De Drie Hoven

In the bustling heart of Amsterdam, nestled within a vibrant neighborhood, stands De Drie Hoven. De Drie Hoven isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to a vision of inclusive living, designed for those facing physical and mental challenges, many in their golden years. De Drie Hoven aimed to foster a sense of community, a “small town” where social interaction thrived despite individual limitations. The complex, De Drie Hoven, was conceived as a unified urban area, not a collection of separate buildings. This meant shared services and accessibility for all residents, regardless of their level of care. This innovative approach blended independent living apartments, assisted living units, and a nursing home within a single framework. The architects of De Drie Hoven wanted to create an environment that encouraged residents to personalize their spaces. The idea was that residents whose conditions improved or declined could transition smoothly between different levels of care within De Drie Hoven. This minimized disruptive moves. The design utilized a modular system. This system was based on a 92cm unit, allowing flexibility in room sizes and configurations. This continuous structure, De Drie Hoven, housed diverse programs within its column, beam, and floor system. It was a space designed to adapt and evolve with the needs of its residents. De Drie Hoven also reflected a shift in government policy during the 1970s, moving away from isolated institutions towards integrated community living. The building incorporated common areas, described as ‘inner streets’, ‘squares’, and a central ‘village square’. This design fostered chance encounters and a sense of belonging for the residents of De Drie Hoven. The outdoor spaces at De Drie Hoven were just as important. There were gardens for residents and staff, alongside a public park for the neighborhood. Residents had access to personal gardens, a jeu-de-boules court, and even a greenhouse to cultivate their own flowers. The paths through the park connected to the surrounding streets, inviting interaction between residents and the wider community.