This study explores how the design and use of classroom environments influence the learning experience of secondary school students. Building on existing literature, the research established a framework of four design categories—Essential, Supportive, Aesthetic, and Functional—comprising sixteen design and use elements. Satisfaction, motivation, and productivity were identified as the most suitable indicators, and the empirical analysis showed these dimensions to be strongly interrelated, forming one integrated construct of the student learning experience. The central research question is: How does the design and use of classroom environments influence the learning experience of secondary school students?
Using a mixed-methods approach, two contrasting case studies were analysed through five classroom observations, student surveys (n = 173) and reflective teacher interviews. Results revealed significant correlations between design elements and student experience, with spatial clarity, visual appearance, and emotional support emerging as particularly influential. Conversely, poor environmental quality and limited flexibility and comfort consistently undermined outcomes.
The findings highlight a clear hierarchy: securing baseline essentials of comfort and flexibility is indispensable, while aesthetic and supportive features enrich learning only when these foundations are in place. Classrooms thus act as active determinants—functioning as a “third teacher” that shapes student performance and wellbeing. ... Read more

The housing shortage in the Netherlands has been a pressing issue, particularly affecting starters and middle-income households who struggle with high prices and limited access to affordable housing. In response, there have been interventions and policies aimed at stimulating starters to access the housing market, but the supply of adequate and affordable housing remains insufficient. The ‘kluswoningen’ concept has emerged as a potential solution, because buyers can decide how they want to live and, in addition, the lower entry price is attractive. Besides empowering first-time buyers, housing associations can take on a more socially responsible role with this tool. Housing associations have observed a decline in the number of middle-income individuals in their regions due to the unavailability of affordable housing. This group holds significant importance in maintaining the social fabric and bridging the wealth gap within neighbourhoods. Moreover, housing associations have noted that the sale of social dwellings plays a crucial role in their investment capacity. However, some municipalities are becoming increasingly hesitant to support the sale of social housing. The challenge lies in finding common ground and reconciling these divergent perspectives.

This study explores the potential value of ‘kluswoningen’ in expanding opportunities for first-time buyers in the owner-occupied market. Currently, housing associations are not actively involved in this provision, but this research aims to investigate whether they should play a more active role and how to implement it effectively. The study also examines the declining use of this instrument in recent years and aims to provide insights into its relevance in the current context for first-time buyers. As a result, this research focusses on the following main research question: “To what extent is the provision of ‘kluswoningen’ valuable (in terms of affordability, accessibility and empowerment) for widening the opportunities of first-time buyers on the owner-occupied market in the current political context from different actors’ perspectives?"

The literature study is complemented by an empirical study, using a mixed method. The empirical study consists of three parts. Firstly, a secondary data analysis is conducted to examine the housing preferences of first-time buyers. Furthermore, case studies and supporting interviews are conducted to provide insights into why housing associations want to sell, why they sell dwellings as ‘kluswoning’ and how this instrument can be implemented. These findings, combined with the results from the secondary data analysis, provide insights into whether the 'kluswoningen' product aligns with the housing preferences of first-time buyers. Finally, in-depth interviews have been conducted to identify the bottlenecks and opportunities of the use of this instrument. The research results conclude the following findings. Firstly, the provision of 'kluswoningen' enhances accessibility for first-time buyers by increasing the availability of housing options in their search field. Secondly, in terms of affordability, 'kluswoningen' are perceived as one of the most affordable options in the owner-occupied market. However, it should be noted that this housing option may not always fall within the limits of affordable owner-occupancy. Thirdly, the concept of 'kluswoningen' appears interesting due to its empowering nature, enabling individuals to personalize their dwellings and exercise choice in tenure through increased accessibility to owner-occupancy.
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This graduation project explores the topic of flexible working as a new work norm for architects (and designers) and how FW needs to be translated into an office design. Through the analysis of two case studies, the current situation has been mapped out, which has been used to determine the requirements for an office programme that can facilitate flexible working. In order to allow flexible working, one must apply activity-based workplace design as a design method, in which one designs based on activities, rather than functions. The graduation project explains the translation of flexible working as the new work norm into a design proposal. ... Read more

