Cartesius is a future city neighborhood in Utrecht, unique in its approach to urban planning, sustainability, and community living. Every detail is carefully considered, from the layout of the greenery to the placement of the parking garage. To understand what makes Cartesius so special, we spoke with Mark Spijkerman of Paul de Ruiter Architects, who has been involved in the design of Subarea 1 from the very first sketches to the final details.

Together with the design team, Mark helped shape the concept for the subarea, working closely with clients, consultants, the municipality, contractors, and suppliers. One of the key challenges was to divide the area into distinct residential blocks, each with its own architectural character, yet forming a cohesive whole. The result is a harmonious blend of diversity and unity—some blocks feature bold balconies stacked in playful arrangements, while others have a more minimalist design with green facades.

At the heart of the subarea is a spacious inner garden, designed to be a natural extension of the public park, seamlessly connecting the buildings, residents, and community spaces. This shared courtyard is a place for meeting, relaxing, and staying active, where the boundaries between private and communal spaces are intentionally blurred. Instead of traditional fences, residents will find modest hedges, natural barriers, and vegetation, allowing private gardens to flow naturally into shared outdoor spaces.

Cartesius is built on the principle that living extends beyond the home. This subarea reflects that vision, creating a welcoming, open, and inclusive environment where people connect, unwind, and truly feel at home.

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