Central Spark

Abstract

My research finds its origin in a personal observation of isolation among humans, from which a fascination for social architecture developed. This initiated research on the relation between architecture and human behavior: I explored how physical boundaries influence human behavior.

At the same time, I started exploring the area of Midden Delfland and Tanthof as part of the design challenge. Within the plan of ZUS envisioning a future within for the area of Midden Delfland, a constraint of urban expansion was proposed. From this, an ‘edge’ between the city and the landscape would emerge, creating a new type of space ‘in between’. My research being about borders and boundaries, the challenge of reimagining this ‘in-between’ space offered me a chance to test the theories I researched and apply them in a design.

Current urban edges often end abruptly, lacking connections to the surrounding landscapes. Tanthof, a monofunctional residential area south of Delft, exemplifies this problem. Characterized by high-density housing and minimal quality public spaces, it fails to integrate with the adjacent Midden-Delfland. Such inefficient and isolating developments are unsustainable, especially given the Netherlands' limited space.
The urban edge I designed unlocks the potential of boundary areas, transforming them into vibrant spaces that connect city and landscape. This boundary bridges urban life with the tranquility of nature, offering nearby places of escape to counteract the intensity of city life. Creating such space allows residents to take refuge in the landscape, rejuvenate, and then return to the city with renewed energy.

I discovered a symbiotic relation between movement and the identity of edges [borders/boundaries]. I translated desired movements that would foster social connection to spatial solutions which I formulated in design ambitions, strategies and principles. This formed the foundation of my design, which would from then on be present in any design decision. From there on I designed movement through space on four scales; the scales of the neighborhood, the building, the collective spaces and the house. The building I designed is a spatial translation of desired movement on these four scales, to achieve an integrated and connected living environment.

The final booklet I delivered is a back-to-back presentation of the Research and Design, as they were also back-to-back throughout the design process. Furthermore, the plan is illustrated in a presentation which digs deeper into the physical appearance of the Design.