Architecture can be understood as the practice of bringing together the different pieces of a complex puzzle to create meaningful living environments. Its aim is to respond to the needs of future users by integrating knowledge, expertise, and perspectives from multiple disciplines.

In this project, material became the central piece of that puzzle. Biorock, an innovative material with potential applications in the construction sector, formed the starting point of both the research and the architectural design. Produced through an electrochemical process in seawater, Biorock grows a layer of calcium carbonate on a lightweight steel structure using only a small electrical current. Its minimal demand for energy and raw materials makes it a promising material for more sustainable forms of construction.

The research combined theoretical and experimental approaches. The theoretical investigation focused on understanding the material’s growth process, properties, and potential through knowledge from various fields, including chemical engineering, civil engineering, and marine biology. The experimental research explored how this understanding could be translated into architectural applications and detailing.

Beyond bringing together different areas of expertise, Biorock also offered the opportunity to connect two worlds: human and marine environments. The project therefore expands the definition of the architectural user, considering not only people but also surrounding ecosystems. The resulting design focuses on coastal and marine environments, proposing a marine education and research centre that raises public awareness of these ecosystems while actively contributing to their restoration and protection.

Ôde à la mer demonstrates the potential of Biorock as a starting point for future-proof architecture. By integrating ecological processes into the built environment, the project tries to bridge the gap between human and marine ecosystems and explore new ways of designing with, rather than against, nature.
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Despite the housing shortage in the Netherlands, one of the possible solutions -the transformations of non-residential buildings into housing- is on the decline (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, 2025). Even when the office market is oversaturated (Remøy et al. 2024). At the same time the government is looking to housing associations to create the much needed affordable housing, but the housing associations struggle to find new developments (Remøy et al. 2024). Transformations of already existing buildings can be sustainable solution to that problem. Surprisingly there is a research gap on the role of housing associations regarding transformations. There is literature on both housing associations and transformations, but research is lacking on how transformations are seen by housing associations. The literature on transformations is mostly focused on for-profit development. But there are differences between housing associations and other developers. This is mostly reflected in their valuation of projects (Hoomans, 2019).
Therefore, this thesis will focus on the differences in driving values between non-profit and for-profit organisations. This study will use a qualitative research method. The instruments in this research used are interviews and an expert panel. The interviews are used to create an understanding of both the assessment process and the prioritisation of different values regarding transformation projects. The findings of the interviews are cross-analysed to find the overlapping, missing and conflicting driving values between the parties, while the focus group discussion with a heterogeneous group tests the findings of the analysis.
These results give insight in the driving values for transformations by housing associations. From this a conceptual valuation tool is presented for housing associations when considering a transformation project. Further recommendations to policymakers are also made as the driving values can be used for promoting transformations. ... Read more

the research investigates the role of public architectural design in enhancing well-being and safety in socio-economically challenged neighborhoods, with a focus on Sundholm, Copenhagen. The study is grounded in the “5 Ways to Well-being” framework, emphasizing community connection, active spaces, and accessible design. Additionally, Neuro-architecture is implemented, to stimulate the well-being not only on a conscious but also unconscious level. The proposal is the design for a public condenser fostering inclusivity and comfortvwhile enhancing well-being and health, thereby improving social cohesion and residents’ quality of life. ... Read more

This study investigates how forest-based strategies can strengthen drought adaptation and enhance landscape identity within the metropolitan region of SGE. The research is twofold: it first examines the nature of forest-based spatial strategies and the research and design methods they represent; second, it explores how these strategies can bolster landscape identity and drought adaptation.

The study reframes forests and trees from traditional land types or natural capital into pivotal elements and methods of landscape design, emphasizing their ecosystem services. For drought adaptation, forest-based strategies link hydrological challenges with the regulating services of trees, integrating them into conventional hydrological strategies. For landscape identity, the focus is on tree language—a tree-based design approach that interprets and intervenes in the landscape, viewing the metropolitan territory from a forest perspective.

By clarifying and legitimizing landscape identity and drought adaptation as parallel issues, the study addresses these challenges through spatial, cultural, social, and environmental dimensions of forests and trees. It develops typological forestry strategies and design principles, translating challenges and opportunities into design objectives at three scales: regional, local, and intermediate.

