Living in Retail

The search for possibilities to transform existing retail into living

Master thesis (2014)

Contributors

Y.J. Cuperus (mentor)
J.L. Heintz (mentor)
Department
Explorelab Architecture (Architecture and the Built Environment) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2014 Witlox, M.J.C.
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Published Date

15-04-2014

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Faculty

Architecture and The Built Environment

Department

Explorelab Architecture

Abstract

The functioning of a shopping area in the city centre is often determined by the amount of vacant square meters of retail space. The Netherlands is experiencing a strong increase of vacant shops. With the project called Living in Retail is tried to give a new interpretation for the current rise of retail vacancy in historical inner cities in the Netherlands by means of transformation from retail to living. The project is housed in the studio Explorelab, a graduation place where a research-based project is central. Prior the architectural challenge, a survey is carried out in which the supply of vacant stores in 9 different cities in the Netherlands is categorized on the basics of characteristic features, such as the width of the storefront and the amount of daylight. In addition, there are practical examples analysed to investigate existing solutions. The ultimate goal is to generate a manual containing a list of the all the possibilities for each characteristic feature. Various designs of transformations are used to create images of these possibilities. The design consists of both a built-in system, which can provide all the amenities needed for living, as the adjustment of the existing property to create more opportunities for transformation.