Reimagining permanence in architecture: How adaptable and circular design principles can enhance the value and durability of buildings

The misguided idea of permanence in architecture has proven to be an illusion (Brand, 1994; Ford, 1997). Present-day solutions such as the adaptive and circular design of buildings strive to enable frequent changes in buildings to satisfy the needs of users in our transient society. However, this challenges the idea of permanence in architecture...

Circularity and adaptability as possible approaches to mitigate urban drought: a case study of the city of Breda

From 2018 to 2020, the city of Breda (NL) faced drought, with significant economic losses and water scarcity problems. The water board within which the city is located began to consider new possible water management practices, due to the unsustainability of the current ones. This study aims to investigate how a change of the current paradigm can...

Flexible floor systems: The effectiveness of flexibility measures in improving the circularity of building components

The environmental strain and depletion of natural resources caused by the current economic system could be reduced through the transition to a more circular economy, based on regenerative use of resources, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible and their value is retained (Cheshire, 2016; Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2013;...

Synergising Architecture: Integrating Food System Processes with Urban Functions Towards Liveable and Sustainable Agri-Food Business Parks in Westland

Food has played an important role in shaping our metropolitan regions, such as Westland in South Holland, The Netherlands. The industrialisation and globalisation of agriculture in Westland has prioritised economy and efficiency, creating issues of liveability and sustainability. The market-driven expansion of the agri-food industry has...