49m² | Spring with Rick Abelen

Spring is the season of change and growth! With this in mind, we welcome architect and artist Rick Abelen as the new guest artist at 49m2 in Zaartpark, Breda.

Rick Abelen is a young architect and artist with a passion for the built environment. In his practice, he explores not only physical space but also how people interact with it—their thoughts, actions, and behaviours. During his residency, he will focus on an urgent question: what does freedom mean in a time of housing crisis?

House prices are soaring, and social housing waiting lists seem endless. But this crisis is not just about a shortage of affordable homes. What do we truly need? How do we want to live together? As nature awakens from its winter slumber, Rick seeks answers within the 49m2 of his temporary workspace.

His research is an open process, reflecting on the impact of space and architecture on our society. Through sketches, conversations, and experiments, he explores alternative perspectives on housing and shared living spaces. We invite you to follow this journey and take part in the dialogue.

Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates on Rick’s residency and the insights he gathers during this period.