Michaël Vrijhof is an architectural engineer, humanitarian, artist, and co-founder of the non-profit Office for the New Earth (ONE), an organization dedicated to designing and constructing Healing Spaces for children.

Throughout his career and studies, Michaël has developed a strong focus on the physiological and psychological impact that spaces have on our well-being. Drawing from neuro-aesthetics, environmental psychology, and biophilic design, he has developed a holistic framework about the embodied needs we share universally as humans in relation to our environment. As a result, his design approach is fueled by sets of evidence-based principles on how to meet embodied needs with architectural ingredients.

As part of Office for the New Earth, Michaël has led efforts in designing and building therapeutic Healing Spaces for children in distressed situations, such as those in refugee camps. These communal environments are carefully crafted to support their emotional and developmental needs, helping them feel safe, relaxed, and inspired. By fostering a space that nurtures curiosity and imagination, these structures allow children to heal and grow, despite the challenging circumstances.