With the growing population, high rates of migration together with de high demand for housing, densifying the existing built environment is inevitable. For this, countries are looking primarily to post-war neighborhoods because of their spatial layout and low density. However, the densification of these neighborhoods threatens the loss of potentially valued heritage and in addition, densification can diminish livability. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to answer the following question: How can a post-war neighborhood be densified while improving its livability and preserving its heritage values? As the case study of this thesis, the Louis Couperus neighborhood was chosen in the Western Garden Cities of Amsterdam New West.

On the basis of literature research and comparisons along with observations, different methods of densification are discussed and a framework has been established that can be used for measuring livability. In choosing the most appropriate method for densifying post-war neighborhoods, present heritage values are leading. These values may also play a part in improving the livability of neighborhoods. Based on these three interconnected topics, a design strategy is formulated in this thesis. This design strategy was subsequently applied to an open courtyard parcellation consisting of duplex typology dwellings within the chosen case study.

Densifying post-war neighborhoods contributes to the current housing crisis and reduces potential heritage demolition. Less demolition, in turn, contributes to a circular economy and deals with existing buildings in a sustainable and resourceful way. Improving the livability of neighborhoods ensures the long-term wellbeing of individuals and communities. This in turn leads to more attractive and suitable areas for communities to live in.

In ‘Discovering the Colonial Institute: the Tropenmuseum’ historical research is conducted on the colonial traces that can be found in the Colonial Institute, which is now known as the Tropenmuseum. Nowadays much attention is paid in Dutch society to how the colonial past is dealt with. But at a point in history, as a Dutch citizen, it was normal to live in a country that had colonies overseas. With the arrival of ethical politics, the view on colonialism started to slowly change. This change, together with the initiative of a hand full of people, eventually resulted in the establishment of the Colonial Institute, which served as a museum and research center. Although museums are often regarded as places dedicated to beautiful things, and therefore as neutral and apolitical spaces, they can also play a role in cultural and political debates. This leads to the main research question of this history thesis: What was the cultural and political importance of the Colonial Institute in Amsterdam and how did the architecture of the building contribute to this? This research is focused on the history and motive of establishing and building the Colonial Institute in Amsterdam. This also includes the architecture of the building designed by J.J and M.A. van Nieukerken and what cultural and political importance this had for the Dutch people.