At the regional scale, forestry strategies enhance diversity, narrative, and a healthy regional groundwater system. At the local scale, key sites demonstrate the spatial integration of these strategies, addressing conflicts or synergies in the visions and transforming over time. The intermediate scale results in a coherent blue-green spatial structure, experiential network, and hydrological function, reflecting the forest-based intertwining of city and landscape. This comprehensive approach shows how forests and trees can address diverse challenges through various spatial, cultural, social, and environmental lenses. ... Read more

The primary focus of this thesis is the agricultural sector and its sustainability in the rural region surrounding Lelystad, located in Oostelijk Flevoland. The research highlights the importance of maintaining healthy biodiversity in agricultural environments, which can help mitigate negative impacts from factors such as pests, climate change, and pollution. The specific area of interest faces numerous challenges such as climate change, groundwater salinization, drought, and a lack of agroecology and ecology. These challenges are a result of a landscape with distinct agricultural and natural areas. The objective of this research is to develop an integrated approach for a nature-inclusive and future-proof agricultural sector, based on the Farm of the Future area in Lelystad. The tools developed during this research can be implemented in other regions with a focus on connecting farmers and citizens for an integrated landscape.

The central research question of this thesis is: ‘Which landscape architectural strategies could be used to increase the effectiveness of ecological infrastructure in rural areas to connect landscapes, promote functional agrobiodiversity, and restore biodiversity?’ The research methods used include data collection, literature review, site visits, a design case study, and interviews. The thesis emphasizes three main themes: nature, water, and the connection between farmers and citizens. The proposed strategies include strengthening the green network, promoting nature-inclusive agriculture, and water retention. However, the specific challenges and opportunities of the Lelystad area require tailored solutions, and the proposed strategies are not directly transferable to other areas. Further feasibility studies and analysis are necessary, along with research into revenue models for farmers who switch to nature-inclusive agriculture.

By integrating these landscape architectural strategies, a rural landscape can be created that not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also addresses climate issues and restores the relationship between farmers and citizens. This will result in a future-proof agricultural landscape that can sustainably support the needs of the community. ... Read more

The challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change put Dutch cities under pressure, necessitating a transition towards nature-inclusive urban environments. In pre-war working-class neighborhoods, however, the lack of access to urban green spaces hampers appreciation for nature, resulting in a negative feedback loop that prohibits nature-inclusive, bottom-up action. This research proposes a transition strategy to empower residents to take ownership of public space and initiate a transition towards nature inclusivity.

To guide this process, two sets of design principles were constructed. The first set establishes what an optimal consideration for ecology in pre-war working-class neighborhoods would entail. The second set revolves around empowering citizens to take ownership of public space. To examine the effectiveness of these design principles, the neighborhood Lombok in Utrecht was utilized as a design case. The findings of this design exploration highlight the impact small local initiatives could have on urban ecology as well as the well-being of residents. Following this, two design scenarios were elaborated to demonstrate that, despite the spatial restrictions of pre-war working-class neighborhoods, nature inclusivity could be achieved in a variety of ways.

Because of the urgent need for nature inclusivity in many pre-war working-class neighborhoods, the utilization of this approach could greatly improve the ecological resilience of many Dutch urban ecosystems.
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The coast of Paramaribo is predicted to undergo urban expansion due to the growing population of Paramaribo. However, the coast has to do with several challenges; tidal- and urban flooding and coastal erosion. This does not make the coast the most habitable place for urban expansion. The urban, water and soil systems are not functioning in harmony on the coast. Hence, a spatial transition to a dynamic co-existence between the urban-water-soil metabolism is necessary.
With this information, the following research question is formulated “How can an insight into the urban-water-soil metabolism develop a more socially and environmentally resilient coast in Paramaribo?”.
In order to answer this question an analysis was done on the three systems; urban, water and soil. The analysis was concluded with a site visit, which lead to the potential for a general strategy to achieve a resilient coast. As the urban-water-soil metabolism presents itself differently in several areas on the coast, 3 locations were chosen for which a strategy was designed with the help of the pattern deck, which was developed for this project.
The systemic change of the urban, water and soil systems will lead to a resilient coast of Paramaribo. The existing housing and urban expansion will be transformed/designed to be resilient, the urban expansion will be a mixed living and working environment. Tidal flooding will be addressed by strengthening the coast with a green belt and clay dykes. The water management system will be properly maintained and upgraded and the coast will be strengthened and protected from coastal erosion by rehabilitating the depleted mangrove forests. This in turn will also boost biodiversity.
In conclusion, the coast of Paramaribo can become resilient by (re)introducing co-existence of the urban-water-soil metabolism.
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In Assam, North-eastern India, the human population has been growing rapidly, which inevitably brings more urbanization and expansion of agricultural lands, leading to deforestation and the disappearance of natural habitats for wild animals. In connection with that, new highways and train tracks are being built, cutting through the already shrinking natural areas. One of the species that especially suffer from these issues is the Asian elephant. Facing a food shortage and being pushed out of their natural habitats, the elephants increasingly often come to search for food in villages and fields, making them a threat to vulnerable rural communities.
This project approaches this highly contested landscape from an urban ecology perspective and analyses the reasons and aspects of the human-elephant conflict and aims to formulate a landscape-based strategy for a landscape of human and wildlife coexistence.
A regional vision for the study area of Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts in central Assam is proposed.
In this report, the reader will find a conceptual plan for the research area that includes building green corridors and new spaces for wildlife. Part of the project are strategies to achieve the coexistence of humans and animals and two case studies, in which these strategies were tested on specific sites.
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With the thorough penetration of Internet, everyone has a dual identity in contemporary urban life. On one hand, urban survival pressure and high-density, planned forms of living consume the vitality of young generation; on the other hand, streaming videos, social media and online games establish their existence in another dimension. The Toronto School and other many media theorists have foreseen the impact of the Internet as a medium on behavior and society in the last century. Since the 1990s, architects and urban designers have begun to imagine the integration of architecture space and cyberspace. Later practices, in the name of interactive architecture, explored certain possibilities of architectural interactivity. But until today, the real revolution has not come in a larger scope. Research and design are aim to the impact of various interactive media derived from the Internet on living and how to use their interactivity to take the intelligence and delight of built environment to a new level in contemporary urban context. The results of study will be presented as a public building design, which is an urban cultural complex with the theme of interactive media, including functional spaces such as exhibitions, interactions, game events, esports, creative workshop, sales, and cafe, let visitors experience the knowledge, applications and trends of cyberculture. The choice of functions takes it into account that this theme has practical meanings for leading interactive architecture experiments. And its exterior and interior design embed cyber-physical system and show the characteristics and interactivity of the cyberspace to get the unity of theme and space experience. As a cyber dominant zone, it serves as a prototype to illustrate the possible impact of the Internet on society and lifestyle in the future. ... Read more

