The Netherlands carries the highest nitrogen deposition per hectare in Europe, and its nutrient-poor ecosystems, heathlands, wetlands, and the stream valleys of Brabant, are least able to absorb it. This thesis proposes a public building in the valley of the Dommel that treats the nitrogen problem not as a constraint to avoid but as a process to build with. Architecture and landscape are designed as one system. A constructed wetland filters nitrogen from the river while restoring the nutrient-poor stream-valley ecology that historically existed there. The reed harvested from that wetland becomes the building’s primary material, thatch, bundled structural arches, insulation, and a ventilated pressed-fibre façade, making the building both a product of the landscape and the place its material is processed. Developed across territorial, architectural, and material scales, and tested through mapping, precedent study, and physical prototyping, this project demonstrates how a building can run on the ecological cycle it teaches. ... Read more

This research develops a prefabricated housing system that can respond to labor shortages in construction, fast-changing urban living demands, and the increasing need for adaptable rental housing in Eindhoven. Through an analysis of existing prefabricated systems and open building strategies, the project identifies the lack of short-term adaptability during the use phase as a key limitation. The proposed system combines a demountable timber support structure with manually assembled 3D-printed earth-based infill and modifiable facade, enabling reconfiguration with minimal intervention. This infill system is not only flexible and sustainable, but it also provides unusual spatial experience with curved design. The design is applied to a mixed-use site in Eindhoven’s station district, where changing household compositions and co-housing scenarios can be tested through adjustable boundaries between private and shared spaces, and interior and exterior. By positioning the building as an evolving platform rather than a fixed product, the project outlines a strategic framework for balancing permanence and changeability, and provides a basis for future research on adaptable and open housing systems. ... Read more

This project investigates how architecture can operate as an open and adaptable framework within dense, high value urban environments increasingly dominated by fixed models. Taking Emmasingelkwadrant in Eindhoven as a test site, the project proposed a permanent structural system combined with a reconfigurable elements logic that allows spaces, programs and occupation to evolve over time. Through scenario-based testing, modular systems and spatial prototyping, the research explores how architecture can support changing cultural, educational, and residential uses without requiring complete redevelopment. The project argues for a shift from architecture as a finished object toward architecture as an evolving framework capable of accommodating long term change. ... Read more

This project investigates a circular, self-assembly kit-of-parts system for temporary housing as a response to the Dutch housing shortage, using the future Kanaalzone-Zuid development as a test case. Rather than treating housing as a permanent product, the project positions buildings within a continuous cycle of assembly, use, disassembly, and reuse. The proposal combines design for disassembly, standard dimensions, and lightweight components into a kit-of-parts that can be assembled by a small collective. Inspired by the concepts of stewardship and Product-as-a-Service (PaaS), the system encourages active user participation and material responsibility. The result demonstrates how social and environmental objectives can be addressed simultaneously. ... Read more

Eindhoven has shifted from an industrial city to a technology-oriented city, while many post-war resi-dential neighborhoods remain insufficiently adapted to contemporary housing and social needs. This project aims to explore how post-war residential blocks can be densified without relying on large-scale demolition or simply increasing the number of housing units. Pre-design research shows that Eind-hoven faces housing shortages, social challenges, and increasing pressure for urban densification, while existing post-war neighborhoods reveal different transformation potentials through communal spaces, housing upgrades, and new construction. Focusing on a portiekflat neighborhood with an L-shaped block layout in Eindhoven, the project combines rooftop extension, courtyard infill, improved access systems, and shared public functions into a hybrid transformation strategy. The final proposal supports a more inclusive and adaptive neighborhood transformation by adding new dwellings while improving accessibility, collective space, construction feasibility, and the living quality of existing resi-dents. For application in reality, the paper recommends a transferable design logic that can be adapted to comparable housing blocks according to their specific spatial, structural, and social conditions. ... Read more

