Red-Light Districts have long been contested urban spaces where contradictory
values around morality, tolerance, safety, tourism, and economic interests coexist. In many cities, these areas are increasingly subject to transformations that aim to reduce nuisance, regulate tourism, and reshape urban identities, often raising concerns about the future position of sex work in the city. This research focuses on De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red-Light District, which is currently facing renewed plans for transformation. De Wallen is a highly visible, multifunctional urban area where residential life, tourism, consumption, and regulated sex work intersect, yet remains characterised by persistent tensions related to liveability, safety, overcrowding, and deeply conflicting interpretations of its identity. Using a qualitative single-case study approach combining policy analysis, literature review, semi-structured interviews, and scenario planning, this research examines how the spatial characteristics of De Wallen and the value conflicts among its actors can inform future scenarios for the district. The
findings demonstrate that every proposed transformation involves unavoidable trade-offs: interventions that improve liveability tend to reduce the visibility, safety, and economic security of sex workers. Future scenarios for De Wallen are therefore only possible if these trade-offs are made transparent, marginalised voices are structurally included, and policy-makers explicitly acknowledge that spatial interventions always encode choices about whose values are prioritised. ... Read more

This research explores the landscape of sex work in Rotterdam, a city marked by historical interesting sex workspaces, which are pushed out of the eye of the main public. The research addresses the question of a potential next step by examining the current state of sex work in Rotterdam and the challenges faced by sex workers, including issues of safety, visibility, and inclusivity. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study includes a contextual analysis of Rotterdam's historical sex work locations, literature research, and photo elicitation interviews with sex workers to understand their needs and perspectives. The findings highlight the crucial importance of accessibility, privacy, and a sense of belonging in the urban context, as well as the necessity for integrated and flexible spatial typologies that promote inclusivity, community, and independence. The research also reveals that safety is a primary concern in interactions, with the window, both offline and online, playing a significant role. This paper aims to inform the development of design principles for creating a safer and more inclusive environment for sex work in Rotterdam. ... Read more

Luis Barragán (1902 - 1988) is a famous Mexican architect who once said: “I believe in an ‘emotional architecture.’ It is very important for human kind that architecture should move by its beauty; if there are many equally valid technical solutions to a problem, the one which offers the user a message of beauty and emotion, that one is architecture.” (Ambasz, p. 8, 1976) This statement highlights the essence of this thesis. The thesis examines the innovative use of color by architect Luis Barragán and its potential to inform modern design methodologies to improve human well-being.

Luis Barragán's architecture is highly distinctive and is characterized by bold and striking color palettes. The colors and lighting were cleverly placed to give the users a specific experience. Another quote he said is: “My house is my refuge, an emotional piece of architecture, not a cold piece of convenience.” (Ambasz, p. 8, 1976) This philosophy is the foundation of his architecture.

The impact of Barragán's use of color in architecture was extraordinary, as he created emotional and spiritual spaces that manipulated the perception of spaces and promoted the well-being of the users. He believed that: “any work of architecture which does not express serenity is a mistake,” emphasizing his focus on creating calming spaces in an increasingly chaotic world (Ambasz, p. 8, 1976).

By examining the methods of Luis Barragán and the lasting impact of his architecture, the goal of this thesis is to outline future directions for improving well-being through the use of color in architecture. ... Read more

Khaosan Road in Bangkok has transformed a lot over the past years. From a quiet local marketstreet to a busy tourist hotspot only become more and more busy. This thesis explores how these transformations have effected the sensory and emotional experiences of locals and tourists through looking at individual stories through surveys (Kenny, 2014), newspapers, images and academic papers. The research shows 5 major timeframes: Before tourism (before 1992), the rise of backpackers (1992–2010), peak tourism (2010–2020), COVID-19 (2020–2021), and post-cannabis legalization (after 2023). The study shows how the sensory experience is different due to background, memory and social positioning.
Findings show that tourists generally love the street’s chaotic atmosphere and its multisensory overload. Locals of older generations often experience these same elements as negative because of there memories of how the street used to be. Younger generations have less memories of the street and thereby tent to like the street more.
By comparing emotional experiences over time, this research shows the importance of recognizing urban spaces as complex environments that can evoke different reactions for different people. Ultimately, Khaosan Road serves as a casestudy for understanding how quickly changing urban places can impact the emotional and sensory feelings of those who visit them. ... Read more

This paper investigates the impact of incorporating a female perspective on housing and settlement design in Warsaw, Poland, examining the periods of early modernism (1918–1939) and late modernism (1945–1989). The study focuses on how modernism’s influence during Warsaw’s rapid post-sovereignty development provided an opportunity for women architects to contribute to – and shape – the urban landscape. By analysing key figures such as Barbara Brukalska, Helena Syrkus, and Halina Skibniewska, the paper identifies factors that enabled these pioneers to gain recognition in a predominantly male field. It explores how collaborations with male counterparts and an emphasis on niche areas like interior design, furniture, and landscape architecture supported their professional success. Moreover, the paper addresses the role of political engagement in advancing their careers and highlights how these contributions laid the foundation for inclusive and feminist design practices. Finally, it compares that context to challenges within contemporary architectural discourse. ... Read more

