CW
C. Wagenaar
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10 records found
1
When Roger Ulrich demonstrated in 1984 that hospital patients whose rooms overlooked trees recovered faster than those facing a brick wall, he inaugurated the field of Evidence-Based Design (EBD). The nurses whose observations he used as data appear nowhere in his conclusions. This thesis argues that this omission was not incidental: it was foundational. EBD emerged in hospital architecture as an exclusively patient-centered methodology, and the deliberate exclusion of staff from its research frame formalized in the Center for Health Design's 1998 report shaped the field for more than two decades. Only when empirical research established that staff wellbeing was associated with patient safety outcomes did workers become legitimate subjects of architectural inquiry. This shift, traceable between the 1998 report and Joseph's 2006 staff-focused publication, constitutes the mechanism by which EBD was transformed from a healthcare-specific tool into a methodology applicable to all workplaces. Tracing this transformation through industrial legislation, office design discourse, and hospital architecture, this thesis proposes a new account of how worker wellbeing became an architectural concern: not through a progressive expansion of humanistic values, but through the instrumental logic of measurable evidence.
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When Roger Ulrich demonstrated in 1984 that hospital patients whose rooms overlooked trees recovered faster than those facing a brick wall, he inaugurated the field of Evidence-Based Design (EBD). The nurses whose observations he used as data appear nowhere in his conclusions. This thesis argues that this omission was not incidental: it was foundational. EBD emerged in hospital architecture as an exclusively patient-centered methodology, and the deliberate exclusion of staff from its research frame formalized in the Center for Health Design's 1998 report shaped the field for more than two decades. Only when empirical research established that staff wellbeing was associated with patient safety outcomes did workers become legitimate subjects of architectural inquiry. This shift, traceable between the 1998 report and Joseph's 2006 staff-focused publication, constitutes the mechanism by which EBD was transformed from a healthcare-specific tool into a methodology applicable to all workplaces. Tracing this transformation through industrial legislation, office design discourse, and hospital architecture, this thesis proposes a new account of how worker wellbeing became an architectural concern: not through a progressive expansion of humanistic values, but through the instrumental logic of measurable evidence.
Green to Grow
How Biophilic School Design Supports Children’s Learning and Development
This thesis investigates which biophilic design attributes in primary school buildings are perceived by children as beneficial to their learning process. Children aged between four and twelve are at a crucial stage of cognitive, social and emotional development, yet they spend a significant proportion of their time in the built environment, specifically in school buildings. Yet schools are often designed with functionality and efficiency as primary goals, paying little attention to how the physical learning environment influences children’s well-being and development. Based on the theory of biophilia—the innate human connection to nature—this thesis investigates how biophilic design can contribute to learning environments that better align with children’s natural needs.
This thesis combines a literature review with an analysis of case studies of schools where biophilic design has been applied. First, the theoretical development of biophilia and biophilic design is discussed. Subsequently, the thesis examines how educational environments have historically changed and the role that nature and spatial quality play in the learning process.
The results show that biophilic design has a positive impact on children’s cognitive performance, motivation and well-being. Elements such as natural light, plants, views of greenery, natural materials, ventilation and organic shapes have been shown to improve concentration, attention and engagement. In addition, nature-oriented learning environments contribute to stress reduction, curiosity, creativity, happiness and comfort. Children appear to particularly value direct and visible forms of nature, such as vegetation, animals and views of natural landscapes.
This thesis concludes that biophilic design involves an integrated design approach in which sensory experiences, spatial quality and the relationship between people and nature are central. By consciously integrating nature into school buildings, learning environments become spaces that actively contribute to children’s cognitive and emotional development.
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This thesis combines a literature review with an analysis of case studies of schools where biophilic design has been applied. First, the theoretical development of biophilia and biophilic design is discussed. Subsequently, the thesis examines how educational environments have historically changed and the role that nature and spatial quality play in the learning process.
