Adaptability, in contemporary architecture, is defined as the capacity of a building to effectively accommodate the evolving demands of its context, thus maximizing its value through life. On the other hand, there is the concept of cultural significance, which addresses the attributes and values of cultural heritage buildings and justifies their designated status.
The negative reputation and/or lack of recognition received by these typologies of housing have an impact on the protection of these buildings today. Although parts of the urban design of Amsterdam Nieuw-West have received recognition of significance, unfortunately, this is not the case for all the architecture of the buildings, of which many have been demolished or transformed without consideration of their potential cultural significance. Potential obsolescence, changed demographics, and rapidly growing demands for energy efficiency, as well as new living standards, all threaten these buildings with demolition or modification before their historic or artistic attributes can even be recognized. Many of the issues stated above continue to be common today, showing a lack of advancement towards adaptable post-war housing.
This research report tries to integrate research methods on attributes with research methods on adaptability. This kind of approach could diversify concepts and reveal complementary characteristics regarding the significance of post-war housing blocks by linking them to adaptability.
The framework used in this research is divided into two distinct parts. Firstly, the classification of building layers and elements; subsequent internal and external connections and attributes; and secondly, the interpretation of all the aforementioned in a dependency structure matrix, revealing relationships, areas of synergy, and associated attributes.
By fusing these different methods, an integrated approach was developed to study post-war housing blocks and reveal the connections between significance and adaptability. To find areas of synergy between these two domains in order to contribute to the development of architecture that genuinely uses change for greater significance.
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The Stockholm City Library, designed by Erik Gunnar Asplund and completed around 1928, sits just outside the bustling center of Stockholm. The design task was to adapt or add to the existing building, in a way that it’s to meet the needs of a modern public library in Sweden. My design proposal emphasizes the relationship with the surroundings, as the building is nestled between a park and the city. I carefully consider what’s already there, what works well, and what needs adaptation. While the current building holds significant historical value, it presents a somewhat monumental, static appearance. To accommodate modern library functions, such as maker spaces and lecture spaces, I propose an additional building next to the Stockholm City Library. This addition would allow for a more flexible and modern design while respecting the historical and architectural significance of existing buildings on the site, such as the three annex buildings and the bazaar. The new design functions primarily as a
separate building, contrasting with the existing Stockholm City Library. While the current library, with its high-placed windows and monumental appearance, creates a separation from its surroundings, my building aims to be open and welcoming. It sees the library as an integral
part of the city and local community, blurring the boundary between where the library starts and ends. These contrasting buildings will complement each other, with one representing the traditional library, and the other emphasizing the role and needs of the modern library. I drew inspiration from Asplund’s earlier design proposals and the existing bazaar which connects the library with the city. I also borrowed some features from the existing library. In my design, I repeated the visual motif of the Stockholm City Library’s base (bazaar). However, my building is intended to be less imposing than the monumentality of the original Stockholm City Library. Hereby, the monumentality of the existing building is kept or even strengthened, while it keeps
functioning as an institute of knowledge for the city. The new addition enhances the connection between the park and the city, while also providing a sense of belonging, focusing on the importance of the library for the local community. ... Read more

This project is a response to the changing role of the public library and how this change could be translated in a design for a new Stockholm City Library. A new structure is added to extend the existing library to provide space for large programs and activities that can't be hosted in the existing structure due to lack of space. This new structure is connecting the urban side of the site to the landscape of the park, while respecting it's surroundings. It carefully wraps around the hillside next to the Stockholm City Library, making it part of the landscape of the hill. The interior is a reinterpretation of the rotunda of Asplund’s library and a continuation of the urban and natural landscape it is part of. ... Read more

The "Right to the City [Library]" project aims to expand and modernize the historic Stockholm Public Library, designed by Gunnar Asplund and completed in 1927. This initiative addresses challenges posed by digitization and evolving library roles while preserving the building's architectural heritage, creating a welcoming, accessible space that respects Asplund's design and introduces versatile areas.

Located in the Vasastaden neighborhood, the Stockholm Public Library is known for its unique atmosphere and architectural features, especially the rotunda. As Stockholm’s first public library, it was modeled after American libraries where patrons could freely access books. Today, it is a cultural landmark.

However, the library's current design no longer meets modern spatial and functional needs. The extension project, informed by research into Asplund’s work and contemporary library design principles, aims to create an inclusive space that fosters intellectual growth. By restoring the library’s relationship with the city, the design seeks to counteract the imposing nature of the original structure, promoting accessibility and community engagement. This aligns with Henri Lefebvre's idea of "The Right to the City," where urban spaces are designed for and by the people.

The design process ensured a harmonious connection with the existing library while introducing new functional spaces, resulting in three primary components: the hallway, the stairs, and the observatory.

The Hallway: This transition and circulation space links various parts of the library, facilitating movement and access.

The Stairs: A complex set of interior and exterior stairs enhances connectivity between the library, observatory, and hill, integrating the new addition with Asplund’s design and connecting the library to Stockholm.

