The Netherlands, primarily a Delta nation, is confronted with significant challenges in adapting to the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels. And the urgency to prepare for a significant climate change is more than ever, now 9 years after the Paris agreement, the feasibility to keep to the agreement of 1,5 degree is shaky. The pressures of climate change, rising sea levels, increased demands on limited freshwater supplies, and more frequent extreme weather events are exposing the limitations of human control over the environment (Meyer, 2014). Traditionally, the delta has been a dynamic landscape shaped by tides, wind, and currents. However, over the centuries, human intervention has increasingly dominated and transformed this landscape, leading to reduced dynamics, adaptability and biodiversity. The dynamic landscape is mechanically controlled with dikes, dams, sluices, and pumps. These highlights of water engineering make the Netherlands considered a pioneer in water management and flood protection. But to keep this postion we need to adapt and react on the changing future a head. The human utilization of the delta aligns with the prevalent anthropocentric worldview, where nature is perceived as serving the direct or indirect needs of humans. This exploitative attitude towards the natural world has resulted in negative consequences, as we are currently witnessing. Nevertheless, there is a shift in this perspective, with two-thirds of the Dutch population considering themselves part of nature and feeling a responsibility to care for it. This view is a combination between the roles of stewardship and participant. (Schouten, 2013). This master thesis has explored the research question of what the return to a (semi-) open delta would mean for the green-blue network of Schouwen-Duivenland, and what spatial framework and guiding design principles would be necessary to sustain and upgrade both the green-blue networks and livability, now and in the future. By conducting a comprehensive analysis at the delta scale, this study identifies 6 key challenges: water safety, sediment deficiency (zandhonger), biodiversity loss, water quality, and saltwater intrusion. A more focused analysis at the island scale enables the exploration of solutions to these challenges and the establishment of design principles. The proposed design principles, guided by a nature-based solutions approach, highlight the fundamental importance of soil and water. These principles address challenges posed by agriculture, urbanization, water management, and climate change, aiming to create a resilient and nature-inclusive environment. To facilitate their implementation in different contexts, the design principles have been transformed into practical pattern cards, offering clear and practical guidance. In conclusion, this master thesis has provided valuable insights into the potential benefits and spatial implications of returning to a (semi-) open delta for Schouwen-Duivenland. The research highlights the importance of integrating green-blue infrastructure, ecological considerations, and livability aspects to create a resilient and thriving environment for both nature and people. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, urbanists, landscape architects and researchers in the pursuit of a sustainable and nature-inclusive delta landscape.

Berlage completed the design for the expansion plan of the south of Amsterdam in 1904. This plan was approved by the local council, but did not remain uncriticized. Among others, J.H.W. Leliman commented that the plan did not meet the demand for affordable housing and suspected the direct implementation of Camillo Sitte’s theories. Berlage himself preferred a monumental approach and he often referred to the Paris development by Haussmann. However, at that time, monumental urban planning in Amsterdam was received as provoking and this was not accepted by the local council. The execution of the first ‘Plan Zuid’ delayed, among others as a consequence of the First World War. Ten years later, in 1914, the plan had to be revised. Fortunately for Berlage the discourse on monumental urban planning took off in the interim period. In 1914, Berlage gave four lectures about urbanism. The quoted sources in these lectures are consulted to gain a deeper understanding of Berlage’s Theories. Berlage explained the historic development of urban growth. Because of the subjective individual style and the lack of a generic style it was impossible to obtain a coherent cityscape without regulations by authority. For a coherent cityscape, an urban plan should not only contain the street layout and the division of land, it should include how to build on the created plots as well. Additionally, a façade influences the street and eventually the city and that is why this should not be left to the individual. Consequently it would be ideal to develop an entire block of housing at once. However, this also led to monotonous façades. Thus, to stimulate the development of an entire block façade with architectural quality, it was unavoidable to use regulation and provide economic advantages. When Berlage revised ‘Plan Zuid’, which was approved in 1917, he created the monumental urban plan he preferred. Regulating the execution of the plan started with experimental committees. The influence of the committees concerned the assessment of submitted designs and increased by providing silhouettes as a framework for architects. Eventually the ‘Commissie Zuid’ was appointed in 1925. The members of the committee worked extremely precise. The designs were discussed and adjusted many times before they were approved. They had a considerable influence on the execution of ‘Plan Zuid’, of which the quality relied on the regulation of the execution.

