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V.L. de Vries
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1
Growing homes
A housing system designed with nature
The Netherlands is currently facing a major housing shortage while the construction sector continues to place increasing pressure on the environment through high CO2 emissions, material consumption, and the loss of biodiversity. At the same time, existing housing often lacks flexibility, forcing people to relocate when their living situation changes. This graduation project explores how architecture can respond to these challenges through a modular, sustainable, and nature-inclusive housing system.
The project, Growing Homes, proposes a modular off-grid housing system that combines flexibility, circular construction, and living in harmony with nature. The system is based on compact timber modules that can be expanded or reduced over time according to changing household needs. By allowing homes to adapt instead of requiring relocation, the project aims to contribute to improved housing flow-through and reduce pressure on the housing market.
Central to the design is the principle of “designing with nature.” The homes
are elevated above the ground to minimize disturbance to the landscape and create space for biodiversity underneath the buildings. The project integrates bio-based and circular materials to reduce environmental impact and create a healthy indoor climate. In addition, the homes function completely off-grid through integrated systems.
Besides the architectural and technical design, the project also investigates collective living as a sustainable social model. A test eco-community demonstrates how the modular system can support shared outdoor spaces, communal facilities, and stronger social connections while maintaining a close relationship with nature.
Through design research, this project demonstrates how modular and
nature-inclusive architecture can contribute to a more flexible, circular, and environmentally responsible way of living. ...
The project, Growing Homes, proposes a modular off-grid housing system that combines flexibility, circular construction, and living in harmony with nature. The system is based on compact timber modules that can be expanded or reduced over time according to changing household needs. By allowing homes to adapt instead of requiring relocation, the project aims to contribute to improved housing flow-through and reduce pressure on the housing market.
Central to the design is the principle of “designing with nature.” The homes
are elevated above the ground to minimize disturbance to the landscape and create space for biodiversity underneath the buildings. The project integrates bio-based and circular materials to reduce environmental impact and create a healthy indoor climate. In addition, the homes function completely off-grid through integrated systems.
Besides the architectural and technical design, the project also investigates collective living as a sustainable social model. A test eco-community demonstrates how the modular system can support shared outdoor spaces, communal facilities, and stronger social connections while maintaining a close relationship with nature.
Through design research, this project demonstrates how modular and
nature-inclusive architecture can contribute to a more flexible, circular, and environmentally responsible way of living. ...
The Netherlands is currently facing a major housing shortage while the construction sector continues to place increasing pressure on the environment through high CO2 emissions, material consumption, and the loss of biodiversity. At the same time, existing housing often lacks flexibility, forcing people to relocate when their living situation changes. This graduation project explores how architecture can respond to these challenges through a modular, sustainable, and nature-inclusive housing system.
The project, Growing Homes, proposes a modular off-grid housing system that combines flexibility, circular construction, and living in harmony with nature. The system is based on compact timber modules that can be expanded or reduced over time according to changing household needs. By allowing homes to adapt instead of requiring relocation, the project aims to contribute to improved housing flow-through and reduce pressure on the housing market.
Central to the design is the principle of “designing with nature.” The homes
are elevated above the ground to minimize disturbance to the landscape and create space for biodiversity underneath the buildings. The project integrates bio-based and circular materials to reduce environmental impact and create a healthy indoor climate. In addition, the homes function completely off-grid through integrated systems.
Besides the architectural and technical design, the project also investigates collective living as a sustainable social model. A test eco-community demonstrates how the modular system can support shared outdoor spaces, communal facilities, and stronger social connections while maintaining a close relationship with nature.
Through design research, this project demonstrates how modular and
nature-inclusive architecture can contribute to a more flexible, circular, and environmentally responsible way of living.
The project, Growing Homes, proposes a modular off-grid housing system that combines flexibility, circular construction, and living in harmony with nature. The system is based on compact timber modules that can be expanded or reduced over time according to changing household needs. By allowing homes to adapt instead of requiring relocation, the project aims to contribute to improved housing flow-through and reduce pressure on the housing market.