In response to increasing environmental pressures and material scarcity, this research explores how indigenous building techniques can inform contemporary approaches to tectonic architecture. The study identifies global case-studies on their recurring construction logics and categorizes them into four themes: Stack, Wrap, Fill, and Scaffold. These themes are further examined through complementary contemporary case studies, which demonstrate the continued relevance of material intelligence, structural clarity, and contextual adaptation in modern architectural practice. To test the applicability of these principles, four experimental prototypes were developed using reclaimed materials sourced from the urban environment of Rotterdam. The research illustrates that when reframed through a tectonic lens, traditional ecological knowledge offers valuable insights for developing circular, demountable, and expressive construction systems. By positioning the city as a contemporary material landscape, the study proposes an expanded architectural approach. ... Read more

In response to the increasing prevalence of single-person households in urban environments, this thesis investigates new forms of solo living through a modular, adaptable, and socially responsive residential model. Set in Central, Hong Kong—a high-density, transit-connected neighborhood—the project aims to reframe solo living not as a compromise, but as an intentional and fulfilling urban lifestyle.

Grounded in research on the psychological, spatial, and social needs of solo dwellers, the project proposes six distinct housing typologies that range in levels of autonomy and collectivity. These typologies address varied life rhythms and preferences, from independent micro-studios to co-living flats with shared amenities. The design embraces solitude and community as complementary needs rather than opposing ones, ensuring flexibility in how users interact with their space and neighbors over time.

At the core of the proposal is a modular timber construction system, developed through structural research into high-rise, bio-based materials. The structural strategy blends timber and steel in a hybrid system, allowing for technical feasibility, vertical expansion, and long-term adaptability. This approach supports the overarching design goals of spatial customization and environmental sustainability.

The methodology integrates iterative design development with precedent analysis, digital mapping, and site-sensitive modeling. Housing precedents emphasizing community integration and public-private interface—such as collective housing projects in Japan and the Netherlands—informed the layout and shared spatial strategies. Parallel research into the structural behavior of hybrid timber systems helped translate these architectural ambitions into a viable building framework.

While the design is rooted in theoretical and precedent-based knowledge, one limitation is the lack of direct engagement with end users. Community-building strategies were derived from case studies rather than participatory input. Future development of the project would benefit from incorporating user interviews or co-design processes to test and refine social assumptions.

This thesis contributes to the academic discourse on alternative housing models in the context of rising urban density and demographic shifts. It situates solo living within a broader societal conversation around autonomy, affordability, and mental well-being. The architectural proposal is not only a response to spatial constraints but also a statement on how cities can care for the individuals who live in them—without isolating them.

The project offers a framework for future urban housing that is technically flexible, socially grounded, and environmentally responsible. It invites further exploration into policy, material systems, and participatory design tools that could make such models more scalable and inclusive. Ultimately, it suggests that by rethinking both the private dwelling and its surrounding social infrastructure, architects can help shape a more resilient and dignified urban future for solo dwellers. ... Read more

