The thesis investigates the role of architectural practice in engaging with the systemic fragility and uncertain futures of the Cadore region in the Italian Alps. Initially guided by the question of architecture’s agency in the Alpine context, the research gradually evolved into a deeper interrogation: does the territory require architectural intervention at all? Through a multi-scalar and interdisciplinary methodology, The Cadore region is framed as a complex palimpsest - where ecological, infrastructural, and symbolic forces intersect and co-produce the landscape. Architecture is not positioned as a solution, but as a medium of observation, representation, and care. Central to this approach is the reactivation of the Ex-Cementificio Marchino, a former cement factory in Castellavazzo that once played a pivotal role in transforming the Alpine landscape into a resource-extraction machine during the era of the Great Acceleration. The factory’s current state as an industrial ruin offers a critical lens through which to examine the legacies of extraction and territorial violence, while also opening spatial and conceptual opportunities to reframe architecture’s role in a post-industrial Alpine context.

The design engages with the complexities of brownfield reuse in the mountainous landscape, reinterpreting the former cement factory not as a static object, but as a dynamic form in transformation. The factory, once instrumental in supplying materials for hydroelectric infrastructures, has been reimagined as a "landscape" from which to extract meaning and material rather than mere resources. The project is realised through a phased strategy of dismantling, re-scaling and recomposition. This process serves to reduce the alien monumentality of the industrial artefact, thereby initiating a process of contextual digestion. This process involves the demolition of parts of the structure and the reappropriation of their debris. Consequently, the factory becomes the quarry. The final phase of the transformation process involves the introduction of new architectural elements, constructed using the processed remnants of the original building. These interventions are designed to support a new programme, which involves the establishment of a basecamp for landscape observation, environmental monitoring, and community engagement. The site functions as both civic infrastructure and territorial lens, and is embedded within a broader network of observation points across the Caodre region.
The reconfigured ruin, articulated along a path that connects it to a newly designed inhabited wall, now acts as a spatial and symbolic filter between the former machine and its surrounding landscape. Through this mediation process, the site's context is progressively restored, healing the scars left by past extraction regimes and reorienting it towards novel perspectives and connections with the site itself. ... Read more

The mother library is a children's library located in the hard of the city of Berlin. The project to create a children's library for the city of Berlin started with the problem of reading levels declining, especially in the face of the growing digital age. This is a big concern for education and child development. The impact of this is very clearly visible in Germany, where statistics from German newspapers reveal that 1 in 4 children does not attain the required reading ability levels (Local, 2023). This alarming fact highlights a significant problem, reflecting both an educational and societal challenge, and is directly connected with children reading fewer books. (D.Ferguson, 2020) The decline in children’s engagement with reading, especially in the face of the growing digital age, is a big concern for education and child development. The impact of this is very clearly visible in Germany, where statistics from German newspapers reveal that 1 in 4 children does not attain the required reading ability levels (Local, 2023). This alarming fact highlights a significant problem, reflecting both an educational and societal challenge, and is directly connected with children reading fewer books. (D.Ferguson, 2020)
The loss of reading pleasure is seen as one of the most important causes of the decline in reading skills (Van Der Horst & Moerland, 2024). In an era where students prefer to spend time on their mobile phones, reading a book is no longer self-evident for them (Van Der Horst & Moerland, 2024). The lure of fast entertainment options, competing with the slower pace of reading, affects children’s reading pleasure, particularly those with shorter attention spans, due to social media. But social media is not the only problem. Compulsory literature in schools and how schools approach reading does not suit 21st-century children. For a long time, the standardization of education made it possible to lift whole generations away from analphabetism and, indirectly poverty, but things have changed over time (bosch, 2021, p. 22). In the same years that reading has become more mandatory in schools, reading enjoyment among children has also declined. The compulsory reading of books and new technologies together seem to be the main cause of the fact that children read less for pleasure and why their reading level seems to decline.
To solve this problem the mother library will be the birthplace for the reading pleasure of the children of Berlin. Being a place for the diversity of children of Berlin but also a library that connects children with other libraries around the city. Giving them their first experience with the loaning of a book and helping them to explore the world of books further. To achieve this the library is placed in a location that is well accessible with public transport to reach most children. The library is divided into different areas focusing on different age groups and their preferences. The hard of the building brings all these age groups together in a green oasis, forming a peaceful place connected to nature. Bringing these elements together, focused on design principles from the research, creates a library focused on the diversity and similarities of children.
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An architectural case study research into the design of a building for the performing arts as social infrastructure. Buildings for the performing arts typically focus on facilitating paid professional performance. This thesis expands the definition of performance, challenging the traditional separation between performer and audience and rethinking the conditions of a stage. This is explored through the concept of architectural membranes and with the aim to bring people of different backgrounds together. The case study for the project is the Volksbühne theatre in Berlin, an existing monumental theatre of which the name translated from German means ‘People’s Stage’. Originally founded in 1890 as an organisation to make theatre going accessible to the working class, nowadays it serves a homogenous audience of the ‘typical theatre goer’. The objective of this project is to explore if an architectural transformation of the monumental Volksbühne can rethink its identity and turn the building into a proper people’s stage and as such take on the role of social infrastructure in society. A place for the people of Berlin to see performance and be a performer. ... Read more