Central to the design is the principle of “designing with nature.” The homes
are elevated above the ground to minimize disturbance to the landscape and create space for biodiversity underneath the buildings. The project integrates bio-based and circular materials to reduce environmental impact and create a healthy indoor climate. In addition, the homes function completely off-grid through integrated systems.
Besides the architectural and technical design, the project also investigates collective living as a sustainable social model. A test eco-community demonstrates how the modular system can support shared outdoor spaces, communal facilities, and stronger social connections while maintaining a close relationship with nature.
Through design research, this project demonstrates how modular and
nature-inclusive architecture can contribute to a more flexible, circular, and environmentally responsible way of living.
Making Space For All Minds
Guidelines for Sensory‑Inclusive Architecture
The lack of evidence-based architectural guidelines for accommodating diverse sensory needs in everyday public buildings are adressed in this thesis. Rather than relying on a singular “low-stimulus” room as the primary response to neurodivergent users, the research argues for a more integrated and inclusive spatial approach that recognises neurocognitive diversity as part of human diversity. The study asks how architectural strategies can support a range of sensory profiles without positioning neurodivergence as a deviation from the norm.
Through the analysis of case studies, the research identifies recurring spatial conditions that shape sensory experience in the built environment. These conditions are interpreted through Winnie Dunn’s four sensory processing patterns: sensation seeking, sensation avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and low registration. The outcome of this research is a set of design guidelines intended to support designers in developing more inclusive architectural solutions. ...
Through the analysis of case studies, the research identifies recurring spatial conditions that shape sensory experience in the built environment. These conditions are interpreted through Winnie Dunn’s four sensory processing patterns: sensation seeking, sensation avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and low registration. The outcome of this research is a set of design guidelines intended to support designers in developing more inclusive architectural solutions. ...
The lack of evidence-based architectural guidelines for accommodating diverse sensory needs in everyday public buildings are adressed in this thesis. Rather than relying on a singular “low-stimulus” room as the primary response to neurodivergent users, the research argues for a more integrated and inclusive spatial approach that recognises neurocognitive diversity as part of human diversity. The study asks how architectural strategies can support a range of sensory profiles without positioning neurodivergence as a deviation from the norm.
Through the analysis of case studies, the research identifies recurring spatial conditions that shape sensory experience in the built environment. These conditions are interpreted through Winnie Dunn’s four sensory processing patterns: sensation seeking, sensation avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and low registration. The outcome of this research is a set of design guidelines intended to support designers in developing more inclusive architectural solutions.
Through the analysis of case studies, the research identifies recurring spatial conditions that shape sensory experience in the built environment. These conditions are interpreted through Winnie Dunn’s four sensory processing patterns: sensation seeking, sensation avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and low registration. The outcome of this research is a set of design guidelines intended to support designers in developing more inclusive architectural solutions.
House of Boredom
Grab a chair and start doing nothing
We have lost the ability to do nothing. The contemporary city is shaped by constant movement, stimulation, and productivity, and almost every building is designed to support these conditions. In response, House of Boredom explores the opposite: a new architecture typology of inactivity that creates space for mental rest, reflection, and creativity. House of Boredom is deliberately located beneath one of the busiest bridges in the Netherlands: the Van Brienenoord Bridge in Rotterdam. The relentless flow of traffic generates continuous white noise beneath the bridge, which, combined with the monumental scale of the structure, creates a sense of estrangement. Here, visitors are confronted with the absurdity of constant movement and acceleration overhead.
The design of the building is informed by a three-day stay in a monastery, used as a reference for studying rhythms of inactivity, silence, and repetition. House of Boredom has a rhythmic and repetitive composition of brick and concrete that creates a sense of calm and predictability. Corridors with integrated benches encourage visitors to stay rather than move towards a specific destination. Tactile materials make slow time visible through the movement of light, shifting shadows, and the gradual weathering of surfaces. The building contains an interior without a clearly defined programme. One wall is entirely filled with folding chairs, ready to be picked up and rolled onto the island, where they become part of a simple ritual of slowing down. Visitors can take a chair, find a place to sit, and do nothing. In this way, the chairs help people step out of the accelerated rhythms of everyday life and rediscover the capacity to be bored.
