit. This study explores how the spatial layout and architectural features of residential homes can be tailored to encourage social interaction and inclusivity across generations, addressing loneliness within the home environment. Drawing on literature, fieldwork and case studies, the research highlights key architectural principles, such as spatial layout, stability, housing density, natural light, and personalisation, that can foster social connectivity.The findings emphasise that smaller, poorly designed homes lacking clear separations between functional areas often exacerbate loneliness, while flexible communal spaces and opportunities for personalisation can enhance a sense of belonging. Stability and permanence in housing are also critical, as they encourage residents to invest in social relationships. The study includes a case analysis of the Diakonissestiftelsen project in Copenhagen, which demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design—through mixed-use housing, communal spaces, and transitional zones—can promote inclusivity and reduce isolation.The research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, sociologists, caregivers, and residents to address loneliness effectively.While architectural design alone cannot eliminate loneliness, it can significantly contribute to creating environments that support social well-being. This study advocates for extended, in-depth research to identify specific design elements that positively influence social interaction, ultimately leading to more inclusive and connected communities. ... Read more