Plattegrond van de begane grond van het huis Gansenhoef te Maarssen 1715

This is a ground plan of Gansenhoef House in Maarssen, created by Bastiaen Stopendael in the 17th century. At first glance, we see a precise, ordered layout, a representation of domestic space. But consider, the home itself is a powerful symbol—a protective shell, a sanctuary. The arrangement of rooms echoes the classical concept of order that transcends time. Like the Renaissance villas inspired by ancient Roman floor plans, the intention is to create harmony through symmetry, order, and proportion. These principles harken back to Vitruvius, who emphasized the importance of these elements in architecture. Even in this seemingly functional drawing, we see the house as a stage for human life, a container for memories and daily rituals. The blueprint becomes a silent witness, echoing our deepest longings for safety and belonging. It’s a testament to how we shape our spaces and how they, in turn, shape us. The house, a symbol, reappears across time, evolving yet always resonant with primal meanings.