Third Place and Third Phase
M.E. Bergevoet (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
J.H.A. Macco – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
B.M. Jurgenhake – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
R. Schroën – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
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.