How do we create a living environment that strengthens people’s well-being while also bringing people together?

The urban landscape in the Netherlands is in transition. The increase in single-person households, an ageing population and ongoing individualisation are changing the way we live together. These societal developments call for neighbourhoods and cities that are not only functional, but also inspiring and connective. We design from the conviction that the human scale, social interaction and shared spaces are essential to a vital living environment.

Our urban design approach focuses on creating places that invite encounter, engagement and a sense of collective ownership.

We advocate compact homes, specifically for starters, seniors and single-person households. This does not mean compromising on quality of life; on the contrary, a smaller footprint per dwelling creates space for more generous, high-quality shared and green areas. These collective spaces enrich the residential experience and stimulate social interaction.

With attention to people and “soft edges”, we create cities where people feel at home and can thrive.

A city designed for people invites movement, encounter and staying. Where tall buildings and car-oriented streets often feel anonymous and ‘cold’, smaller, finely detailed spaces create a ‘warm’, personal and welcoming atmosphere. This contributes to sensory richness.
Crucial are the “soft edges”: the transitional zones between buildings and public space. These are places where people step outside, meet one another and experience urban life. An active ground floor with many entrances, transparent façades and engaging details significantly enhances the quality of the walking experience. Research shows that activity levels in areas with active plinths can be up to seven times higher than in areas with passive plinths. For these target groups, such soft edges are essential for low-threshold, spontaneous encounters and help reduce feelings of isolation.

The Dutch housing market calls for an empathetic and carefully considered approach. By combining compact homes with thoughtfully designed communal and green spaces, and by placing the human scale at the centre, we create cities that are vibrant, safe, sustainable and healthy. In this way, we design cities where people feel at home and where quality of life is paramount.

Digital design tools enable us to simulate future user experiences at an early stage and to substantiate spatial choices with clarity. This results in a transparent design process that supports communication with stakeholders and contributes to carefully balanced, widely supported spatial solutions.