The results show that biophilic design has a positive impact on children’s cognitive performance, motivation and well-being. Elements such as natural light, plants, views of greenery, natural materials, ventilation and organic shapes have been shown to improve concentration, attention and engagement. In addition, nature-oriented learning environments contribute to stress reduction, curiosity, creativity, happiness and comfort. Children appear to particularly value direct and visible forms of nature, such as vegetation, animals and views of natural landscapes.
This thesis concludes that biophilic design involves an integrated design approach in which sensory experiences, spatial quality and the relationship between people and nature are central. By consciously integrating nature into school buildings, learning environments become spaces that actively contribute to children’s cognitive and emotional development.
...
This thesis investigates which biophilic design attributes in primary school buildings are perceived by children as beneficial to their learning process. Children aged between four and twelve are at a crucial stage of cognitive, social and emotional development, yet they spend a significant proportion of their time in the built environment, specifically in school buildings. Yet schools are often designed with functionality and efficiency as primary goals, paying little attention to how the physical learning environment influences children’s well-being and development. Based on the theory of biophilia—the innate human connection to nature—this thesis investigates how biophilic design can contribute to learning environments that better align with children’s natural needs.
This thesis combines a literature review with an analysis of case studies of schools where biophilic design has been applied. First, the theoretical development of biophilia and biophilic design is discussed. Subsequently, the thesis examines how educational environments have historically changed and the role that nature and spatial quality play in the learning process.
The results show that biophilic design has a positive impact on children’s cognitive performance, motivation and well-being. Elements such as natural light, plants, views of greenery, natural materials, ventilation and organic shapes have been shown to improve concentration, attention and engagement. In addition, nature-oriented learning environments contribute to stress reduction, curiosity, creativity, happiness and comfort. Children appear to particularly value direct and visible forms of nature, such as vegetation, animals and views of natural landscapes.
This thesis concludes that biophilic design involves an integrated design approach in which sensory experiences, spatial quality and the relationship between people and nature are central. By consciously integrating nature into school buildings, learning environments become spaces that actively contribute to children’s cognitive and emotional development.
This thesis combines a literature review with an analysis of case studies of schools where biophilic design has been applied. First, the theoretical development of biophilia and biophilic design is discussed. Subsequently, the thesis examines how educational environments have historically changed and the role that nature and spatial quality play in the learning process.
The results show that biophilic design has a positive impact on children’s cognitive performance, motivation and well-being. Elements such as natural light, plants, views of greenery, natural materials, ventilation and organic shapes have been shown to improve concentration, attention and engagement. In addition, nature-oriented learning environments contribute to stress reduction, curiosity, creativity, happiness and comfort. Children appear to particularly value direct and visible forms of nature, such as vegetation, animals and views of natural landscapes.
This thesis concludes that biophilic design involves an integrated design approach in which sensory experiences, spatial quality and the relationship between people and nature are central. By consciously integrating nature into school buildings, learning environments become spaces that actively contribute to children’s cognitive and emotional development.
The architecture of Refuge
The Evolution of Alpine Mountain Huts
This thesis investigates the architectural and cultural evolution of mountain refuges in the Alps, tracing their development from rudimentary shelters to contemporary landmarks shaped by innovation and environmental awareness. Historically, these structures were simple enclosures built out of necessity by shepherds, traders, and early travellers. With the rise of alpinism in the 18th and 19th centuries, they evolved into more permanent refuges designed to support exploration and ensure safety at high altitudes.
The 20th and 21st centuries brought significant changes, as new materials, prefabrication techniques, and ecological considerations transformed the design and construction of alpine shelters. Contemporary examples like Refuge du Goûter and Bivouac Fanton demonstrate how modern mountain architecture balances durability, sustainability, and symbolic meaning in extreme conditions.