This research explores the lost architectural approach of how to design and construct a large number of standardised homes, focusing on the appearance of facades and urban space. The combination of the large building blocks of Berlage’s ‘Plan Zuid’ and the highly concentrated architectural style of the Amsterdam School with its many ornaments and facade elements makes it a suitable location to examine case studies. Consequently redefining the role of ornaments and other facade elements, offering new design principles to revive the grandeur back to residential housing and answering the main research question: How does the Amsterdam School use ornaments and other facade elements to partition dwelling blocks in ‘Plan Zuid’?
Before analysing the case studies, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances in which both ‘Plan Zuid’ and the Amsterdam School were created, as well as the factors that influenced their outcomes. The broader social and architectural context of the early 20th century played a significant role in shaping both ‘Plan Zuid’ and the Amsterdam School. Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation of cities created an urgent demand for affordable housing, leading architects, like Berlage, along with critics and social reformists, to advocate for fast and efficient construction, often at the expense of ornamental design. However, the monotonous and utilitarian nature of such developments sparked a reactionary movement, embodied by the Amsterdam School, which sought to give the rationalism of Berlage a more vibrant, exuberant and sensitive aesthetic. This tension between functionality and ornamentation reflected the competing priorities within architecture at the time. As the 20th century progressed, the architectural discourse shifted towards functionalism and minimalism, prioritising efficiency and standardisation while rejecting said ‘unnecessary’ decoration, which aligned with the needs of industrialisation and economic constraints.
The different elements of two building blocks, chosen for their significant size and amount of different elements, are examined on their use and effect on the facade and urban appearance. Derived from this catalogue of elements and their analyses 12 principles are given in a toolbox, which plead for the reintroduction of several elements particularly in the design of multistoried dwelling blocks. This implies redefining ornaments as more than mere decorative elements; they become integral components of architectural design that can help define and organise facades, enhance engaging features, and contribute to the overall appeal of urban spaces. The toolbox balances standardisation with individuality, providing techniques to create distinctive sections within building blocks, giving each section unique elements while maintaining overall cohesion with the surrounding urban fabric.
Further research could consider the economic implications or potential cost associated with implementing these elements and could address how these tools can be adapted to other architectural styles or regions with different historical, cultural, or environmental contexts. It could also address how modern issues like sustainability, environmental impact, or current construction methods might integrate with the principles outlined in the toolbox. Since the diversity of elements within the Amsterdam School is guided by individual architects, further studies on buildings would expand the catalogue of elements and could add more principles and different techniques.
In conclusion, the Amsterdam School represents a lost approach to architectural design, one that combined standardisation with a particular focus on the appearance of facades, using various ornaments and other facade elements. Through research and the development of defining design principles, it is possible to revive this approach and create future ‘palaces’ that enhance the urban environment, restoring a sense of recognition and character to modern housing. ... Read more

In Moerwijk, a post-war-neighbourhood of The Hague, a large regional distribution pipe for a heat network is being constructed. This proposal aims to provide for a local heat network considering community needs, urban potential and technological requirements to create multilayered value for the neighbourhood and its residents. By constructing the pipeline above ground, costs and effort on construction and maintenance are reduced, trees can be spared, while spatial and social interventions and routing along the line become possible. By using empathy in design and community immersion as a research tool, needs, challenges and points of interest are identified and enhanced with spatial additions. These points of interest lie at the ends of the pipelines, where existing programs are made visible and opened up to the diverse users of the neighbourhood. The result is a strategy with generic and context-specific elements for the post-war neighbourhood. It can be used to design sustainable infrastructure that is intertwined with public space, local community and social activities, creating functional, urban and community by turning industrial heat to social warmth. ... Read more

This research preliminarily develops a framework based on the existing discourses on the theme of identity in architecture. This framework serves as a tool for analysing the “identity” of existing sites for which restoration is deemed necessary, as is the case for many post-war housing estates. The analysis results indicate areas of improvement, which then guide the redesign of a post-war apartment block. We demonstrate the framework’s application in a case study of a typical late post-war neighbourhood in the suburbs of Haarlem, Netherlands. ... Read more

This project explores the application of 3D prefabrication (prefab) methods to address urban densification challenges. The research is anchored in the analysis of corner buildings from 1900 to 1913, which were constructed in complex urban contexts using traditional methods. These buildings provide valuable insights into design flexibility and sustainability, free from the constraints of modern industrial techniques. The study investigates how 3D prefab can replicate and enhance these qualities to create adaptable, high-quality urban spaces.

The initial focus was on identifying and overcoming the bottlenecks associated with prefab construction, particularly in corner buildings, which are crucial for urban layouts. Through extensive research and iterative design processes, various prefab methods were evaluated, including 1D, 2D, and 3D approaches. The findings highlight that 3D prefab offers significant advantages in speed, quality, and integration of building systems compared to its counterparts. This method allows for greater design flexibility and spatial efficiency, essential for modern urban environments.