This research investigates a way to engage end-users in creating circular school buildings as a bottom-up approach is needed to create a more circular built environment. This is important as the goals of the Paris Agreement are not reached if we are not doubling global circularity.
This research is executed based on the following research question: How to create a workshop that engages end-users of schools in developing a circular school building? This research question is answered through literature review, interviews and a design phase. It concludes by stating that the workshop that is designed through this research is engaging for end-users of schools to develop a circular school building. ... Read more

This thesis addresses the prospected future of climate-induced displacement in the Netherlands; managed retreat as part of a new flood defense strategy for the coastal region.

Climate change, sea-level rise and flood threat are relevant subjects for the Netherlands. However, unlike most delta regions, displacement of parts of the population is not part of Dutch culture anymore. An extensive delta system protects even the lowest parts of the country. Displacement, in this case, is not a direct consequence of sea-level rise, but rather a consequence of how the Dutch government decides to deal with it. The delta strategy is currently in transition, meaning it is unclear what the outcome will be.
The Dutch Delta Programme deals with the uncertainty in sea-level rise predictions by laying out different conceptual scenarios, the most extreme being Move Along. Move Along suggests allowing the ocean to take back parts of the Netherlands. There are more explorative studies on the future of the Dutch coastline. However, none of them incorporate the human aspect in abandoning parts of the country; displacement of part of the population. As sea-level rise is slow-onset, there is time to plan ahead offering opportunity to deal with the displacement in a strategic way.

The project focusses on exploring the potential of combining a strategy for retreat with existing spatial planning goals as a means to deal with the uncertainty of sea-level rise. In addition, this combination creates a shared goal in order to preserve livelihood for the affected population. ... Read more

A tiny house is a building for permanent human habitation that is specifically designed to have a limited ground surface. The tiny house design discussed in this report has a strong focus on circularity, sustainable material usage, smart systems, and affordability. To achieve an overall self-regulating and ecological concept, the aim is to combine and optimise the different flows that go through the tiny house - i.e. electricity, waste, and water. These flows are also smartly integrated and made more efficient on a network scale. Several tunus tiny houses are combined in a village because sustainable living environments can be created more effectively when collaborating in communities. Eventually, the goal is to obtain a network with such flexibility that its principles can be implemented on any collection of tiny houses or even terraced houses and flats. ... Read more

This project has been made as a graduation project for the Heritage and Architecture Graduation studio at the Delft University of Technology. The project is situated in the Hembrug Area. Hembrug is located near the Dutch cities of Amsterdam and Zaandam. The Hembrug site is a former military production site initially part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. It was located in such a way that when the Netherlands would come under attack, it would have all its military production protected and centred. The Hembrug area has recently been vacated by both the Dutch ministry of Defence and the company which made parts on the site, Eurometaal. The buildings now lay vacant and desolate. This is a shame as there are many historically important buildings within the area, including 50 monuments. The area is in need of a new use and redevelopment. Of the entire Hembrug Area, this plan focusses on an area known as The Changeover Zone. Drawing inspiration from the sites historic functions, the tough buildings and its secluded location, a new military function, but not a production function, was searched for. During research, a particular current need of the armed forces was identified, a rehabilitation facility. Up to 400 Dutch military members each year report life limiting problems sustained from their time in the forces 6 months after leaving. These problems can be both physical problems and mental health related. When initial care has been received, the men and women face a society which is not used to dealing with their specific issues and members of society can be outright dismissive of problems faced by military personnel. The concept therefore is to design a rehabilitation facility to aid in a more graceful and hopefully better return to society as a whole. The Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center, to be referred to as A.R.C. is a rehabilitation centre focused on 2nd phase care. By creating a small scale society of kindred men and women in which one can receive care if required but is fully self-supporting in every aspect, a level between the Armed forces and society is created. By arranging the facility as a city block with separate functions in each building centred around a square, people are forced to leave their housing but can still do so in a safe environment. Having to cross the square each time one goes to a different functions also functions as a stimulant for spontaneous interactions and making friends. These friends will then be of great help during the rehabilitation. By creating the square and creating a new raised footbridge, a dynamic range of levels of privacy is created. A person living in this facility is free to move between these levels, allowing one a gradual move back into the public. ... Read more