While existing research often separates technical, cultural, and environmental aspects, this thesis addresses the intersection of these dimensions. Through literature review, archival research, and case study analysis, this thesis answers the question: How have mountain refuges in the Alps evolved from rudimentary shelters to cultural and architectural landmarks for modern alpinists and hikers? It concludes that these shelters now serve not only as practical havens but also as cultural markers, representing human resilience, environmental awareness, and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in alpine architecture. ...
The 20th and 21st centuries brought significant changes, as new materials, prefabrication techniques, and ecological considerations transformed the design and construction of alpine shelters. Contemporary examples like Refuge du Goûter and Bivouac Fanton demonstrate how modern mountain architecture balances durability, sustainability, and symbolic meaning in extreme conditions.
While existing research often separates technical, cultural, and environmental aspects, this thesis addresses the intersection of these dimensions. Through literature review, archival research, and case study analysis, this thesis answers the question: How have mountain refuges in the Alps evolved from rudimentary shelters to cultural and architectural landmarks for modern alpinists and hikers? It concludes that these shelters now serve not only as practical havens but also as cultural markers, representing human resilience, environmental awareness, and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in alpine architecture. ...
This thesis investigates the architectural and cultural evolution of mountain refuges in the Alps, tracing their development from rudimentary shelters to contemporary landmarks shaped by innovation and environmental awareness. Historically, these structures were simple enclosures built out of necessity by shepherds, traders, and early travellers. With the rise of alpinism in the 18th and 19th centuries, they evolved into more permanent refuges designed to support exploration and ensure safety at high altitudes.
The 20th and 21st centuries brought significant changes, as new materials, prefabrication techniques, and ecological considerations transformed the design and construction of alpine shelters. Contemporary examples like Refuge du Goûter and Bivouac Fanton demonstrate how modern mountain architecture balances durability, sustainability, and symbolic meaning in extreme conditions.
While existing research often separates technical, cultural, and environmental aspects, this thesis addresses the intersection of these dimensions. Through literature review, archival research, and case study analysis, this thesis answers the question: How have mountain refuges in the Alps evolved from rudimentary shelters to cultural and architectural landmarks for modern alpinists and hikers? It concludes that these shelters now serve not only as practical havens but also as cultural markers, representing human resilience, environmental awareness, and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in alpine architecture.
The 20th and 21st centuries brought significant changes, as new materials, prefabrication techniques, and ecological considerations transformed the design and construction of alpine shelters. Contemporary examples like Refuge du Goûter and Bivouac Fanton demonstrate how modern mountain architecture balances durability, sustainability, and symbolic meaning in extreme conditions.
While existing research often separates technical, cultural, and environmental aspects, this thesis addresses the intersection of these dimensions. Through literature review, archival research, and case study analysis, this thesis answers the question: How have mountain refuges in the Alps evolved from rudimentary shelters to cultural and architectural landmarks for modern alpinists and hikers? It concludes that these shelters now serve not only as practical havens but also as cultural markers, representing human resilience, environmental awareness, and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in alpine architecture.
Between ideology and design: Fred Forbat and the political space of modernism
The role of politics in the development of a modernist architectural style
This thesis examines the interplay between political context and architectural design within the oeuvre of Fred Forbat, a modernist architect with roots in Hungary, Germany and Sweden. It discusses two case studies: the Großsiedlung Siemensstadt in Berlin and the Gröndal housing estate in Stockholm. It analyses how political conditions influenced the development and reception of Forbat's architecture. While his modernist language of form was gradually undermined in Germany by the rise of national socialism, the social-democratic and functionalist climate in Sweden actually provided space for the further development of his ideas. The analysis shows that Forbat's architectural style remained consistent in its modernist principles, but that the extent to which it could be realised depended heavily on the political and social support in the relevant context.
