This design for an asylum seekers centre in the historical centre of Maastricht seeks to normalize the living conditions of asylum seekers as much as possible. It does so by dividing the standard ASC model into many small parts that interweave with the existing urban fabric. By countering the accepted panoptic model with the polycentric model, the project humanely bridges the gap between 'the outsiders' and society. The limiting perimeters of Dutch culture are redefined and thereby expanded. Thirteen designs for 13 chosen sites in the historical centre of Maastricht show the typological, spatial and programmatic possibilities of this new model. Together they constitute a proposal for an ASC in Maastricht.

The project constructs a heterotopic network of private domains. This network exists as an autonomous system as well as interacting and interweaving with the regular social system at some nodal points. This interaction with regular society is spread across several layers of the city and so is far less confining than interaction at the gates of a regular ASC.

The main facility centre has been designed in combination with 100 dwelling units in an existing block near 'Hof van Tilly' (a large former governor's residence on Grote Gracht). The units are arranged around patios in a slab of 50 x 80 metres. The framed sky of the patio and the long horizontal views from the longitudinal facade address feelings of enclosure and freedom.

The design of the angular volume with collective and public functions is shaped by its interaction with the environment. The building overlooks the fabric of Maastricht and forges a long-distance relationship with other 'civic' buildings such as the city hall and the churches though without being obtrusive, hidden away as it is. The ASC registers in the city as an institute but at the same time as a social housing project like any other. This ambiguity is expressed in the materiality which juxtaposes the precious with the cheap, raw and unfinished.

Place of education: TU Delft
Specialization: architecture
Tutors: Tony Fretton, Liane Lefaivre, Ype Cuperus