Problem Statement
The Learning Community at Loods M wishes to attract wider student and community participation. They suffer due to unclear communication, insufficient engagement, and underutilised space. They also face challenges in internal and external collaboration and communication, obstructing Loods Mʼs potential as an inclusive, inspiring community hub for Maassluis.
My Approach
As a project lead of a group of 6 on Instillations, I lead the research and design phases, and was also in charge of all the visual design and final conception. Going into the project, I really wanted to explore the community of Maassluis and consider all the stakeholders outside of the learning community as well.
I also wanted to veer away from screens for the sake of screens, and think of innovative ideas to incorporate non-traditional ideas of "technology" with other modular furniture and natural forms to create a community and work environment in one.
Create a space that is inviting, inspiring, sustainable, and innovative for the Learning Community and the locals of Maassluis
Make Loods M portray the Learning Communityʼs mission of multidisciplinary diversity that encourages mutual growth, collaboration and problem-solving.
Attract curious people to be more involved with the Learning Community and Loods M at Maassluis.
Instillations
Maassluis: Manifested
Loods M as a dynamic, modular space that blends Maassluis' rich history as a port with a open, creative, and inquisitive atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from the town's ships, water, and people, the design uses natural light, fluid shapes, and maritime influenced visuals like water reflections, a canal running through the space, and community "creative hubs".
With a flexible workspace that transforms according to the needs of the Learning Community, the space encourages discovery, collaboration, community involvement, innovation, & curiosity.
Community Space
To bring the people of Maassluis and the LCs closer, we made sure to have full transparency in our design of content allowing the LCs to show their work, communicate and highlight the importance of their values with the locals.
Waterfall of knowledge
The heart of Loods M, serves as an information hub of LC projects. Fed by the communication rivers, the warehouse has a flow, physically guiding users, and digitally guiding content, allowing everything to meet in one place.
Natural light and forms
Bridging technology with nature, using natural light and forms ensures a more genuine and living- not overly crowded with screens and forced digitisation- like getting a fresh breath of air.
Maassluis inside-out
Incorporating the rich history of Maassluis within Loods M creates a space that welcomes and garners support from the locals. By taking inspiration from the harbour, one can create a space that is intriguing, peaceful, and truly Maassluis.
Isolation & Community
Fit for every working scenario, Loods M is equipped with social areas - useful for workshops and group meetings, a hybrid work room - ideal for presentations and hybrid opportunities, and solo booths - perfect for peace and quiet.
Modular furniture
Furniture that is easy to rearrange and adapt to personal needs, spurs creativity and freedom in Loods M. While providing comfort, they are still functional, shaped for work and socialisation.
Aim
Redesign Loods M as a shared space to support a hybrid work environment where the members of the Learning Community Maassluis, as well as locals, can mix the digital and the physical, creating a space that encourages collaboration, creativity, and curiosity.
Research Questions
What are the needs and wants of Learning Community members with regards to Loods M?
What do Learning Community members feel and think about Loods M?
What is the involvement of the local community in Maassluis with Loods M, and how does it play a role in the warehouse?
Research Scope
Internal Hybrid Collaboration
Information Sharing & Storage Gaps
Stakeholder Needs & Wants
Understanding Locals in Maassluis
EdX + Online Learning Platform Review
Data Collection
On-site Observation & Desk Research
Loods M
In order to design Loods M, one must visit Loods M
On-site findings
From The Hudson (Maassluisian tugboat), UvA Hybrid Learning Theatre, NXT Museum & Remastered
Community: Maassluis has a strong maritime identity, with locals (mostly older Dutch couples) deeply involved in preserving its history — especially through volunteer work like maintaining The Hudson tugboat museum.
Design for Loods M: Must serve both the Learning Centre and the local community. Reflect traditional charm while supporting active, inclusive use.
Learning Spaces:
Inclusion = participation, not just access.
Tech should be invisible.
Space shapes behavior — design for flexibility and rest.
Blend digital + physical.
Leave room for free exploration, especially for kids.
Data Analysis
The Synthesis Wall
Through the synthesis wall, we will synthesise and analyse our data through the whole project, also serving as inspiration of a hybrid physical-and-digital space design.
Afifinity diagramming and thematic networks
Moodboarding
Data visualisation and physicalisation
Insights
The Report
