Growing into Independence

A research on enhancing social engagement in the living environment of adults with a Mild Intellectual Disability within urban green-blue grids

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

M.I. van 't Walderveen Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

J.H.A. Macco Teachers of Practice / A - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
M. Meizoso Aguilar Teachers of Practice / AE+T - Architecture and the Built Environment (graduation committee member)
L.M. Oorschot Teachers of Practice / A - Architecture and the Built Environment (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

24-06-2024

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

The aim of the research is to create architectural design guidelines for a housing facility including its immediate surroundings for adults with a Mild Intellectual Disability (MID). The potential to combine housing with additional neighbourhood facilities stimulating social interaction is taken into account to reduce loneliness and segregation from society and support them in their everyday life to make them more satisfied in the growing urban landscape. Observations and semi-structured interviews are done about typology & form, spatial organisation, outdoor surroundings, embedding, facilities, privacy, control/influence on the environment and social interaction in order to compare three different housing facilities as case studies. The research concludes that first of all the living environment of adults with an MID must be clear and structured. Secondly, overstimulation needs to be avoided and they must have the opportunity to connect with others. This means there should be a balance between a lively and calm living environment. If these preconditions are met, adults with an MID are able grow into their independence when the distance to care is gradually placed further away within the familiarity of their neighbourhood.