Amsterdam used to house large timber industries. These have declined with the industry moving abroad to the forests themselves. This despite growing interest in building with timber. This thesis explores the viability of reintroducing this industry by creating local forest industries as well, to reduce reliance on imports and the environmental costs of the transport.
The research consists of literature research into the history of timber industries in Amsterdam, mapping local forestry potential, interviews with local existing sawmills, and case studies. This all to evaluate the capacity for sustainable timber industries. Results of this indicate that transforming farmland into biodiverse production forest can double current timber yields. That is combined with promotion of chain recognition and public education which is essential to kickstart such industries. It also indicates that there is lots of efficiency to be gained by educating the public about timber usage and already using what is grown currently, lots of which is wasted at the moment. The results indicate a possibility for such industries in the city. Starting with a knowledge gap which then would start the demand. Visibility which could hold forest owners accountable for their usage and a growth of almost 2x of the current forest supply would allow the old timber industries from yesteryear to return.

This thesis looks into Michel de Klerk his work and the influence his travel to Scandinavia had on his work. The inspiration that the Palads hotel had on his work, is a broadly accepted theory. What other possible influences are visible are discussed in this thesis.

To determine the influence his travel had, this thesis looks into sketches Michel made during his travels. These are placed along the sketches before and after his travels. After a comparative analysis of the sketches, connections between; before, during and after the travels are noted. This comparison shows a lot of consistency between his design language before and after his travels. One aspect which has definitely inspired him or functioned as an reference during his travels is the design of sculptures on the Town hall of Copenhagen. We therefore conclude that there are design principles where Michel was inspired by during his travels abroad and which he introduced to the Amsterdam School and specifically his own work.