Many studies have researched the effects of gender inequality in many different fields. In the field of architecture however, it has proven a struggle to translate the social to the spatial domain. Through a combination of a literature study, interviews and site visits this thesis aims to answer the question “How can a gender-sensitive spatial design in Rotterdam South stimulate women’s space claiming and public space participation?”. In part 1, the research shows gender inequality negatively affects women’s space claiming and public space participation. Walking practices, memory and (lack of) control — the three factors in space claiming — are shaped by gender roles, collective experiences of unsafety and street harassment as well as the male hegemony. Public space participation is affected as well: women use the public space in a mobile manner, task-oriented manner or do not use it at all. Female perception of public space is generally more negative and feelings of unsafety are more common. Additionally, women continuously scan their environment, meaning the maintenance and design of the public space are vital to gender-sensitive design.

In Rotterdam South and Bloemhof, the gendered aspects of space claiming and public space participation are clearly present and the outcomes of the literature review are confirmed by the interviews and location analysis. Gender-sensitive design can contribute to a more women-friendly urban environment, empower them to partake more often in the socio-spatial domain, and encourage a sense of social safety, social control as well as encourage the (extended) use of the public space, thus stimulating women’s space claiming and public space participation. The research outcome helped create principles for the design process and other design guidelines, which are provided in chapter four and the attachment Blueprints for Change. In part 2, these principles and guidelines are applied to a real context and design, showing the possibilities of gendermainstreaming. This goes to show, spatial designers can now design female Spaces of Power. ... Read more

This thesis addresses the growing issue of loneliness in urban areas—especially among the elderly, single parents, and children—by investigating how playful, sensory-integrated environments can foster social connection. Focusing on Pendrecht in Rotterdam Zuid, the study draws on Johan Huizinga’s Homo Ludens to explore play as a spontaneous, sensory experience that supports well-being. Using a holistic, multi-method approach—including ethnographic research and spatial analysis—the study finds that loneliness is linked not just to social factors, but also to physical and environmental conditions. Challenges vary across age groups, pointing to the need for inclusive, accessible, and stimulating public spaces. The thesis proposes “playful peripheries”—networks of sensory-rich, welcoming spaces around Pendrecht—as a design strategy to encourage curiosity, interaction, and environmental health. Ultimately, it argues that combating loneliness requires designing urban spaces that promote both human and environmental well-being through play, accessibility, and sensory engagement. ... Read more

Low literacy remains a persistent societal challenge, particularly in disadvantaged urban areas like Feijenoord, Rotterdam, where 36% of adults struggle with basic reading and writing. This research explores the potential role of architecture and the built environment in enabling literacy development. Through a combination of literature review, demographic analysis, interviews, and observations, this research aims to investigate if built facilities in Rotterdam-Zuid can promote and enable the development of literacy among residents to contribute to a more inclusive and destigmatizing society.

The findings reveal that existing literacy-promoting amenities in Feijenoord, such as community centers and libraries, face challenges related to visibility, accessibility, and stigma. Insights from interviews with low-literate individuals highlight the importance of multifunctional, inviting, and destigmatizing environments. Transparent entrances, clear signage, and a welcoming atmosphere can significantly reduce psychological barriers and encourage participation. The study also emphasizes the potential of multifunctional accommodations (MFAs) and camouflage learning, where literacy development is seamlessly integrated into everyday activities such as sports, cooking, and social interactions.

This research concludes that architecture, when thoughtfully designed, can contribute to enabling literacy by creating engaging, accessible spaces that support informal and formal learning. By leveraging spatial design strategies that prioritize inclusion, cities can empower low-literate individuals and foster more just urban environments. ... Read more

The Netherlands, in this case study, Rotterdam is dealing with a growing elderly population, a shortage of healthcare staff, and an increasing risk of dementia. These challenges are worsened by a housing shortage and the lack dementia-friendly housing and living environments. The municipality encourages elderly individuals to remain in their homes for as long as possible; however, current housing and living environment fails to meet the needs of those living with dementia. Moreover, policies such as “zorg en dwang” care and force, which is to protect people who are endangering themselves or others, is taking away the autonomy and freedom of movement of such a person. However, this clashes with the constitution policy that states that everyone is allowed to move freely.
This thesis explores the design of indoor and outdoor spaces that respect the autonomy and freedom of movement of people with dementia. The design vision seeks to integrate public, communal, and community functions with elderly housing, creating a seamless blend of private living spaces and shared environments. Enhancing nature to create a sense of freedom and autonomy. In the early stages of dementia, individuals can still maintain a level of independence but require assistance with daily tasks, which may be provided by family members or caregivers. During this phase, it is vital to support autonomy through well-designed spaces that facilitate social interaction and reduce confusion. As dementia progresses, the design must adapt to ensure environments remain familiar, safe, and accessible while avoiding elements that may cause distress. Personalized spaces, autonomy in decision-making (such as choosing where to eat), and the incorporation of social hubs, like cafes, help maintain identity and a sense of control.
Design guidelines emphasize safety, with wide entrances and corridoors, accessible outdoor spaces, and clear wayfinding to accommodate those with visual and mobility impairments. Community integration is important, with access to public transport, recreation, and services ensuring continued independence for as long as possible. Advocating for the autonomy of people with dementia, by shifting from traditional elderly homes and nursing homes to a design that allows individuals to have the perception of moving freely and remain part of a community while they still receive the care that they need. The importance when designing a building to include a view on nature and social interaction, creating spaces for community activities and social interaction to happen are crucial for autonomy and mobility freedom. ... Read more

Architectural graduation project containing a research and design for the Notre Dame of Paris. The research focusses on reinterpreting the Notre Dame of Paris based on seven interviews. The interviews are bundled in a set of narrative drawings that approach the building and its environment as intangible domain containing rather the social context. Based upon this research a design for a reconstruction is proposed. A new roof and spire is introduced and explained along the ambiguity of the research and by the eyes of people. ... Read more

Over the past decades the act of play has taken on an ever-decreasing form of
importance in society. This not only leads to the absence of its accompanying
architecture, but also to more boring, uniform and hollow spaces. With the ambition of designing for the homo ludens of today, research was first carried out into the characteristics of places where play arises, after which these findings could be translated in architectural objects provoking introspective play through a deep experience of place, to be found at De Hoge Veluwe National Park.

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