The projects: Plan Voisin, Broadacre City and Futurama, of the three architects: Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright and Norman Bel Geddes, are all three based upon the criticism the architects had on the design of their contemporary city’s and the mobility within these urban structures. The coming up of the automobile had consequences for the city and its traffic, and the three architects called the contemporary cities no longer suited for this new mode of transport. With the coming up of the automobile, the ordinary man is able to travel with the units of the new standard, and it is this new standard that laid the groundwork for all three projects. It is in this architectural history thesis that the development of the vision for the future of mobility between 1925 and 1940 is investigated. The research question that was used in this thesis was the following: What effect did the growing influence of the car have on the ideas of the role and position of mobility in the city of the future? The chronological first of the three is Le Corbusier, he envisioned the automobile to travel at speeds never seen before, and it is this speed that gives a city its success. Within his Plan Voisin, verticality is used to create space. The separation of pedestrian and motorised vehicles creates the opportunity for superhighways to give the automobiles the possibilities to connect city and country with speed. Wright later reacted to this verticality, blaming the liveability of the city. Stating with his Broadacre City that with the automobile and the highways, it is should not be speed but space that must be achieved for the ordinary man. Space, the decentralization due to the technology of the times, gives the ordinary man the possibility to prosper, and therefore create a successful urban design. Norman Bel Geddes and his Futurama came back with the verticality and the centralization of the city, but expresses that the speed of the automobile, with its highways, had no place in the urban structures. Where there is space, there is speed, according to Geddes, so the highway systems should be designed outside of the city, in order to efficiently connect the country with the city and vice versa. Thus, the coming up of the car influenced the mobility and the plans for the city of the future, over time in different ways. It was the speed of the automobile that first gave incentive for this change in urban design. This speed was later used to create space outside of the city, to pursue what could not be found within the city. But it is due to this mobility of the automobile that finally gave incentive to return the interest back to the city. By implementing efficient highways the connection between city and country could be restored, and it is this restoration of the city and its traffic that influenced the ideas for the plan of the city of the future.

In the 19th century the interest in monasteries and monastic life returned, leading to the design of the Abbey of Egmond by architect A.J. Kropholler in 1929 and the design of St. Benedictusberg in Vaals by architect Dom Hans van der Laan. This research investigates how the architects A.J. Kropholler and Dom Hans van der Laan incorporated the Benedictine Rule into their modern abbeys. Specifically, it examines the historical context of the Dutch abbeys and the development of monastic architecture, drawing on Wolfgang Braunfels’ Monasteries of Western Europe as a foundation for contextualizing the St. Gall Utopia. Additionally, it explores the design principles and philosophies that influenced the layout and construction of the Dutch abbeys under investigation, through an analysis of the floor plans and layouts of the abbeys, as well as interviews with a current monk or an employee at both Dutch abbeys. The thesis is structured into four chapters, beginning with an examination of the Benedictine Rule and Utopia of St. Gall, followed by separate analyses of St. Adalbert’s Abbey in Egmond by A.J. Kropholler and the St. Benedictusberg Abbey in Vaals by Dom Hans van der Laan. The final chapter compares the two Dutch abbeys with each other and the Utopia of St. Gall. The study is limited by the scope of the two Dutch abbeys chosen for analysis, but it offers insights into how the architects of the abbeys incorporated the Benedictine Rule into their designs, and sheds light on the role of monasteries in modern society. The spaces for the three main pillars of the Benedictine Rule are integrated in both Dutch Abbeys. However this research shows that the role in society for Monasteries has changed. The essential elements of the St. Gall Utopia can still be recognized in both floor plans, however the size and clustering of several functions changed. ABSTRACT