The location of the project is the Hembrug terrain which is located in Zaandam alongside the North Sea Canal. The Hembrug terrain has been the stage of ammunition and weapon production for over 100 years until all activities seized at the end of the last century. Nowadays the site has been abandoned by the military and a new connection to society has to be created in order to safeguard the heritage. New uses for the vacant buildings have to be developed without losing the essence and values of the buildings and the in between space.
An ensemble in the south east of the Hembrug terrain called “Green Head of the Cape South” was the main focus of this graduation project. This ensemble forms the green tip of the Hembrug terrain towards Amsterdam and is enclosed by the North Sea Canal and side canal G. The ensemble includes four buildings: a 1930’s bomb shelter, a 1950’s storage building, a 1950’s factory building and a 1980’s Romney Hut (storage shed).
This graduation project shows how the ensemble is revitalised by keeping close to the essence of the Hembrug terrain as a production estate while giving a response to the consumer society. The interventions to the ensemble and the buildings were all developed with the cultural and historical values in mind, creating a balance between hierarchy and contrast of the existing and the new architecture.
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With an ongoing growing population and the aim towardsa more sustainable future, revitalizing building is aconsiderable topic. Architect should take into accountthe current building stock and look into more possibleways on how to easily reuse buildings. The location of theHembrug area, makes it an even more attractive area todevelop. It can flower as a lively area near Amsterdam.On the contrary, Amsterdam can also make use of thesebuildings.1 See appendix I: Heritage Position2 Petzet, M., Heilmeyer, F. and Overmeer, E. (2012). Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Architecture as resource. Ostfildern: Hatje Cantz.3 Kuipers, M. and de Jonge, W. (2017). Designing from Heritage – Strategies for Conservation and Conversion. Delft: TU Delft – Heritage & Architecture.Shearing layers by Stewart Brand on How buildings learnThe purpose of the project is to revitalize the GreenHead of the Cape South and creating attention towardsthe polluting fashion industry. The challenge lies inpreserving the character of the ensemble with itstypologies; and also in revitalizing it for future needs.These characteristic typologies on the ensemble can befound at other ensembles as well, suggesting that therewas a relation with the other ensembles (1). Including(instead of excluding) the Green Head in the Hembrugterrain. The structure of these typologies is the core tothe visual expression of the buildings that can be linkedto the similar buildings on the Hembrug area (2). In orderto protect the core (structure); exteriors are visibly beingadapted with a clear differences between the old andnew, with the purpose to show adaptations that can belearnt from. These adaptations being made in line withthe existing lay out (3) in order to not be disrespectfulto the history of the building. The characteristics ofthese typologies (for instance skylights), that can berecognized in the total area as well, are being preservedor renovated in order to make the buildings future proof(4). Redesigned elements or additions to the ensembleare supportive elements in order to create sustainablesolutions to make the ensemble future proof (5). ... Read more