In the pursuit of sustainable development, the construction industry faces the dual challenges of material scarcity and the environmental impact of its material usage. This thesis explores the potential of hybrid structures, specifically employing reused wooden elements, to address these challenges and transition towards a zero-waste economy. The research investigates the application of computational design and digital fabrication techniques in order to maximize the reuse of wooden structural elements without the need for remanufacturing, thereby reducing waste and carbon footprint. Using the TU Delft modelling hall of the BK faculty, this study introduces a new approach that combines stock-constrained design with additive manufacturing. This approach utilizes 3D printing technology to create flexible, adaptable connections that accommodate the irregular dimensions of reclaimed wood, thus optimizing the use of available materials. The study evaluates the environmental impact through a life-cycle assessment. In the end it will compare the proposed method to the traditional construction practice and other methods that stimulate the reuse of wood. The findings indicate that the proposed hybrid design methodology effectively reduces waste over the successive generations. However, the data also reveals that the carbon footprint has not yet decreased. Further research is necessary to identify the next steps for reducing carbon emissions and achieving a sustainable, zero-waste methodology. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by bridging the gap between theoretical design and practical application, offering a scalable model that can eventually be implemented in real-world scenarios to promote a circular economy in the building sector. ... Read more

The rising prevalence of workplace-related mental health issues, particularly burnout, has garnered significant attention from both public and private sectors. This thesis investigates how workplace strategies incorporate mental health considerations, focusing on the development process and implementation within Dutch corporate offices. Against a backdrop of increasing burnout rates and associated costs, now exceeding €3.3 billion annually in the Netherlands, this study aims to bridge the knowledge gap on how mental health is embedded within workplace strategy-making. Utilising a qualitative, abductive research approach, this study combines theoretical review and an embedded single-case study, including document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Findings reveal that while well-being is strategically prioritised, translating these aspirations into actionable measures remains challenging. The research identifies a disconnect between intangible mental health considerations, which are well integrated into organizational strategies, and tangible workplace implementations, which often fade to the background due to feasibility constraints and funding limitations. The study concludes that mental health remains underprioritised in workplace strategy, without a cohesive and clear approach. This segmentation hinders effective cascading of mental health priorities across organizational levels, raising questions about responsibility and actionability. Addressing these gaps, the thesis highlights the need for greater clarity, enhanced interdepartmental collaboration, and stronger support for mental health considerations throughout workplace strategy formulation and implementation. ... Read more