The impact of urban morphological changes on heritage structures and their surroundings is investigated in this thesis. To accomplish so, the thesis focuses on and investigates the case of Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri, which was built in the 12th century. The temple serves as the spiritual heart of Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions. As one of the country’s ‘Char Dhams (four prominent Hindu temple locations),’ it is crucial to the city’s economy. The inflow of pilgrims to the temple on significant occasions like the Ratha Yatra (Chariot Journey) surpassed the support system’s basic capacities. Grand Road (main road) for key religious rites degraded over time as a result of commercialization of the surrounding area, leading to illegal settlements as well. The urbanization of the area surrounding the temple has also adulterated the temple’s pinnacle’s visibility. The government of Odisha has presented a plan by Puri Konark Development Authority to transform the city of Puri into a world heritage city by 2031 in order to protect the temple and its significance. The thesis examines three architectural dimensions – setting, scale, and space – to better comprehend the factors that influenced the government’s decision. The research is limited to the urban changes in the 19th century, 20th century, and latest developments because considerable urban growth occurred in the last few decades. Site visits, photographic documentation, and comparative analysis were all part of the research for developing Serial Vision using the method of Gordon Cullen. Furthermore, Kulke and Hunter W. Stirling’s publications, as well as news articles, were useful resources for understanding history and stakeholder perspectives. Finally, the thesis explores the government’s document plans and how they may aid in the restoration of the temple’s monumentality.

Brutalism has once again become hot and booming. What has reignited the flame of this controversial building style for it to suddenly appear abundantly in pop-culture? Social media, films, perfume, or even Brutalist web design are just a few of the examples that Brutalism is not confined to architectural publications, the Dutch climate being no exception. The research investigates the history of Brutalism and looks at explanations of academics on this Brutalist comeback. These theories are taken into account when investigating and analysing three Dutch concrete icons: the TU Delft auditorium by Van den Broek & Bakema (1966), the provinciehuis Noord-Brabant by Hugh Maaskant (1971), and the town hall of Terneuzen, also by Van den Broek & Bakema (1972). The reception history of the trio is compared by first looking at newspapers and architectural journals published shortly after their completion, before taking a look at current opinions on the Brutalist designs. Furthermore, this research analyses the phenomenological qualities of the exposed concrete, investigating whether or not this plays an important role in the architectural assessment and possible revaluation. The research found that the public opinion on the architecture did not alter drastically. The TU Delft auditorium has consistently been regarded as ‘good architecture’. The provinciehuis is a special case, since most biting commentaries of the seventies can be explained by the political and social tensions, which now seem a thing of the past. Here the public opinion seems to have shifted, but the complicated context makes it hard to objectively assess if the building would have met the same resilience, had it not been built many years after its planned construction. A questionnaire on the Terneuzen town hall indicates the phenomenological qualities of concrete can work repellent, yet when confronted with the architecture for a longer period, people recognise its architectural value. This is something of the past and the present. Nowadays, people do regard the building worthy of monument status, but ‘ugly’ is still the common denominator. Although there is a revaluation going on, one must keep in mind that revaluation just means there is a regained interest and people start to assess the value of something again, be it positive or negative. There are multiple motives for this revaluation. In architecture and literature, it is common for outdated styles from fifty years ago to regain interest. Controversial styles also become subject of academic studies, hoping to shed new light on why they were valued that way. Brutalist architecture now also reaches a point that for many a decision needs to be made whether or not the expensive maintenance costs are worthwhile. With demolition as the alternative, a discussion on heritage listing is inevitable. Social media sees the debate reach the public, stimulating also the non-experts to join the conversation and give their opinion on the architectural values of the built environment.

