How can Participatory Design Serve as a Vector for the Sustainable Transformation of de Hoeksteen?

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Abstract

This paper examines the valuation and perception of de Hoeksteen, a heritage building in the Netherlands. Expert stakeholders, such as the municipality and architecture historian Joop van Stigt, value the building for its aesthetic qualities and historical significance. In contrast, users of the building, particularly the community organization Casa Migrante, value it for its social value. However, the local community, who have little knowledge of the building’s current use, perceive it as unattractive and lacking in value. The paper suggests that this discrepancy highlights the need for a participatory approach to bridge the gap between stakeholders and foster greater appreciation for the building’s potential. The paper also draws on the works of Timothy Hyde and Roger Scruton to explore the relationship between architecture, perception, and imagination, and to contextualize the social and cultural factors that shape our judgments of architectural value.