In contemporary architecture free-form buildings play an important role. The materials used, for example fibre reinforced composites or concrete, are not sustainable. Because the built environment is responsible for a significant part of the global resource usage and because it is one of the most polluting industries it is important to make every effort to reduce its environmental impact. In more conventional architecture renewable and more sustainable materials like timber are among the oldest building materials and are now being rediscovered. In curved façades however it is much less common because curved surfaces and the material properties of renewable and sustainable materials cause complexities in the production and assembly processes. Whether curved façade panels, made from a bio-composite, can be fabricated using an industrial fabrication process has not been extensively researched. The goal of this thesis is to explore the possibilities of making curved façades more sustainable by using a bio-composite and by using an industrial production process. This is done by conducting literature research and by designing a bio-composite façade panel and production process. This process has been supported by experimenting, prototyping and a case study of the Depot Boijmans van Beuningen designed by MVRDV.
Because the bio-composite façade panel is produced using a hot press and an aluminium mould it is best suited for façades of which all panels are identical or for panels with a lot of repetition. One of the advantages of the material, design and production method is that the panels consist of very few parts. The water resistance is something that needs to be improved ether by changing the composition of the material or by applying a bio-based coating.
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Glass structures have been dominating in the architectural world for the past decades, unveiling the material’s structural potential. Advancements in glass manufacturing and post-processing techniques have not only led to innovative applications but also resulted in the development of unique glass products. Aluminosilicate glass exhibits superior strength and flexibility compared to the commonly used soda lime glass, due to its distinct composition and manufacturing process. This enables the production of ultra-thin glass with thicknesses as low as 25 μm, giving rise to the category of "thin glass" encompassing any glass below 2 mm in thickness.
Thin glass has found applications in industries such as automotive and electronics due to its unique properties, including optical clarity, scratch resistance, durability, flexibility, and reduced weight. In architecture, the evolving design vocabulary embraces complex geometries and the integration of curved panels, offering clear structures that provide exceptional optical clarity and blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Thus, thin glass holds potential for creating complex, lightweight, and transparent architectural structures.
This research addresses the limitations of thin glass in construction and explores optimal bending techniques to maximize its capabilities. The methodology comprises a literature review of the glass industry, design principles, and an in-depth study of thin glass properties. This study culminates in the establishment of design guidelines and a computational approach to assist the design process while using cold bent thin glass. After investigating the available and most used design and structural simulation software, the ones found more accurate are integrated in the process.
The findings highlight the successful development of a computational method that provides tools, design principles, and guidelines for working with single curved cold bent thin glass panels. Additionally, the research examines suitable connection types for thin glass projects and concludes with a proposal for a hinge clamp connection. A case study showcases the proposed workflow, leading to the creation of a prototype utilizing a 3d-printed based approach of the suggested connection design.
The conclusions emphasize the significance of the integrated computational design workflow and its implications for architectural design using thin glass. ... Read more

From a global perspective, the building industry is one of the significant factors of environmental impact on the planet. Related activities in this industry refer to 40% of total carbon emissions; 28% of this value accounts for building operations, while the remaining 12% represents the manufacturing of new construction materials. Studies have revealed that 90% of construction waste comes from demolition (Ahn et al., 2022). Wood as a construction material is an uprising in the building practice due to its carbon storage capabilities and prefabricated possibilities (Gong, 2021). Prefabricated timber constructions can benefit rural Colombia's social reconstruction with the help of digital fabrication technologies. Likewise, this method could bring better performance of materials and its End of Life (EOL) (Ahn et al., 2022). Nevertheless, research has identified wood-to-wood timber connections as a gap in the academia to tackle better design, manufacture, assembly, and deconstruction (DfMA + D) in the field (Mehra et al., 2021). The following study aims to investigate the application of CNC technologies to fabricate novel and affordable wood joinery connection solutions for the construction of rural housing in Colombia. This research emphasizes the cooperation of the wood material to moisture fluctuation, with the aim of introducing a more sustainable and efficient assembly method. ... Read more

This research paper is a TU Delft Master’s thesis for graduation track in the field of Building Technology. Its main theme, digital manufacturing of reinforced concrete structures, has already been studied/researched by many other enthusiasts; but they adopted approaches mainly based on the digital production of formworks or 3D printing of concrete. None or very few re-searchers have tried tackling this topic by only investigating the reinforcement production methods. Reinforcement is an essen-tial part of any concrete structure and neglecting its role in de-veloping techniques of digital manufacturing concrete structure makes the technique unreliable. Therefore this report ap-proached this topic according to the suitable production tech-niques for reinforcement structures of freeform concrete struc-tures. Various techniques and concepts in production of rein-forcement structures have been designed and one chosen. This chosen concept got developed into its last minute details as well as its assemblage process got demonstrated on a freeform wall structure.
All the stages are also fully explained providing a source of in-spiration for anyone interested in the topic to employ the pre-sented research in creation of other possible systems.
Those research related to production technique which is done by the researcher of this report, can also be employed in other fields such as lattice mesh structure production or 3D printing of carbon fibers.
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