A case study involving the Esch neighborhood in Rotterdam demonstrates the practical application of these findings. By integrating 3D prefab modules, the project aims to enhance urban density while maintaining aesthetic and functional integrity. The design leverages the strengths of 3D prefab to create dynamic and sustainable urban corners that contribute to the overall urban network.

This research underscores the potential of 3D prefab as a transformative approach for urban densification, offering a balance between rapid construction, high quality, and architectural flexibility. The project sets a precedent for future developments, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions in contemporary urban planning. ... Read more

This thesis explores the integration of kinetic and media features from facades to create architectural narratives, focusing on how facades can serve not just the occupants within but also engage and captivate passersby from the outside. The primary research question investigates whether it’s feasible to employ media and kinetic tools to craft facades that not only fulfill functional requirements like shading and thermal comfort but also function as dynamic mediums of aesthetic expression and storytelling.
The answer, as detailed in this report, is affirmative. The document is structured to guide you through the development process of the thesis’s two main parts. A facade piece capable of being parametrized in bulk to create various architectural forms, and its application in designing a visually striking pavilion for the TU Delft Bio-Based Lab. The lab’s requirement for an engaging and visually appealing structure underpins the motivation for this thesis.
This report chronicles a lengthy design journey beginning with an initial preview of the final pavilion design and the articulation of the research question. It proceeds with a summary of the pertinent literature review, followed by the evolution of design concepts—starting from the Maze, progressing through the Wave and the Flora, and culminating in the Urchin, which represents the synthesis of the explored design principles.
The document concludes with personal reflections on the project and an appendix containing extensive illustrations and sketches, which were too voluminous to include within the main body of the report. ... Read more

Steel production stands out as one of the most energy-intensive industries globally. Shifting towards a more circular system could be achieved by component reuse. Unfortunately, there is lack of information on how to assess the reuse potential of diverse steel components. This research paper focuses on developing an assessment method for the reuse potential of thirteen common steel product groups. Components found in three case-study buildings on the TU Delft Campus are categorized into these product groups and assessed for their reuse potential. The research process includes: compiling an inventory of components, identifying factors impacting the reuse process and conducting a value assessment. A design for a new circular campus building was made with the suitable components. The goal of this design project was gaining more knowledge on how to implement reused steel components into a design, experience the complications involved, but also explore the possibilities it could offer. ... Read more

Culturally diverse communities often struggle with prejudice and division among the member groups. Considering the current positive trend in globalization, and thus, also migration, the cultural diversity of communities is on the rise. As a result, The World Economic Forum assessed the erosion of social cohesion to be the 4th most dangerous risk on a global scale within the next decade (WEF, 2022).

Beyond Divisions is a proposal aimed at addressing this problem. Located in Lublin (Poland), which nowadays struggles with hostility and xenophobia, the building draws from the site's past cultural diversity to bring back the social cohesion lost during the WWII era.

The universal research and symbolism of the proposal ensure the transferability of the solution to other sites that also struggle with the deterioration of social cohesion to create a community beyond divisions. ... Read more

This research addresses the pressing need for adaptable architecture in rapidly urbanizing societies, focusing on the transformation of underutilized urban industrial buildings into adaptable student housing. Recognizing the challenges of modern urbanization, such as increasing single-person households and the resultant demand for individualized dwellings, the study explores adaptive reuse as a sustainable solution. It emphasizes preserving the historical and cultural significance of existing structures while infusing them with new life to meet contemporary and future demands. The methodological approach integrates a thorough literature review on adaptability in architecture, and timber construction, translating constraints into mathematical parameters suitable for informing a parametric model. The study concludes by establishing a comprehensive framework for designers using adaptable architecture principles and timber construction constraints to inform the development of a parametric model. It involves a strategic assessment of design possibilities within these constraints, aiming to balance aesthetic innovation with practical limitations ... Read more