Purpose: This graduation research has the purpose explore the use of marketing in real estate development projects in the residential sector, based on the characteristics of marketing on corporate level, project level and the end-user. Research question: What are the characteristics of marketing in project development, focussed on the corporate level, project level and the end-user and how are they related?Research design/method/approach: To gain insight on the relation between marketing and real estate development, a multiple case study is conducted. Three project development companies are studied by means of one representative case and one extreme case. Furthermore, the marketing managers are studied to provide insights in the role of marketing on the corporate level. By means of literature review, document analysis and cross case analysis, theoretical and empirical findings are conducted. These findings are compared and have led to the characteristics of marketing in project development. Findings: The graduation research has resulted in a set of characteristics, based on the corporate level, project level and the end-user. Results are; the position of marketing in the business organisation is becoming increasingly important and is indicated that marketing is not part of the competences of a project developer and many of the marketing tasks are based on experience and knowledge and involve external parties. Therefore, extern experts, such as publicity agencies and brokers, are involved in the development process. The marketing of a house is partly based on the promotion of an experience, in which the brand and the look & feel are both very important. Registrations of potential clients are important, since they provide a lot of information. Therefore, marketing campaigns are used. If the response is too low, the marketing campaigns are upscaled. The marketing communication starts with a website and a Facebook page and have regular communication tools. Marketing of complex housing projects provide more time and effort than standardized housing projects. The relation between the three different levels depends on the type of project and its context and the vision of the project development company. Limitations: The graduation process should be fulfilled in a time-frame of approximately nine months, which means choices need to be made about the demarcation of this research. Therefore, six case studies on real estate development projects and three case studies on marketing managers have been conducted. Tringulation is used to increase the validity of the findings of the case studies. Practical implications: A company’s success is often related to its marketing capabilities, however In Dutch real estate development practice marketing is an underexposed topic. Research on this relation might provide project developers with more insight and reflection on their working methods and it will cover a part of Dutch real estate development that has not been extensive executed yet. Originality/value: The relation between marketing and real estate development has not been described before. This research offers a perspective on the use of marketing by project developers in the Dutch residential sector.Key words: Marketing, Dutch residential sector, real estate development practice, marketing communication tools, end-user, corporate level ... Read more

Located in the hilly landscape outside Maastricht, the guesthouse in the valley could be described as a deep contextual project; a small building in the larger countryside. Inspired by the local material culture and made from the
very earth of the Limburgian farm routes, the building is dedicated to those who affiliate the action of walking in nature as a festive practice. Consisted of one common lounge/dining and an accommodation wing, the project aims to unfold different ways of experiencing nature by emerging the equal participation of all the human senses. From the large openings and the cave-like interiors
to the intimate sleeping rooms and the beautiful surrounding. It is a place where modern walkers,visitors or simple nature lovers can experience the self-restoration process of nature, and through that practice, achieve their own self-healing as well. ... Read more

Aanleiding voor dit onderzoek was een tegenstrijd welke aanwezig is bij de overheid als het gaat om bewonersparticipatie. Met de komst van de woonvisie in Rotterdam, heeft de gemeente Rotterdam namelijk al een aantal beslissingen genomen ten aanzien van de leefomgeving van bewoners en hiermee de invloed van bewoners over hun leefomgeving afgezwakt. Toch maakt de gemeente zich nog wel hard voor bewonersparticipatie. Dit onderzoek gaat daarom in op deze tegenstrijdigheid. Kern van dit onderzoek is het in beeld brengen van de stand van zaken rond bewonersparticipatie in de (focus)wijken van Rotterdam waar de woonvisie inslaat. ... Read more

With the emergence of the latest concept of smart cities, there is a rapid change of lifestyle and a mass migration to cities. At the same time, cities have high demands of infrastructure such as transport and building, and resources such as food, water, and energy, as well as issues like scarcity of adequate land, unapproachable government. All these are adding to the extreme need to find smarter solutions for cities, that can provide better lieable conditions for the citizens. Thus, the Indian government planned 100 smart city project. Many questions were raised on the proposal justification on time, money, approach and objectives. Through this project, I am evaluating the current proposal as an urbanist and using the opportunity to refine the project for a realistic and promising future, rather than creating a label of smartness.

In this project, I explore the conditional development of smart cities, investigating various examples from different continents and producing an analytical framework towards the approach of making a city smarter. These examples are assisting me to set guidelines, to shape the Indian cities with its own definition of smartness. The focal point of this project is Delhi, but the other Indian cities will be able to learn from the process of selection of projects and principles. Although, due to lack of time, I would emphasis of few sectors of smartness, in selective neighbourhoods of Delhi.
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Graduation thesis on the implementation of micro-housing on repurposed ground in the Ladbroke Grove area, in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Central London. ... Read more