Olivier Hortensius

Amstelhoven

  
I grew up in a single-parent family. My father died when I was three years old. My father worked hard and made sure that after his death, my mother was financially independent and therefore did not have to work. As a parent, she was there for me 24/7. Because of this, I look back on a very pleasant childhood. My older cousin also grew up in a single-parent family because his father also died prematurely. Financially, they did not have the freedom and his mother had to continue working in addition to parenting. Therefore, there was little time for her to lead an independent life.  

In the flat where I grew up, it is difficult to play outside. Not all the houses are oriented towards the same space. Between the lines of sight and physical connections, there is too much distance for social control and a feeling of connection. Children in the flat are not inclined to ring the doorbell of a friend and are only allowed to use the lift at a certain age.

In this graduation project, I want to take up the challenge of creating a better living situation and environment for single-parent families in Amsterdam.  

PERSONAL STORY AND AMBITION 
- To create a better living situation and environment for single parent families in Amsterdam. 
- Sightlines and physical connections for direct connection with the street and other homes in the street social control and to create a sense of connection. 
- The physical and social connection makes it easier to have contact with others.  

TARGET GROUP 
Social connection 
Physical and social connection between parent and child. Connection private, semi-public and public spaces. More social interaction through collective community.  

Freedom of movement 
More freedom of movement without loss of social control/connection.  

Family distribution 
More time for each other and themselves.  

Demographics 
Rising prices on the housing market and lack of space mean that single-parent families are moving out of the city.  

LOCATION 
Density 
Densification and improvement with (partial) retention of the existing structure.  

Amenities 
Some facilities already present.  

Accessibility 
Well accessible by bicycle and public transport. Shorter travel times.  

Construction 
More compact housing within a complex with integrated (social) facilities. 
Preferably also the possibility for densification and improvement with (partial) retention of the existing structure. 
A complex with village characteristics.  

Accessibility 
Easily accessible by bicycle and public transport. Shorter travel times.  

Architectural 
More compact housing within a complex with integrated (social) facilities. 
Preferably also the possibility for densification and improvement with (partial) retention of the existing structure. 
A complex with village characteristics.   

Graduation date: 31 maart 2021
Graduation committee: Elsbeth Falk (mentor), Sweder Spanjer, Wim de Vos 
Additional members for the exam: Rik van Dolderen, Wouter Kroeze