...
The design of the building is informed by a three-day stay in a monastery, used as a reference for studying rhythms of inactivity, silence, and repetition. House of Boredom has a rhythmic and repetitive composition of brick and concrete that creates a sense of calm and predictability. Corridors with integrated benches encourage visitors to stay rather than move towards a specific destination. Tactile materials make slow time visible through the movement of light, shifting shadows, and the gradual weathering of surfaces. The building contains an interior without a clearly defined programme. One wall is entirely filled with folding chairs, ready to be picked up and rolled onto the island, where they become part of a simple ritual of slowing down. Visitors can take a chair, find a place to sit, and do nothing. In this way, the chairs help people step out of the accelerated rhythms of everyday life and rediscover the capacity to be bored.
...
We have lost the ability to do nothing. The contemporary city is shaped by constant movement, stimulation, and productivity, and almost every building is designed to support these conditions. In response, House of Boredom explores the opposite: a new architecture typology of inactivity that creates space for mental rest, reflection, and creativity. House of Boredom is deliberately located beneath one of the busiest bridges in the Netherlands: the Van Brienenoord Bridge in Rotterdam. The relentless flow of traffic generates continuous white noise beneath the bridge, which, combined with the monumental scale of the structure, creates a sense of estrangement. Here, visitors are confronted with the absurdity of constant movement and acceleration overhead.
The design of the building is informed by a three-day stay in a monastery, used as a reference for studying rhythms of inactivity, silence, and repetition. House of Boredom has a rhythmic and repetitive composition of brick and concrete that creates a sense of calm and predictability. Corridors with integrated benches encourage visitors to stay rather than move towards a specific destination. Tactile materials make slow time visible through the movement of light, shifting shadows, and the gradual weathering of surfaces. The building contains an interior without a clearly defined programme. One wall is entirely filled with folding chairs, ready to be picked up and rolled onto the island, where they become part of a simple ritual of slowing down. Visitors can take a chair, find a place to sit, and do nothing. In this way, the chairs help people step out of the accelerated rhythms of everyday life and rediscover the capacity to be bored.
The design of the building is informed by a three-day stay in a monastery, used as a reference for studying rhythms of inactivity, silence, and repetition. House of Boredom has a rhythmic and repetitive composition of brick and concrete that creates a sense of calm and predictability. Corridors with integrated benches encourage visitors to stay rather than move towards a specific destination. Tactile materials make slow time visible through the movement of light, shifting shadows, and the gradual weathering of surfaces. The building contains an interior without a clearly defined programme. One wall is entirely filled with folding chairs, ready to be picked up and rolled onto the island, where they become part of a simple ritual of slowing down. Visitors can take a chair, find a place to sit, and do nothing. In this way, the chairs help people step out of the accelerated rhythms of everyday life and rediscover the capacity to be bored.
Waar verlies de ruimte krijgt
Van aankomst tot herstel in de architectuur van het afscheid
Dit onderzoek onderzoekt hoe architectuur kan bijdragen aan ondersteuning tijdens een van de meest kwestbaarste momenten in het leven: Het verlies van een dierbare. Het onderzoek combineert theorieën uit de rouwpsychologie, omgevingspsychologie en fenomenologie met een analyse van het Nederlandse uitvaartproces. Hierdoor wordt inzicht gekregen in hoe architectuur bij kan dragen aan de ondersteuning van het rouwproces. Deze theoretische inzichten worden getoetst aan de hand van casestudies van vier crematoria, waarbij er is gekeken naar de rituele route, de openheid en geslotenheid van de ruimtes, de materialiteit en sfeer en de landschappelijke inbedding. Het onderzoek toont aan dat ruimtelijke vormgeving van crematoria een betekenisvolle rol kan spelen in het ondersteunen van het rouwproces. Door inzichten uit de psychologie met architectonische theorieën te verbinden wordt een brug geslagen tussen ontwerp en menselijke beleving. Het onderzoek beoogt hiermee architecten te stimuleren aandacht te hebben voor het menselijke aspect van ontwerpen.