Many people do not see waste as a necessity, not being able to see that it has become an unavoidable part of our daily lives. Everything we do involves waste and even in seconds the things we use are considered as waste. The design of a waste facility in a high-density work-live area can create more awareness about waste management and material recycling. Additionally it can serve as a public space, increasing the social value of such a place. To realize such a facility and reach sustainable goals, collaboration on every possible scale in every possible system is necessary. This can by realized by breaking through transportation systems, circular building systems, social systems, economical systems and political systems and integrating them in the design. With this project, I have shown that waste-awareness could be created in a positive way, trough the design of a waste innovation centre. ... Read more

More and more people live in cities. The building industry is responsible for 33% of waste production and is set to increase further to 50% in 2025. The energy efficiency is continuously increased, but the waste production at the end of life of a building is largely ignored. This design proposes a solution in the form of a zero-waste high-rise design. It uses only recyclable or renewable materials. Mass-timber is chosen as the main material as it is not only renewable and easily reusable, it is also a storage of CO2. The design reuses the foundation of existing buildings, and with the lightweight properties of mass-timber, increases the density on the location by building taller. The design is four times taller as the current buildings. To allow for sustainable densification, the design offers public and collective qualities. The building has been designed is such a way to be easily refitted during its life cycle or to be completely disassembled at the end of life. ... Read more

In the first part of this Architectural master thesis the Circular Economy is studied and results are Applied to the Amstel III district in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In this study the Circular Strategies of Europe, the Netherlands and Amsterdam are distilled into 5 main drivers. The main driver this thesis focusses on is “Design for Disassembly” by creating new modular components with reversible connections. A new design system that allows change in program, volume and façade elements is designed.

The second part of the thesis is the adaptation of this new design system into an architectural composition that fits the current needs of the neighborhood and allows for adaptation to a future scenario in which the urban composition of the area has changed. This architectural design shows the potential for the re-use of materials by transforming from an office building to a mixed use, mid-rise building that houses residential units and a modern interpretation of a library including a restaurant, an exhibition space and flexible workspaces.

The adaptation of this new system leads to a significant decrease in building waste, CO2 emissions and Energy consumption.
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The world’s population is aging and as a result chronic illnesses become more widespread. The disease dementia will play a major role in the future of the Netherland. Moreover the people with dementia have to stay at home for as long as possible, which is also in line with their wishes. Ommoord is one of the neighbourhoods which can expect an increase of the amount of people with dementia. This thesis investigates how Ommoord should be adapted to improve the quality of life for people with dementia. Design-based research has been used, because the help of stakeholders is needed to solve this complex problem. The tool “Hersenspinsels” has been designed to facilitate co-creation with the involved of the stakeholders. This tool helps the stakeholders to set up a collaboration and to broaden their view. The result is that a better problem statement can be formulated. The developed problem statement can be used by the urbanist to realize a first design. The advantage of using the tool is that the developed solution fits better in the wishes of the stakeholders, it helps to develop a timeframe and it gives information about which solutions should be implemented and in which way. The urbanist has an important role because he or she is the facilitator of the sessions and has to bundle all the information. To make Ommoord dementia-friendly, it should change in a more accessible, comfortable and safe neighbourhood. This thesis describes the development and use of the tool (Hersenspinsels) and the application in Ommoord that resulted in an initial plan for Ommoord. ... Read more