The Observatory: Mediating between the rotunda and the hill, the observatory provides additional library space. The reading room at the top contrasts with the grand, introspective rotunda of the original library, designed to be intimate and outward-facing with eye-level views. The design emphasizes a domestic, inviting atmosphere, embodying the idea that everyone has the right to be part of the library's community.

The extension increases the library’s usable floor area by 6630 square meters, including more educational and group study spaces, an auditorium, a café, and back-of-house facilities. The observatory's reading rooms provide panoramic views, creating a more inviting and accessible environment than the original library's formal reading spaces.

Using local materials like granite and ceramic ensures the extension's durability and aesthetic harmony with the existing building. This thoughtful blend of old and new addresses modern needs while respecting the Stockholm Public Library's historical value, creating a more inclusive and versatile environment that enhances the site's overall coherence.

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Urban vitality is a concept reflecting the synergistic interplay of complex conditions that create a city's liveliness and significantly influence its livability. Distributing central area density becomes important in cities like Amsterdam, which face challenges such as housing shortages and overtourism in central areas. Consequently, enhancing the livability of areas outside the city center is essential. Livability also contributes to conserving the historic urban landscape and affects the city's sustainability. This study focuses on urban vitality as a means to enhance livability.

The primary objective of this research is to identify the conditions that affect the urban vitality of a neighborhood center and explore how these conditions can be applied to redesign. The case study focuses on Plein ‘40-‘45, a historic square and neighborhood center located in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Enhancing the urban vitality of this square is expected to improve this area's livability, alleviate Amsterdam’s urban problems, and positively impact the conservation of the historic urban landscape.

As a methodology for this research, a comparative case study was conducted to examine how to improve the use composition of this square. The comparative case is Spui, located in Amsterdam Centrum, a touristic place and already a lively square, where a comparison of the diversity and density of uses was made. In particular, the observation method was used to examine the relationship between uses and pedestrian activities. This method is particularly useful for identifying public life characteristics in a relatively small urban area like a square.

Meanwhile, the Amsterdam Nieuw-West, also known as the Western Garden Cities, has been recognized by The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands for its urban and green environment and structure as having historic significance. Therefore, a literature review was conducted to study how the square redesign should improve the green environment while respecting the urban and green structure.

The conclusion of this study shows that Plein ‘40-‘45 is primarily focused on residents in terms of use. For this square and neighborhood center to develop into an urban center, it needs to offer diverse and attractive uses for visitors and tourists. Additionally, improving the diversity and density of the green environment and providing green connections in the area are important from the perspectives of urban and green structures. ... Read more

This master’s thesis was written as part of the graduation studio “Heritage & Architecture: Adapting 20th Century Heritage: Resourceful Housing” at Delft University of Technology. The cultural significance of buildings is increasingly recognized, with heritage structures offering glimpses into the past. Building preservation is evolving from simple protection to an integral part of sustainable urban growth, with adaptive reuse being a more effective approach.

In the Netherlands, schools are rapidly disappearing, primarily due to demolition driven by the new “Frisse Scholen” initiative by the RVO. Additionally, the declining number of students in both primary and secondary schools is causing further issues. According to Rijksoverheid (2023), merging two or more schools is a proposed solution to address the decrease in student numbers. This process leaves one or more school buildings vacant, presenting an opportunity for adaptive reuse projects.
Furthermore, the Netherlands is currently facing a housing shortage, with almost 400,000 dwellings needed. The current housing crisis demands more typologies and space for new homes. By combining the preservation of (post-war) school buildings with the need for housing, adaptive reuse strategies can transform heritage school buildings into residential spaces. Research on the intersection of these issues and the transformation of school buildings is still limited.

This thesis employs a mixed-method approach. A general comparative case study was conducted using the four approaches to building transformation by Hans Ibelings and Diederendirrix (2018). This framework was enhanced with a grid and spectrum system to classify and analyze the research cases. Further analysis utilized the "black/yellow/red" method to illustrate building adaptations. The value framework by Pereira Roders (2007) guided the identification of primary values. The research classified all cases as having either a repurpose or regenerate approach. Overviews of interventions were created, highlighting added and removed materials for one case.

Translating research into design, the Rendorpschool was studied to assess the impact on building fabric and environment of various typologies. Scenarios were evaluated based on three aspects: living quality, cultural value, and resourcefulness. The findings indicated that variants with better living quality had slightly less added volume, thus requiring fewer resources.

This thesis holds relevance for other designers. The school building intervention overviews provide a concise, visual summary of all interventions and can serve as a starting point for evaluating the comparative qualities of various interventions. It ensures that data for the three key features—interior building fabric, exterior building fabric, and function—is available. This research contributes not only to the societal impact of strategies to reuse vacant buildings but also offers professionals a tool for assessing interventions in school transformations into housing. The conclusions from the design phase can help apply results to other school transformations, understanding the impact of decisions on building volume and environmental impact, and aiding in the selection of appropriate typologies for their projects.
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