The housing shortage in the Netherlands has been increasing over the years. Around 1900, when the Netherlands had similar housing problems, the cheap and easy construction method of the ‘alkoofwoningen’ were the solution. This critical analysis will describe the (dis)advantages of the alcove and alkoofwoningen in 1850-1980 by the means of historic research and a literature review. The biggest conclusion include that in the nineteenth century the working class lived in poor living conditions and the alcoves were seen as dark and stuffy closets that caused negative effects on people health, mostly caused by bad ventilation and presence of pests. However, the air in cities was not very clean so by opening windows only dust came in and the material of beds was often perishable. Maybe the alkoofwoning with its bad reputation did not receive a fair judgement. With current trends of city-residents wanting to live in smaller houses and the housing shortage the alkoofwoning can be used as an inspiration for future dwelling floor plans.

The emission of CO2 is a significant contributor to global warming, with the mobility sector being a major source. The EU has set a goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, requiring substantial CO2 reduction efforts, particularly in densely populated regions like the Rhine-Delta (RDR). This region’s extensive mobility network, serving both urban and global trade needs, generates significant CO2 emissions.
To address this, a research initiative aims to make the Rhine-Delta’s mobility network CO2-neutral by 2050 through reimagining its design and operations. The focus lies on peri-urban areas, where urban and rural landscapes intersect. These areas are essential for economic and social functions but are currently reliant on polluting road transportation.
The research identifies the need to rethink connectivity to peri-urban areas for sustainability. Traditional urban-focused transportation concepts often overlook peri-urban needs. Therefore, the initiative proposes developing context-based mobility nodes tailored to peri-urban requirements. These nodes aim to promote sustainable transportation and enhance network efficiency.
The approach involves creating an interconnected network of such nodes throughout the Rhine-Delta region, addressing the specific needs of lower-density areas like peri-urban zones. By considering local contexts, these nodes can effectively serve peri-urban areas, promoting sustainable transportation practices.
To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, the research zooms in on a representative area within the Rhine-Delta region, focusing on peri-urban patches around Arnhem-Nijmegen. By showcasing how context-based mobility nodes can be implemented in such areas, the research seeks to pave the way for a broader transition towards a CO2-neutral mobility network by 2050.
In conclusion, the research aims to transform the Rhine-Delta’s mobility landscape by making it CO2-neutral through the implementation of sustainable transportation solutions tailored to peri-urban areas. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by peri-urban zones, the initiative seeks to contribute significantly to the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050.