The relationship between architecture and human perception is a complex interplay of cultural, psychological and spatial aspects. Feng Shui is a traditional Chinese interior design concept that aims to promote well-being and harmony by aligning buildings with the flow of energy (Qi). While previous studies have explored Feng Shui as a cultural or psychological phenomenon, there is limited research comparing its perceived spatial effects directly with buildings designed according to Western architectural standards. This thesis addresses this gap by investigating whether the spatial experiences attributed to Feng Shui can be reproduced through universal design principles or whether they represent a culturally specific design logic. The following results will contribute to further dialogue on architectural psychology and the significance of traditional spatial concepts in modern design. ... Read more

This thesis explores the design principles of Greek agoras and Roman bathhouses from Classical Antiquity to uncover strategies for fostering social connection and well-being in contemporary public spaces. Using the WELL Building Standard as a framework, the study evaluates how ancient spaces and value systems align with modern health-oriented design. Through historical analysis of the Athenian Agora’s stoas and the Thermae of Caracalla, the research identifies ten enduring principles such as low-barrier entry, sensory richness, and programmatic layering which promoted civic engagement and communal rituals. A comparative critique reveals gaps in the WELL Standard, particularly its individualistic focus and lack of emphasis on social interaction quality. The study argues for integrating classical strategies, like spatial sequencing and inclusive thresholds, into contemporary design to address urban disconnection. By bridging historical wisdom and contemporary metrics, this research offers actionable insights for creating public spaces that prioritize both health and social vitality. ... Read more

This thesis investigates how Edo-period (1603–1868) Japanese residential architecture intuitively embodies biophilic design principles, centuries before the term was formally defined, offering potential insights for contemporary sustainable and health-supportive housing. Biophilic design, which emphasises the integration of natural elements into built environments, has been shown to support mental well-being by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and improving cognitive function. While the concept has received growing attention in recent decades, traditional architectural styles often incorporated nature in ways that closely aligned with these principles. This study explores that relationship through a comparative analysis of modern biophilic frameworks and Edo-period design.
Using the theoretical framework developed by Zhong et al. (2021), which defines biophilic design through three strategies and eighteen elements, this research applies a visual-analytical method to evaluate two case studies: the Katsura Imperial Villa and the Aizu Samurai Residence. These case studies were selected for their architectural richness and representation of elite social classes, allowing for detailed exploration of material use, spatial organisation, and connection to nature.
The findings reveal a strong alignment between Edo-period residential design and modern biophilic strategies, including features such as open indoor-outdoor transitions, use of natural materials, seasonal responsiveness, and patterns inspired by nature. While certain aspects of contemporary biophilic design, such as technological interventions or explicit biomorphic symbolism, were not present, the core principles were inherently embedded in historical design practices. These findings highlight the relevance of Edo-period architecture as an early example of biophilic design avant la lettre, and suggest its continued value as a source of inspiration for contemporary housing strategies that aim to reconnect people with nature in urban contexts.
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This paper aims to identify the design factors that enhance social interaction in public spaces within high-density urban areas in the Netherlands. As cities become increasingly dense, the role of public spaces, particularly for social interaction, becomes more significant. This paper collects data from different sources, looks for contradictions and similarities, specifies the data for its relevance to social interaction, and tests the conclusions through observations done in the city of The Hague. Three major factors came to light, one being seating. People will sit anywhere they can to interact and observe, whether the object they are sitting on is meant for that or not. The second is the density and scale of public spaces. Higher density almost always directly increases the amount of social interaction. Those two factors are more universally accepted. The third factor is more specific to the Netherlands or places with a similar climate. The third factor is the sun. The positive influence the sun has cannot be overlooked and should be taken into account when designing a public space in the Netherlands. ... Read more

This thesis explores the overlooked role of the Women’s Advisory Committees (VAC) in post-war Dutch social housing. Through case studies of the RVS flat and Malieklos, it analyzes the VAC’s influence on functionality, spatial layout, and flexibility, revealing their lasting impact on contemporary housing design. ... Read more

This thesis takes a closer look at how the design and layout of Huis Sonneveld, a modernist villa from the 1930s designed by Brinkman and Van der Vlugt, reflects and reinforces the gender roles of that time. The villa was commissioned by Albertus Sonneveld for his wife Gésine and their two daughters. While the house was very modern for its time, it still says a lot about how people viewed the roles of men and women back then.
The research focuses on three main things. First, the gender norms that shaped domestic life in the 1930s. Then the design ideas of Brinkman and Van der Vlugt. And finally, how the layout and features of Huis Sonneveld tell a story about class and gender. Even though the house followed modern ideas like openness, light, and new technology, it also kept some very traditional ideas at the same time.
This becomes quite clear when looking at how the spaces were organized. There was a strong separation between public areas, private family rooms, and service spaces. There were also big differences between Mr. and Mrs. Sonneveld’s work areas. And although the servants’ quarters were well designed for that period, they still reflected a clear social order. Mrs. Sonneveld was very involved in running the home and used the modern systems, but her role was still mostly tied to domestic life.
In the end, Huis Sonneveld shows how a home can look modern but still carry old values. It proves that architecture does more than reflect style. It also reflects what people expected from each other, especially when it comes to gender and class. ... Read more

