Hendrik Van Der Ham and Project SEVENTH: Pioneering 'The Other Way of Living'

Hendrik van der Ham is a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader committed to creating sustainable societies. His dedication to environmental harmony and innovative urbanization is epitomized in his flagship initiative, Project SEVENTH.

Project SEVENTH: A Vision Realized

Inspired by the legendary Atlantis, SEVENTH is an iconic architectural marvel situated on a circular floating island off the coast of Dubai. The project features pyramid-shaped buildings designed to harmonize human living with the environment, embodying Hendrik's philosophy of 'The Other Way of Living.'

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Vision

Elevating Quality Of Life

Elevating Quality of Life for All: The Other Way of Living

At the heart of everything we do lies a profound vision: to elevate the quality of life for all people across the world. This vision is not driven by profit or the urge to count money first—it is guided by what we can achieve together when we listen, collaborate, and dream of a better future for everyone. Hendrik van der Ham, inspired by 40 nights of lucid dreaming, envisioned a transformative way of living—a life guided by connection, purpose, and unity. He called it The Other Way of Living, a philosophy where humanity places collective well-being and understanding above personal gain. This vision challenges us to prioritize not what we can take from the world, but what we can create for it, together.

Listening First: Bridging Divides

Central to this way of living is the power of listening—truly listening to one another, no matter one’s place in society, cultural background, or the color of their skin. It is through listening that we build bridges between individuals, communities, and nations. This approach honors the inherent value in every voice and seeks to understand rather than divide, to unite rather than compete.
When we choose to listen first, we open the door to deeper empathy, stronger collaboration, and innovative solutions that benefit everyone. It allows us to dream together, weaving a vision that includes all perspectives and embraces our shared humanity.

Beyond Profit: Purpose First

In The Other Way of Living, we reimagine success. It is not measured by the weight of money but by the impact we create—how many lives we improve, how much dignity we restore, and how much hope we inspire. Money becomes a tool, not the end goal and should be calculated first. We all need to start with thinking about the added value. The true measure of progress is good quality experiences, health, and the opportunity to share your lives with other people in the world. Hendrik van der Ham experienced the profound pain of watching part of his family succumb to cancer. Through his research, he came to a heartbreaking realization: in hospitals, the people he loved were not truly healing. Instead, they were being kept alive for a time, but without the quality and dignity of the life they once cherished. This deeply moved him and ignited a conviction that things must change. He believed that life should come first—not money, not systems, but the essence of living itself. Hendrik envisioned a different way, one where we come together to create a world where health and well-being are prioritized, and where every life is valued for the fullness it can hold and hospitals will not be a commercial institute.

A Universal Dream for All

This is a dream that transcends borders and cultures—a dream of communities thriving together, where people feel heard, seen, and valued. It is about creating a world where opportunity is not limited by geography, wealth, or status. It is about elevating the collective spirit of humanity to forge a future of equality, sustainability, and shared purpose. Hendrik van der Ham’s lucid dreams gave us a glimpse of what is possible when we live for one another, when we prioritize listening, and when we dream of something greater than ourselves. Together, we can make that dream a reality—a way of life that honours every individual and elevates us all. This is The Other Way of Living. A world where we rise by lifting others. A world where we listen, act, and dream together. A world where the quality of life improves for everyone, everywhere.

A Legacy for Future Generations

Hendrik regards SEVENTH as his 'child,' a lifelong endeavor dedicated to fostering sustainable living for the 'children of the children.' The project aims to serve as a facility where individuals can experience and realize alternative, harmonious ways of coexisting with nature. This mission stands as Hendrik's primary purpose, reflecting his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and societal well-being.

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Recognition and Ongoing Commitment

Hendrik's leadership and innovative approach have earned him accolades, including the Wealth & Wisdom Award, acknowledging his contributions to sustainable development. He continues to dedicate himself to SEVENTH, striving to create a lasting impact on urban living and environmental sustainability.

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Through SEVENTH, Hendrik van der Ham exemplifies a determined effort to change the world for the better, nurturing a project that embodies his vision for a sustainable and harmonious future.

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