How can a forgotten, hidden industrial fragment transform into a vibrant space of public gathering? This project began with a per­sonal curiosity of the neighbourhood of Anderlecht, specifically Heyvaert and how the buildings shape the area it is today. These layers of time shown through unnoticed buildings and concealed fac;ades reveal the complex nature of how the area was built up. Porosity serves as the main tool of research, to explore how to reactivate the plot on different scales. From large moments of interventions such as creating openings to connect one space to another, to smaller scales, such as the design of a single window opening. A cluster of buildings presents itself, containing the Is­lamic Academy of Brussels, a former ceramics factory, a primary school, housing and behind these fac;ades, lays the former iron factory; the spine of the collection of buildings.
To reactivate the production identity of the Anderlecht, the for-mer ceramics factory revives itself, producing architectural ce­ramics and household items, while the existing functions remain preserved. However, an extra layer is introduced to reactivate
the social aspects of the neighbourhood. Heyvaert lacks social third spaces, which is an aspect that will be introduced in this project. Creating a passage from the street to the large hall, even­tually connecting all the fragmented buildings into one space. Public functions such as a cafe and rentable spaces are added
to breathe new life into the hall. To create porous spaces, some demolition is inevitable, but demolition always comes with im­provement. Architecturally, the existing buildings are treated with care, and all the layers of change are evidently distinct. The new kiln for the ceramics factory stands at the heart of the hall, and not only invites users to gather round but also operates as a thermal provider. In this way, the kiln becomes both a social and environ­mental catalyst within the project. Porosity, in the end, is not only a tool, but an invitation to stitch the neighbourhood together. ... Read more

Following Indonesia’s independence from the Dutch in 1945, the country underwent a nation-building process aimed at reshaping national identity, with architecture serving as a crucial medium for articulating postcolonial ambitions. This thesis examines the work of Han Awal, a pioneering architect whose career spanned Indonesia’s two major political regimes, the Old Order under President Sukarno and the New Order under President Suharto. Rather than aligning fully with either regime’s architectural ideologies, Han Awal emerges in this study as an individual agent navigating the nuanced and often contradictory landscape of postcolonial architectural production. His work challenged dominant narratives of modernisation by advocating for the conservation of colonial and vernacular architecture at a time when the state often prioritised development over preservation.

This thesis examines Han Awal’s introduction of a counter-hegemonic discourse that positioned conservation as a tool of cultural reclamation rather than nostalgic reverence, with a particular focus on his restoration of Gedung Arsip Nasional. In order to place Han Awal’s practice within larger conversations on architectural identity, memory, and state ideology, I conducted an in-depth interview with Yori Antar, Han Awal’s son and architect, as well as using architectural plans, archival materials, and other sources.

This thesis aims to demonstrate how conservation, when rooted in local context and historical awareness, can play a transformative role in shaping a pluralistic and inclusive national architectural identity in Indonesia. ... Read more