49m2, year 9, spring 2025 | Rick Abelen

Rick Abelen is a young architect and artist with a passion for the built world. In his practice, he not only investigates physical space, but also how people deal with it – their thoughts, actions and behavior. During his residency, he focuses on an urgent question: what does freedom mean in a time of housing crisis?

House prices are sky-high, and waiting times for social housing endless. But this crisis is not just about a shortage of affordable housing. What do we really need? How do we want to live together? While nature awakens from its hibernation, Rick searches for answers within the 49m2 of his temporary workplace.

His research is an open process, in which he reflects on the impact of space and architecture on our society. Through sketches, conversations and experiments, he investigates alternative perspectives on living and shared living space. We invite you to follow this process and participate in the dialogue.

Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on Rick’s residency and the insights he gathers during this period