The Citadel of Aleppo is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, and the greatest landmark of Aleppo. Located on top of a hill in the middle of the city, it stands as a symbol of resilience, having faced many challenges during various historical events through the centuries. This thesis analyses the architectural trajectory of Aleppo's Citadel, uncovering its transformation through seismic events, wars, and cultural transformations with the use of primary and secondary sources, such as archival documents, photographs and architectural drawings. Motivated by the Citadel's enduring and recent challenges, this thesis aims to understand the interplay of historical events and architectural development that shaped the Citadel by contextualizing the transformations within their historical, cultural, and geopolitical contexts.

The thesis covers different historical periods, starting with the Medieval ages, with each shaping the Citadel in different ways. The Medieval Period mainly shaped the structure of the fortress as it is standing today. Being built as a military fortress during battles against Crusaders and Mongols, the Citadel got constantly destructed and reconstructed because of its strategic importance and the continuous seismic activity. As it came under Ottoman rule, the Citadel transitioned to a complex with residential and commercial functions, which reflect the stability and socio-political shift of the time. As the Empire fell after World War I, the French took control and initiated excavations which were continued by the Syrians after the Independence. In the Modern Era, the Citadel got recognized as a World Heritage Site and became a tourist destination and cultural hub of the city. As reconstruction and preservation projects were on the go, the Citadel witnessed a war that destroyed the country and damaged the monument. Before even being reconstructed, another earthquake hit the region and caused, once again, damage to the fortress.
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Most academic papers never give a concrete definition of what a resort town is, which makes discussion of the topic difficult. To create more clarity on the subject this paper investigates the Dutch town of Kaatsheuvel, and if the theme park within its borders, the Efteling, makes the town an example of a resort town. To achieve this the history and development of the town were traced back to the inception of the Efteling in 1933, and this development was then compared to academic sources on resort towns, with the six stages of resort town development by Butler (1980) playing a key role. In the end, Kaatsheuvel has a lot of similarities to other resort towns, but especially the early stages of the resort town are not present in the history of Kaatsheuvel. This means that Kaatsheuvel can be considered as a resort town, but the path it took to get to that status differs from other more conventional cases. This conclusion has both specified and expanded the concept of the resort town, making future discussions on the topic more precise. ... Read more

This paper examines the strategic use of architectural design by Louis Vuitton in its flagship stores, highlighting its role in enhancing marketing e>ectiveness within the luxury retail sector. Incorporating a historical review of the brand's evolution, the study provides a comprehensive examination of a range of architectural strategies—such as location, materials, visual engagement, and cultural integration—employed across flagship stores in various global contexts including Asia, America, and Europe. The findings shows that these architectural elements are not only aesthetic enhancements but are integral to Louis Vuitton's marketing and brand storytelling. Key strategies such as the strategic placement of stores, use of materials, and alignment with local cultures are discussed, underscoring their e>ectiveness in enhancing the brand’s image and consumer engagement. The paper discusses these elements in depth, o>ering insights into the relationship between architecture and luxury brand marketing, and contributing to scholarly discussions on how physical spaces can amplify a luxury brand’s market position. ... Read more

This essay explores the relationship between dwelling architecture and mental health, with a particular focus on the housing constructed in Vienna and London between 1840 and 1919, during a period of unprecedented growth that followed the Industrial Revolution. Contemporary building standards guarantee that current dwelling architecture does not have a negative impact on the residents’ health. Moreover, the extensive research conducted in recent years on the relationship between architecture and mental health informs current housing design. However, since these practices are relatively new, understanding the impact of older housing on mental well-being is crucial in determining whether those apartments are still habitable. By examining the historical and architectural contexts of Viennese “Zinshäuser” and London’s Victorian houses, this study identifies key architectural elements present in these buildings, analyzes what caused specific dwelling architecture typologies to form, and explores how they can affect the mental health of their occupants today. To answer this final section, a comparative analysis of Vienna and London is conducted through a questionnaire, revealing disparities in housing conditions and their effects on residents’ mental health. ... Read more

The city is by definition full of strangers. To any person in the city, strangers are far more common than acquaintances. Even residents that live close to each other are strangers. Though good city sidewalk life can enhance safety and neighbor interaction on the streets. It may appear purposeless, but sidewalk contacts can change the city’s wealth and public life. (Jacobs, 1992). Sadly, people in big cities nowadays live more anonymously and individualistic than 10 years ago (CBS, 2023). Fences between gardens get higher, curtains on the street side will stay closed during the day, and people don’t know the name of their neighbors anymore. These are all symptoms of the anonymization and individualization of the society. ... Read more