Merle Soeters

Merle Soeters

Opleiding
Architectuur
Lichting
2024
E-mail
merle_soet@hotmail.com
Contact
LinkedIn

Designing a Future for the Past

Architectural exploration on how to reduce inequality for children


Dutch text will follow soon

The goal of my graduation project was to explore how architecture could contribute to reducing the inequality of opportunities for children. Based on my own experience as a tutor teaching in an underprivileged neighborhood, the Bijlmer in Amsterdam, I decided to do so by designing a school. 

However, not just a straightforward school. The building had to become a place that inspires, stimulates learning and interaction, feels safe and offers privacy, and plays a central multifunctional role in its neighborhood and community.  

It will not surprise you that the neighborhood I chose was indeed the Bijlmer in Amsterdam. The exact location is the empty space that was left after the demolishing plane crash in 1992. The memory of this disaster has been represented in the facade and the building fills the gap of the initial urban plan. 

The school itself is intended to facilitate movement, connection, and interactive learning opportunities. Partially, this is achieved by the interaction of children with people of the community using the building and its public functions as well. Thus, the building is intended to facilitate blending and connection through its multifunctional spaces. Creating a vibrant place within the neighborhood and in line with the functions outlined for this area by the municipality. 

 

Afstudeerdatum: 11 juli 2024
Afstudeercommissie: Pnina Avidar (mentor), Bart van der Salm, Peter Dautzenberg 
Toegevoegde leden t.b.v. het examen: Jo Barnett, Jochem Heijmans 

Terug naar lijst
Delen