The construction sector is experiencing a fundamental shift towards greater digitization. Building information modeling (BIM), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), the internet of things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital twins are all becoming more prevalent in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Greater digitization introduces additional data flows in construction projects that are collected, analyzed, and exchanged. Furthermore, the construction process, procedures, responsibilities, and obligations of the various stakeholders change. Dealing with the large volumes of data and the changing process necessitates a more robust and efficient data strategy than ever before. Tender documents will comprise, in addition to the standard documentation for physical construction work, several new or revised documents or regulations related to digital construction and data exchange. By understanding and controlling data exchange in projects, project advantages and organization-wide success may be realized. Currently, limited research is done in the field of public procurement and data exchange. Comparative case studies, in particular, have received little attention in this area. Therefore, this thesis addresses the following research question: “How can contracting authorities (re)design the procurement phases to enhance successful data exchange in construction projects?” Through a theoretical study, followed by in-depth interviews and case studies, an attempt was made to gain insight into two important aspects of the tender: (I) the requirements of the product and process concerning data in the demand specification, and (II) the use of selection and award phase. Interviews with experts were conducted to provide external validation. The research demonstrated that more attention should be paid to data exchange within public organizations, with a specific focus on asset management. The great majority of contracting authorities lack the necessary maturity to deal with the growing data in projects. In the procurement process, accurate data exchange is not or hardly prioritized, because public organizations are uncertain and even unaware of what they want and of the possibilities. As a result, a lot of data is lost during the life cycle of a building. For data and information management to become a component of asset management, a contracting authority must first pay attention to the softer, cultural, and organizational factors and define an associated organization-wide vision. By formulating unambiguous process and product requirements following the vision, it will be clear to market parties what the assignment entails and what is expected of them. In doing so, clients need to collaborate more with each other and contractors to achieve a successful data exchange.

Trends of neoliberalisation and globalisation have led to the financialisation of housing on a global scale. This has led to the increasing deployment of state-led gentrification as a strategy for urban development, as cities aim to strengthen their position as nodes in the global economy. In the Netherlands, these trends have led to the marginalisation of social housing. As the city of Rotterdam develops ambitious plans to restructure its old city harbours into dense mixed-use districts, residents of the adjoining neighbourhood Tweebos protest the forced demolition of their social housing units in the midst of a national housing crisis. These dwellings have to make way in favour of new privately owned homes for middle-income residents as part of the municipality’s plans for city-wide socio-economic diversification. This thesis proposes an alternative development strategy for Tweebos based in the right to the city. By establishing a Community Land Trust in Tweebos, residents will be able to regain control over the development of their neighbourhood. The CLT holds the land in perpetuity, controlling rents and resale prices democratically through the neighbourhood and thus ensuring affordability. The CLT provides Tweebos residents an instrument to elevate the use value of urban space above its exchange value, a platform to participate in the production of urban space and a mechanism to fund those developments. This thesis argues that by doing so, the CLT protects the urban commons and institutionalises the right to the city. The principles of the CLT can thus help strengthen the right to the city in the Dutch system of housing development, and can provide a starting point for a stronger public housing sector in the Netherlands.

The main question of this thesis is: ‘’What impact did family life in the 19th and 20th centuries have on the floorplan of family homes in the Netherlands?’’ In the 19th century, families lived close together in slums, in which housing conditions were poor. Privacy within the family was far away, as living, cooking, etc. were all done in one shared room. After the Housing Act in 1901, workers’ living conditions were improved through better hygiene and more spacious dwellings, in which, according to families’ needs, each function was given its own space and parents, boys and girls were also given separate bedrooms. In the reconstruction after World War II, on the opposite, dwellings were set back to square one with a more open floorplan, just like the slums, with different functions - such as living and cooking - in one space. This involved only more space and the privacy of family members was better incorporated into the floorplans, through separate bedrooms and more living space.

The city of West Berlin after the construction of the Berlin Wall was in need for replanning towards declining environment. The research explores physical built fabrics as well as theoretical planning in West Berlin during Cold War period regarding the Concept of Urban Archipelago, developed by Oswald Mathias Ungers, Rem Koolhaas, Peter Riemann, Hans Kollhoff and Arthur Ovaska in 1977.

Financing Architecture: How The Urban Fabric of Manhattan Has Been Shaped by Money investigates the urban fabric of Manhattan, from single building case studies to larger scale urban planning developments, through the lens of money. The thesis introduces Manhattan’s grid layout, a result of the Commissioner’s Plan of 1811, its purpose being that of establishing the historical framework as well as actual urban design framework in which the rest of the analyzed buildings sit in. Moving on from the city-wide scale, the scope of the thesis narrows down to the neighborhood scale, exploring how developments such as the Grand Central Terminal are the result of newfound forces driving the design of architecture in modern times and how these same developments have effects which ripple around their surroundings. A transition is then made towards the study of skyscrapers, detailing how zoning laws have impacted their design and why those same laws were put in place. Finally, the thesis reaches its apex by tackling the symbolism of the 432 Park Avenue needle skyscraper, a building which plays a more important role in the trading market, rather than in the sheltering sphere, something which signals an entirely new way of understanding this type of expensive architecture. Ultimately, by constantly shifting the scale of focus, as well as addressing architectural projects of varying typologies and urban functions, this thesis hopes to emphasize that Manhattan is a product of a design motivated by finances, a far cry from more historically established cities such as London or Paris.

