Gaia
My project reimagines the post-war Westwijk district in Vlaardingen, using a gender-equality lens to design homes and communal spaces. The original design catered to traditional family structures, but as society evolved, so did the neighborhood’s needs. I tackled these changes with sustainable, community-centered solutions.
Westwijk’s once-connected green communal spaces have become fragmented, and new housing developments are negatively impacting the neighborhood's livability and social connections. My design improves the layout by fostering social interaction, using back-to-back housing to create flow and reduce dead-end spaces.
Current housing orientations
Improved housing orientations
I developed two housing types tailored to modern households. The first is designed for intimate couples, offering compact living spaces with a focus on privacy and comfort. The second model caters to non-intimate couples and single-person households, emphasizing flexible layouts and shared amenities.
Both housing types incorporate communal spaces like bicycle storage, guest rooms, and laundry facilities to encourage community interaction and foster a sense of belonging.
Intimate couples
Non-intimate couples and singles
Roofs are designed to promote biodiversity, utilizing materials like wood and hemp lime for sustainable, biobased construction. These can be harvested locally, enhancing their environmental benefits.
Floor detail
Roof edge detail
Gaia reimagines the Westwijk district by addressing the need for sustainable housing while championing social equity. Prioritizing gender equality and diverse family structures, it fosters community interaction and belonging.
With innovative housing typologies and integrated green spaces, Gaia serves as a blueprint for future developments, showing how architecture adapts to create vibrant, inclusive communities.
