This thesis examines John Körmeling’s Starthuisje (1992), a utilitarian starting tower constructed for a Groningen rowing track. Contrasting with the data-driven adaptability typical of 1990s Dutch architecture, Körmeling grounded his design in strict mathematical proportion and tectonic contradiction. Following the track’s closure in 2015, the structure avoided demolition, ultimately transitioning into a protected heritage site within a new suburban development. This research demonstrates that the Starthuisje survived precisely due to its absolute geometrical indifference. By prioritizing civil scale and autonomous concrete mass over programmatic flexibility, the building retained its architectural authority long after its functional context was entirely erased.
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