This architectural history thesis looks at the interrelationship between transport, land-use and architecture. A systematic comparison of the these three systems at key time periods contributed to the collective puzzle of answering the main research question; ‘How has the evolution of the transport system, with main focus on the railway system, impacted the development of the city Lille throughout time?’. The transport systems of major European cities have played a vital role in their economic and urban development, forming networks that facilitate the flow of energy, people, and goods. Lille, located near the French-Belgian border, has two stations from different railway eras: Lille-Flandres (since 1846) and Lille-Europe (since 1990). The transformation of these stations has been driven by capacity demands and the need to adapt to rapid growth and limited space. Lille-Europe, in particular, has acted as a catalyst for the city’s economic transformation from a secondary to a tertiary sector. The architecture of the station areas reflects the interplay between local and global contexts, with Lille-Flandres embodying a fusion of Flemish, French, and Parisian styles, while Lille-Europe represents a modern and cross-border vision. This architectural evolution sparks a debate between preserving local identity and embracing universal design principles. The station areas serve as a visual expression of Lille’s dynamic evolution and the changing nature of transportation systems.

Brasília is the conveyor of both architectural and political discourses. Its construction symbolized the possession of the vast and unexplored hinterland, but moreover it was built to inaugurate a new moment in Brazilian history. The thesis aims to investigate on the intersecting points of these discourses, describing and identifying elements in  Lucio Costa's winning proposal which dialogue with the utopia both the architects (Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer) and Juscelino Kubitschek, Brazil's president at the time, had envisioned for Brasília.  

INDESEM has always been an explosion of one week of learning without education. Students themselves are responsible for everything and it is them who make sure that the technical and academic staff warm to the idea of breaking plenty of rules for a week. And you should see what happens when you do! Work continues into the early hours and the building is turned inside out to get at its hidden qualities. The daily routine is disrupted and the cleaners are made aware of their importance. Each time a group of students comes together to perform the task of getting this event off the ground, their own regular studies are largely ignored for the duration. It is only much later that they realize just what they have received in return when, after their studies, it transpires that designing and realizing a building demands a comparable attitude where it is again all down to anticipating, deliberating, seeking out conditions, making (and keeping) appointments.Those taking part come from all over the world, perhaps initially attracted by names and by the Netherlands, but also by the thrill of actually being able to meet and talk with so many others who are in the same boat. The task is no more than a pretext and catalyst for getting into contact with others and discussing with them. The results are merely conceptual models of thinking. The performance that needs generating is to get a group of complete strangers to formulate and present an idea and go on to defend it against all others. In this way, the idea of INDESEM is inciting glimpses of an alternative way of learning, directed to thinking instead of just cultivating external attractiveness. And it deserves to be continued in some way to point at what might be a lesson for the regular education.@en

This thesis investigates the impact of the political changes on architecture during the Berlin Wall. The political changes started during and after WW2 (1939-1961). The tension between the parties became larger, which led to the Berlin Wall in 1961. The Berlin Wall increased the division of the parties even more, which became visible in the architecture. The expression of their political ideologies has become visible on the streets in several ways. East and West Berlin had their own methods to implement their ideologies. Some of the methods are more visible than others. By going in-depth between four case studies from East and West Berlin these methods and ideologies become visible. The case studies are located in Mitte Berlin, the central heart of the city. The case studies that were chosen are large-scale projects that can be seen as monuments or icons. Their common interest lies in their symbolic meaning combined with the architectural expression.

