Daisy Hart

Generation Living

Redefining Residential Housing  

In my graduation project, I delved into the world of residential housing, examining it from global to personal perspectives. The driving force behind my research was the pressing living crisis, exacerbated by a population density of 523 persons per square metre, an ageing population, and increasing individualisation.   

My own experiences, growing up in a multigenerational family home and later cohabitating with friends and family, shaped my understanding of this issue. These experiences have become integral to my project.  

My research explored the evolving housing needs at different life stages, uncovering notable insights.    

Traditional housing markets are geared towards standard family structures. However, our society is in flux, marked by demographic shifts with the rise of single-person households and unconventional family compositions. My vision proposes a shift towards communal living, with multigenerational living at its core.    

For my project, I chose the Rijtuigenloods in Amersfoort. A historic building as the ideal location. My design aims to demonstrate how such industrial heritage sites can be repurposed for residential use, offering a unique living experience while preserving history.   

The heart of my design is modular units that enable residents to tailor their living spaces to their specific needs without compromising the building's integrity. This approach creates communal spaces like courtyards, fostering flexibility in how residents shape their living environments.   

In essence, Generation Living reimagines residential housing by embracing communal living, challenging conventional norms, and repurposing historic spaces for contemporary living. It reflects adaptability, innovation, and the acknowledgement that homes should evolve with us throughout our lives. 

Graduation date: 24 August 2023
Graduation committee: Jan Richard Kikkert (mentor), Liesbeth van der Pol, Machiel Spaan 
Additional members for the exam Saša Radenovic, Lisette Plouvier