How to adapt the Polish Large Panel concrete system housing to increase the living diversity with modular architecture? This graduation topic aligns with the Architectural Engineering studio approach and the master track's emphasis on integrating technology and exploring circular adaptation strategies. The design of Plug & Live: Modular Adaptation of Polish Large Panel Concrete Housing is linked to the foundational concept of adaptable and flexible architecture, incorporating a user-based selection principle and activating roofscapes by greenery enhancement, energy production and water harvesting. Given the multi-layered nature of this approach, the primary challenge in the design study was distilling the minimum viable approach while still showcasing the potential for diverse architectural outcomes and evolution over time. This design philosophy represents a notable departure from conventional building practices, emphasizing a shift away from static structures towards designs capable of evolution led by dynamic change of the residents’ living needs.

Academically, this research adds the Polish perspective to the adaptive reuse discourse by exploring how architectural interventions can preserve the heritage from the 60s and 70s cultural, social and spatial significance while meeting future needs and improving the spatial, energetical and aesthetical values. By examining the exemplary W-70 system from Poland, which shares historical and architectural similarities to the prefab systems from other countries, this research provides valuable insights and recommendations that can inform the debate on future-proof adaptation strategies addressing the pressing need for affordable social housing in these regions. As a result, the neglected yet ubiquitous post-Soviet housing stock can become architecture beyond political ideologies, trends or profit-driven market.

The design proposal incorporates research findings while delineating between individual and community-based choices across various architectural tiers. Commencing at the smallest scale, XS (façade), where each panel offers customization options, it progresses to the S scale (apartment), enabling residents to expand their living spaces with winter gardens and green terraces. Transitioning to the M scale (cluster), new rooftop additions are introduced, followed by the L scale (block), where buildings are distinguished by unique color and material identities. This progression culminates at the XL scale (neighborhood), where each subsequent estate obtains its distinct identity through diverse façade compositions and elements, while adhering to the overarching design strategy.Ultimately, the establishment of the design minimum provides a starting point for subsequent extensions that contribute additional values across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, all while preserving the unique identity and individuality of buildings at various scales.  ... Read more

There is a significant problem with how we conceive our built environment, the traditional nature of the construction industry lags in innovation compared to nearly every other industry. As a result, the industry is unable to quickly respond to changing social, environmental and economic contexts. Requiring new methods of construction and ways of design thinking in order to meet the demands of the present and anticipate change in the future. Within the context of TU Delft Campus, there is a great need to accommodate an increasing student population and subsequently need to maximize the use of space throughout campus. The research paper aims to explore what combination of prefabricated 1D, 2D and 3D engineered timber systems generates the most optimized use of engineered timber for a hybrid building. Essentially creating a timber kit of parts system based on the proportions of the parking lot to be able to generate site specific responses throughout Delft Campus. With the ease of assembly and disassembly of prefabricated timber systems, a designed kit of parts can transform the underused parking lot locations throughout Delft Campus. ... Read more

This Master Thesis is an attempt to address the lack of a sufficient number of affordable and qualitative student housing by creating an experimental, universal design strategy called MODULE+, combining computational design and modular architecture. The strategy consists of three main elements - individually designed flexible timber modules, an algorithm that generates the functional layout of the building based on them and optimizes it in relation to selected objectives, as well as carefully selected further design directions that allow the transformation of the generated solutions into a qualitative living environment. The developed strategy became the basis for the design of a complex of residential buildings for students within the TU Delft Campus. ... Read more

Increasing density of housing in postwar neighbourhoods can simultaneously help in reducing housing shortages, address social-economic issues and enable a 2000-watt-society. Shifting household compositions have seen household sizes reduced and floor space usage increase, which corresponds to higher energy and material use. Reducing floor space usage per capita is a prerequisite for enabling sustainable housing. Usage of efficient principles from cooperative housing, such as sharing functions and spaces can allow for greatly reduced floor space usage per capita, without reducing quality of dwellings. The application of these principles in the postwar neighbourhood through transformation of existing buildings can be key in ensuring that they become suitable for a circular economy by 2050. ... Read more