...
Dit onderzoek onderzoekt hoe architectuur kan bijdragen aan ondersteuning tijdens een van de meest kwestbaarste momenten in het leven: Het verlies van een dierbare. Het onderzoek combineert theorieën uit de rouwpsychologie, omgevingspsychologie en fenomenologie met een analyse van het Nederlandse uitvaartproces. Hierdoor wordt inzicht gekregen in hoe architectuur bij kan dragen aan de ondersteuning van het rouwproces. Deze theoretische inzichten worden getoetst aan de hand van casestudies van vier crematoria, waarbij er is gekeken naar de rituele route, de openheid en geslotenheid van de ruimtes, de materialiteit en sfeer en de landschappelijke inbedding. Het onderzoek toont aan dat ruimtelijke vormgeving van crematoria een betekenisvolle rol kan spelen in het ondersteunen van het rouwproces. Door inzichten uit de psychologie met architectonische theorieën te verbinden wordt een brug geslagen tussen ontwerp en menselijke beleving. Het onderzoek beoogt hiermee architecten te stimuleren aandacht te hebben voor het menselijke aspect van ontwerpen.
Space of sexwork
Exploring Architectural and Urban Aspects to Support Sex Workers and Promote Their Social Visibility in Rotterdam
This research explores the landscape of sex work in Rotterdam, a city marked by historical interesting sex workspaces, which are pushed out of the eye of the main public. The research addresses the question of a potential next step by examining the current state of sex work in Rotterdam and the challenges faced by sex workers, including issues of safety, visibility, and inclusivity. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study includes a contextual analysis of Rotterdam's historical sex work locations, literature research, and photo elicitation interviews with sex workers to understand their needs and perspectives. The findings highlight the crucial importance of accessibility, privacy, and a sense of belonging in the urban context, as well as the necessity for integrated and flexible spatial typologies that promote inclusivity, community, and independence. The research also reveals that safety is a primary concern in interactions, with the window, both offline and online, playing a significant role. This paper aims to inform the development of design principles for creating a safer and more inclusive environment for sex work in Rotterdam.
...
This research explores the landscape of sex work in Rotterdam, a city marked by historical interesting sex workspaces, which are pushed out of the eye of the main public. The research addresses the question of a potential next step by examining the current state of sex work in Rotterdam and the challenges faced by sex workers, including issues of safety, visibility, and inclusivity. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study includes a contextual analysis of Rotterdam's historical sex work locations, literature research, and photo elicitation interviews with sex workers to understand their needs and perspectives. The findings highlight the crucial importance of accessibility, privacy, and a sense of belonging in the urban context, as well as the necessity for integrated and flexible spatial typologies that promote inclusivity, community, and independence. The research also reveals that safety is a primary concern in interactions, with the window, both offline and online, playing a significant role. This paper aims to inform the development of design principles for creating a safer and more inclusive environment for sex work in Rotterdam.
Let the water Flow
A vision for a cultural center in a terpen landscape in Groningen a 100 years from now
This research explores the design of a future-proof building for Groningen, focusing on energy efficiency and climate adaptation. Given the rising sea levels and climate changes, the study investigates urban, local, building, and detail scales to develop sustainable design strategies that will later be implemented into an architectural design. Historical and present-day challenges of water management in the Groningen area are examined, leading to an urban concept on how to make the Groningen Reitdiep area future resilient.
The study outlines three future urban scenarios: living on mounds, adapting existing arable farming on terps, and utilizing mixed farming in a dike landscape. Each scenario addresses infrastructure, energy systems, and building typologies. Key strategies include dry and wet floodproofing, passive solar design, and integrating wind and water for energy generation. The research concludes with guidelines for designing resilient buildings in flood-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices to create liveable environments for future generations. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that future inhabitants of Groningen can coexist with rising water levels.
The final design will be created within one future urban scenario, focusing on a cultural community centre that is water resilient even within 100 years from now in 2124.
...