This thesis explores the influence of spirituality from the Dutch East Indies on Dutch architecture from 1890 to 1920. It investigates the interplay between Eastern spirituality, particularly through theosophy, and architectural theory, focusing on key figures like K.P.C. De Bazel and J.L.M. Lauweriks. Through an analysis of influences from the Theosophical Society in both the Dutch East Indies and the Netherlands and architectural works, it reveals how Hindu concepts and Indo culture were translated into architectural forms. While some projects demonstrate a clear integration of spiritual concepts, others reflect a superficial borrowing of aesthetic elements. The study provides an examination of the relationship between Eastern spirituality and Dutch architecture, shedding light on a lesser-explored aspect of architectural history and offering insights into the cultural exchanges between the Dutch East Indies and the Netherlands during this transformative period.

This research delves into the post-war reconstruction of Damascus, focusing on the intricate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modernity. Through the lens of informal settlements, particularly in the neighborhood of Jobar, the study examines the adaptability of contemporary dwellings alongside historic courtyard houses. The analysis highlights the tension between modernization aspirations and the preservation of unique cultural identities in a post-war context. A comprehensive survey, incorporating diverse voices from the Syrian community, revealed a tapestry of preferences and aspirations that underscore the importance of community living, memories associated with home, and resilience. This input shaped the design intervention known as Bait Byoot, which aims to rebuild structures while fostering a sense of community and resilience. The project integrates green spaces, communal hubs, and varied materials, addressing immediate housing needs and promoting sustainable, flexible growth. Bait Byoot,beyond a housing project, it serves as a blueprint for revitalizing war-torn communities, providing a foundation for healing and growth. The design respects traditions and experiences, bridging the past and future to create spaces for new memories and opportunities. This research emphasizes the human element in post-war reconstruction, advocating for urban resilience and recognizing that rebuilding communities extends beyond physical structures. It calls for a delicate interplay between modernization, cultural preservation, and the human experience. By envisioning the future of neighborhoods like Jobar, the study aims to revitalize the essence of community, creating spaces where resilience, cultural richness, and the philosophy of home-making converge into a narrative of hope and renewal.

This research delves into the post-war reconstruction of Damascus, focusing on the intricate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modernity. Through the lens of informal settlements, particularly in the neighborhood of Jobar, the study examines the adaptability of contemporary dwellings alongside historic courtyard houses. The analysis highlights the tension between modernization aspirations and the preservation of unique cultural identities in a post-war context. A comprehensive survey, incorporating diverse voices from the Syrian community, revealed a tapestry of preferences and aspirations that underscore the importance of community living, memories associated with home, and resilience. This input shaped the design intervention known as Bait Byoot, which aims to rebuild structures while fostering a sense of community and resilience. The project integrates green spaces, communal hubs, and varied materials, addressing immediate housing needs and promoting sustainable, flexible growth. Bait Byoot,beyond a housing project, it serves as a blueprint for revitalizing war-torn communities, providing a foundation for healing and growth. The design respects traditions and experiences, bridging the past and future to create spaces for new memories and opportunities. This research emphasizes the human element in post-war reconstruction, advocating for urban resilience and recognizing that rebuilding communities extends beyond physical structures. It calls for a delicate interplay between modernization, cultural preservation, and the human experience. By envisioning the future of neighborhoods like Jobar, the study aims to revitalize the essence of community, creating spaces where resilience, cultural richness, and the philosophy of home-making converge into a narrative of hope and renewal.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the historical development of Seoul Station's space and contemplate the current state. The history of Seoul Station began in 1900 and has since interacted continuously with the city. Through the Japanese colonial period, the Korean War, and periods of rapid growth, it has undergone dynamic changes. As a result, it has grown into one of Korea's most important stations and developed into a hub for high-speed rail. In this process of change, Seoul Station has influenced its surrounding environment and undergone changes in its functions. This study aims to analyze the history of these changes and reflect on the issues that have arisen during this development.

This thesis examines the complex relationship between reality and representation in maps, and how this relation has influenced the perception of the map and its ability to convey information throughout history. The study analyses historical maps of Venice and Amsterdam, highlighting their evolution from detailed depictions to simplified representations. Through philosophical theories and cartographic investigations, it reveals the paradoxical nature of map truthfulness, where distortion often becomes a means of communication. From the mythical portrayals of the historical city to the modern diagrammatic transit maps, this thesis traces the progress of cartography, examining how maps balance accuracy with purpose, ultimately prioritising coherence over correspondence with reality.