ASCENDING

INTEGRATION CENTRE

ABSTRACT

'Ascending' is about designing a living environment, a habitat, for immigrants, expats and refugees who are granted asylum. This habitat is meant to be a stepping stone in their integration process, in which they learn about Dutch culture, language and prepare to be fully adopted in Dutch society.

The location of this centre is in the Europoint-towers in Rotterdam. The open floor plan and good connectivity make it a great location. The towers, which are now partially occupied to house offices, also have a growing amount of vacant space. This vacant space is believed to increase significantly in the near future, possibly resulting in the towers to be completely unused. The goal is to give a new purpose to these towers.

The main purpose of the habitat is to help immigrants integrate into Dutch society. The programme will therefore include, housing, study/meeting spaces, lecture halls and an information centre. To bring the immigrants in contact with Dutch citizens the building is designed with in mind continuity and transparency as key factors.

GOAL:

DESIGN AN INTEGRATION CENTRE FOR IMMIGRANTS THAT PROVIDES HOUSING, COMMUNAL ANFD PUBLIC FACILITIES WITH THE MAIN PURPOSE OF AIDING THE INTEGRATION PROCESS