The study outlines three future urban scenarios: living on mounds, adapting existing arable farming on terps, and utilizing mixed farming in a dike landscape. Each scenario addresses infrastructure, energy systems, and building typologies. Key strategies include dry and wet floodproofing, passive solar design, and integrating wind and water for energy generation. The research concludes with guidelines for designing resilient buildings in flood-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices to create liveable environments for future generations. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that future inhabitants of Groningen can coexist with rising water levels.
The final design will be created within one future urban scenario, focusing on a cultural community centre that is water resilient even within 100 years from now in 2124.
...
This research explores the design of a future-proof building for Groningen, focusing on energy efficiency and climate adaptation. Given the rising sea levels and climate changes, the study investigates urban, local, building, and detail scales to develop sustainable design strategies that will later be implemented into an architectural design. Historical and present-day challenges of water management in the Groningen area are examined, leading to an urban concept on how to make the Groningen Reitdiep area future resilient.
The study outlines three future urban scenarios: living on mounds, adapting existing arable farming on terps, and utilizing mixed farming in a dike landscape. Each scenario addresses infrastructure, energy systems, and building typologies. Key strategies include dry and wet floodproofing, passive solar design, and integrating wind and water for energy generation. The research concludes with guidelines for designing resilient buildings in flood-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices to create liveable environments for future generations. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that future inhabitants of Groningen can coexist with rising water levels.
The final design will be created within one future urban scenario, focusing on a cultural community centre that is water resilient even within 100 years from now in 2124.
The study outlines three future urban scenarios: living on mounds, adapting existing arable farming on terps, and utilizing mixed farming in a dike landscape. Each scenario addresses infrastructure, energy systems, and building typologies. Key strategies include dry and wet floodproofing, passive solar design, and integrating wind and water for energy generation. The research concludes with guidelines for designing resilient buildings in flood-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices to create liveable environments for future generations. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that future inhabitants of Groningen can coexist with rising water levels.
The final design will be created within one future urban scenario, focusing on a cultural community centre that is water resilient even within 100 years from now in 2124.
Submerged
A renewable energy technology as a foundation for the design and function of a building
Due to climate change, the sea level is rising, posing a potential threat to the protective dikes in Groningen. In the next century, we might not be able to rely on these structures anymore. As a result, it becomes crucial to reimagine our architectural design strategies, anticipating a future where water might play a more prominent role in our everyday living. Moreover, in addressing the environmental challenges posed by climate change, it is essential that we transition towards a greater reliance on renewable energy sources. The integration of water-conscious design and increased utilisation of renewable energy are crucial steps toward creating a more sustainable and adaptable living environment for generations to come.
...
Due to climate change, the sea level is rising, posing a potential threat to the protective dikes in Groningen. In the next century, we might not be able to rely on these structures anymore. As a result, it becomes crucial to reimagine our architectural design strategies, anticipating a future where water might play a more prominent role in our everyday living. Moreover, in addressing the environmental challenges posed by climate change, it is essential that we transition towards a greater reliance on renewable energy sources. The integration of water-conscious design and increased utilisation of renewable energy are crucial steps toward creating a more sustainable and adaptable living environment for generations to come.
Taste of the Reitdiep
Agricultural Continuity in a Shifting Landscape
This project explored the region north of Groningen through a period of 100 years. It took on a hands-on research approach where the clay in the area was studied. This lead to the design of a tastery embedded in the agricultural landscape.
...
This project explored the region north of Groningen through a period of 100 years. It took on a hands-on research approach where the clay in the area was studied. This lead to the design of a tastery embedded in the agricultural landscape.
Shaping Spaces Where Children Bloom
An architectural approach for the design of elementary schools to flourish the healthy development of children
MODULUM
Floating Constructions for The Next Century of Adaptation
We, as humans have undergone profound transformations over time, with an incredible amount of change occurring in just the past century. In this short span of time , we have evolved intellectually, our technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate, nature itself has been altered, and our perception of life and its limitless possibilities has shifted. Now, try to imagine what further changes could unfold over the next 100 years. Everything around us is in a state of constant flux. Change is not a temporary phase; it is the essence of life itself, unfolding perpetually.