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This thesis examines the interplay between political context and architectural design within the oeuvre of Fred Forbat, a modernist architect with roots in Hungary, Germany and Sweden. It discusses two case studies: the Großsiedlung Siemensstadt in Berlin and the Gröndal housing estate in Stockholm. It analyses how political conditions influenced the development and reception of Forbat's architecture. While his modernist language of form was gradually undermined in Germany by the rise of national socialism, the social-democratic and functionalist climate in Sweden actually provided space for the further development of his ideas. The analysis shows that Forbat's architectural style remained consistent in its modernist principles, but that the extent to which it could be realised depended heavily on the political and social support in the relevant context.
A Hospital Design Support System
Addressing Hospital Layout Design Challenges in China
Hospital layout design plays a crucial role in ensuring operational efficiency. This research develops a Hospital Design Support System, a data-driven framework that integrates the Four-Step Transportation Model, Discrete-Event Simulation, and Exploratory Network Analysis to systematically assess hospital layout performance in terms of operational efficiency. The HDSS evaluates four key criteria: spatial crowdedness, patient waiting times, patient walking distances, and difficulty in wayfinding. Hospitals exhibit spatial and operational characteristics akin to small cities and factories, making transportation planning and Discrete-Event Simulation highly applicable in evaluating hospital layout performances in terms of the four operational criteria. Exploratory Network Analysis further reveals the inherent structural tendencies that impact hospital efficiency and resilience. Additionally, evaluation mechanisms, including aggregation, relativization, and interpretation, translate disaggregated simulation outputs into actionable metrics, enabling comparative assessment of design alternatives. This study contributes a systematic approach to hospital layout evaluation, offering valuable insights for architects and policymakers aiming to enhance hospital layout design.
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Hospital layout design plays a crucial role in ensuring operational efficiency. This research develops a Hospital Design Support System, a data-driven framework that integrates the Four-Step Transportation Model, Discrete-Event Simulation, and Exploratory Network Analysis to systematically assess hospital layout performance in terms of operational efficiency. The HDSS evaluates four key criteria: spatial crowdedness, patient waiting times, patient walking distances, and difficulty in wayfinding. Hospitals exhibit spatial and operational characteristics akin to small cities and factories, making transportation planning and Discrete-Event Simulation highly applicable in evaluating hospital layout performances in terms of the four operational criteria. Exploratory Network Analysis further reveals the inherent structural tendencies that impact hospital efficiency and resilience. Additionally, evaluation mechanisms, including aggregation, relativization, and interpretation, translate disaggregated simulation outputs into actionable metrics, enabling comparative assessment of design alternatives. This study contributes a systematic approach to hospital layout evaluation, offering valuable insights for architects and policymakers aiming to enhance hospital layout design.
Mental Wellbeing & Space
Spaces for Mental Health & Wellbeing after Dislocation
This research encompasses an exploration on spaces for mental health and wellbeing for newcomers in the Netherlands with a migration background caused by forced dislocation. This group of new Dutch citizens have a higher prevalence for mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and related symptoms of a decreased mental health. The role of architectural spaces and architectonic elements is analyzed and studied through a thorough literature research, supported by case studies to relate to practical executions of the findings. The architectural spaces are defined by necessary activities in preventing and treating mental disorders, creating spaces that support participation, feeling of control, social relations, restoring identity etc. in relation to the integration process on a neighborhood-level. The architectonic elements describe the design considerations for these spaces concerning natural daylight, clear wayfinding, safety through a stable environment, materials for comfortable spaces and atmosphere created through aesthetics that create a home-like and familiar environment for support.
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This research encompasses an exploration on spaces for mental health and wellbeing for newcomers in the Netherlands with a migration background caused by forced dislocation. This group of new Dutch citizens have a higher prevalence for mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and related symptoms of a decreased mental health. The role of architectural spaces and architectonic elements is analyzed and studied through a thorough literature research, supported by case studies to relate to practical executions of the findings. The architectural spaces are defined by necessary activities in preventing and treating mental disorders, creating spaces that support participation, feeling of control, social relations, restoring identity etc. in relation to the integration process on a neighborhood-level. The architectonic elements describe the design considerations for these spaces concerning natural daylight, clear wayfinding, safety through a stable environment, materials for comfortable spaces and atmosphere created through aesthetics that create a home-like and familiar environment for support.