In this ever-evolving landscape, aesthetics play a crucial role. Our appreciation of beauty, harmony, and design - profoundly influences how we experience the world. It’s not just about how things look; it’s about how they make us feel. In architecture and technology, the way something is designed can significantly impact its acceptance. When a design speaks to our senses, we are more likely to embrace it, no matter how novel or advanced it may be.
As our surroundings evolve to meet new demands of society, sustainability, and climate, the importance of aesthetic appeal will grow. The future will not only be about innovation but also about the visual and emotional appeal. Ultimately, what we build will reflect the nature of human experience. Just as we have reshaped ourselves and the world around us, so too will our built environment continue to change, reflecting the fluid and ever-evolving nature of human life. ...
In this ever-evolving landscape, aesthetics play a crucial role. Our appreciation of beauty, harmony, and design - profoundly influences how we experience the world. It’s not just about how things look; it’s about how they make us feel. In architecture and technology, the way something is designed can significantly impact its acceptance. When a design speaks to our senses, we are more likely to embrace it, no matter how novel or advanced it may be.
As our surroundings evolve to meet new demands of society, sustainability, and climate, the importance of aesthetic appeal will grow. The future will not only be about innovation but also about the visual and emotional appeal. Ultimately, what we build will reflect the nature of human experience. Just as we have reshaped ourselves and the world around us, so too will our built environment continue to change, reflecting the fluid and ever-evolving nature of human life. ...
We, as humans have undergone profound transformations over time, with an incredible amount of change occurring in just the past century. In this short span of time , we have evolved intellectually, our technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate, nature itself has been altered, and our perception of life and its limitless possibilities has shifted. Now, try to imagine what further changes could unfold over the next 100 years. Everything around us is in a state of constant flux. Change is not a temporary phase; it is the essence of life itself, unfolding perpetually.
In this ever-evolving landscape, aesthetics play a crucial role. Our appreciation of beauty, harmony, and design - profoundly influences how we experience the world. It’s not just about how things look; it’s about how they make us feel. In architecture and technology, the way something is designed can significantly impact its acceptance. When a design speaks to our senses, we are more likely to embrace it, no matter how novel or advanced it may be.
As our surroundings evolve to meet new demands of society, sustainability, and climate, the importance of aesthetic appeal will grow. The future will not only be about innovation but also about the visual and emotional appeal. Ultimately, what we build will reflect the nature of human experience. Just as we have reshaped ourselves and the world around us, so too will our built environment continue to change, reflecting the fluid and ever-evolving nature of human life.
In this ever-evolving landscape, aesthetics play a crucial role. Our appreciation of beauty, harmony, and design - profoundly influences how we experience the world. It’s not just about how things look; it’s about how they make us feel. In architecture and technology, the way something is designed can significantly impact its acceptance. When a design speaks to our senses, we are more likely to embrace it, no matter how novel or advanced it may be.
As our surroundings evolve to meet new demands of society, sustainability, and climate, the importance of aesthetic appeal will grow. The future will not only be about innovation but also about the visual and emotional appeal. Ultimately, what we build will reflect the nature of human experience. Just as we have reshaped ourselves and the world around us, so too will our built environment continue to change, reflecting the fluid and ever-evolving nature of human life.
Studio of Tomorrow
How should flexible working be translated into the physical workplace of architectural offices?
This graduation project explores the topic of flexible working as a new work norm for architects (and designers) and how FW needs to be translated into an office design. Through the analysis of two case studies, the current situation has been mapped out, which has been used to determine the requirements for an office programme that can facilitate flexible working. In order to allow flexible working, one must apply activity-based workplace design as a design method, in which one designs based on activities, rather than functions. The graduation project explains the translation of flexible working as the new work norm into a design proposal.
...
This graduation project explores the topic of flexible working as a new work norm for architects (and designers) and how FW needs to be translated into an office design. Through the analysis of two case studies, the current situation has been mapped out, which has been used to determine the requirements for an office programme that can facilitate flexible working. In order to allow flexible working, one must apply activity-based workplace design as a design method, in which one designs based on activities, rather than functions. The graduation project explains the translation of flexible working as the new work norm into a design proposal.