How to explain sustainability
The future of urban planning researched through health
The attempts made in history to design livable sustainable neighborhoods, have created dependency instead on motorized transportation and have increased the pressure of the city, leading to unsustainable environments and causing global climate change. To accomplish sustainability we introduce a new vision to explain what sustainability means in the built environment and how we can identify ourselves more with the term sustainability. In this thesis we explore therefore policies and strategies where the urban environment and public health meet each other. We believe that by increasing public health, a sustainable environment will be the result. To translate this into urban design, we suggest to design from the neighborhood, the building block of the city. By transforming neighborhoods into a network of healthy places we research how we can increase the quality (livability) of neighborhoods to increase public health, wellbeing and sustainability in the built environment.
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The attempts made in history to design livable sustainable neighborhoods, have created dependency instead on motorized transportation and have increased the pressure of the city, leading to unsustainable environments and causing global climate change. To accomplish sustainability we introduce a new vision to explain what sustainability means in the built environment and how we can identify ourselves more with the term sustainability. In this thesis we explore therefore policies and strategies where the urban environment and public health meet each other. We believe that by increasing public health, a sustainable environment will be the result. To translate this into urban design, we suggest to design from the neighborhood, the building block of the city. By transforming neighborhoods into a network of healthy places we research how we can increase the quality (livability) of neighborhoods to increase public health, wellbeing and sustainability in the built environment.
De Illusie van Inclusie
Wonen en leven in de wijk voor mensen met een psychiatrische aandoening
Master thesis
(2017)
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Maya van der Lande, Cor Wagenaar, Eireen Schreurs, Hubert van der Meel, Paul Kuitenbrouwer
Vulnerable people with a psychiatric disorder are no longer staying in institutions outside of society, from now on the will live in the neighbourhood, in the so called ‘inclusive society’. In reality, some challenges need to be overcome such as loneliness and social isolation while living independent, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of people with psychiatric disorders, absence of the necessary safety nets of outpatient care, a lack of suitable low-cost rental housing and a society that is not entirely inclusive. This is to be seen as ‘the illusion
of inclusion’. In my research I aimed to develop architectural principles to enable psychiatric patients to live independently within the neighbourhood. These architectural principles were developed by means of a literature review, best practices and interviews. The architectural principles serve as a method of testing the design. Even though the design itself is positioned on a specific location, these principles are a general guideline for designing for independent living with a psychiatric illness. ...
of inclusion’. In my research I aimed to develop architectural principles to enable psychiatric patients to live independently within the neighbourhood. These architectural principles were developed by means of a literature review, best practices and interviews. The architectural principles serve as a method of testing the design. Even though the design itself is positioned on a specific location, these principles are a general guideline for designing for independent living with a psychiatric illness. ...
Vulnerable people with a psychiatric disorder are no longer staying in institutions outside of society, from now on the will live in the neighbourhood, in the so called ‘inclusive society’. In reality, some challenges need to be overcome such as loneliness and social isolation while living independent, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of people with psychiatric disorders, absence of the necessary safety nets of outpatient care, a lack of suitable low-cost rental housing and a society that is not entirely inclusive. This is to be seen as ‘the illusion
of inclusion’. In my research I aimed to develop architectural principles to enable psychiatric patients to live independently within the neighbourhood. These architectural principles were developed by means of a literature review, best practices and interviews. The architectural principles serve as a method of testing the design. Even though the design itself is positioned on a specific location, these principles are a general guideline for designing for independent living with a psychiatric illness.
of inclusion’. In my research I aimed to develop architectural principles to enable psychiatric patients to live independently within the neighbourhood. These architectural principles were developed by means of a literature review, best practices and interviews. The architectural principles serve as a method of testing the design. Even though the design itself is positioned on a specific location, these principles are a general guideline for designing for independent living with a psychiatric illness.