This project explores T’ Zaagje, a former shipyard in Sliedrecht, as a vital yet underappreciated site within South Holland’s maritime industry heritage line connecting Dordrecht, Kinderdijk, and Gorinchem. Positioned at the intersection of tangible and intangible heritage, T’ Zaagje illustrates how local spaces can hold deep historical significance despite limited recognition. The study situates the site within its broader environmental and historical context, linking it to the researcher’s master’s focus on maritime heritage. By proposing a new function for the shipyard as a makerspace, the project revitalizes its historical role while introducing an educational component for local schools. Children can engage with the site’s history through hands-on activities, transforming the shipyard into a living, interactive heritage site.

Design: This project captures the outcome of a conceptual architectural exploration focused on the Papendrechtsebrug and the overlooked public potential of the space beneath it. Through a combination of spatial design, historical reflection, and direct dialogue with the local community, the project proposes a new identity for this infrastructural threshold.

Research: This research explores the theory and practice of bridge reuse through a literature review and the development of an analytical framework. The framework is created to evaluate reused bridges by identifying main drivers and challenges, categorized into technical, operational, and communal dimensions. To complement this theoretical approach, a qualitative case study of the Papendrechtsebrug is conducted, involving interviews with local residents. These interviews identify three additional drivers and challenges that compliment current practices in the reuse of bridges. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing decision making in bridge reuse, offering valuable insights for integrating technical feasibility with community values in future projects.

This study assesses 30 monuments in Gorinchem across five value dimensions—age, social, functional, memorial, and aesthetic—identifying six highly vulnerable to flooding, drought, and overheating. Using value assessment matrices and climate-risk mapping, the research highlights the need for adaptive reuse strategies.

Based on these findings, a site was selected for design intervention. The project traces its historical evolution from early urban development to its role as the headquarters of De Vries Robbé Co., exploring the relationship between industrial activity and the river.

The design transforms an abandoned post-industrial warehouse into a public swimming facility, preserving its age and memorial value while enhancing its social and functional role. It demonstrates how architectural interventions can revitalize built heritage and foster urban vitality.

This research investigates the interplay between flood risk management and the preservation of industrial heritage in Zwijndrecht, a region characterized by its complex relationship with water management. The study analyzes historical transformations of the landscape from the 1850s to the present, highlighting the transition from a predominantly polder landscape to extensive industrial development following the implementation of river management interventions. The analysis reveals vulnerabilities in current water management strategies, particularly in light of climate change and recent flooding events. The research explores innovative solutions for expanding the Oude Maas River while safeguarding the region's industrial heritage, ultimately aiming to balance the imperatives of flood prevention and cultural preservation. By assessing the feasibility of lowering outer dikes and creating buffer zones, this study contributes to ongoing discussions on sustainable water management practices in heritage rich urban environments.

The graduation project involves the adaptive reuse of the former FN Steel waterfront industrial complex in Alblasserdam, transforming it into an arts and public life complex. This complex will serve as the main gallery for the Waterdriehoek Art Triennial, with a focus on water-environment art, while also providing multidimensional mixed-use spaces that support local on-water life and maritime traditions. This dual identity is inspired by research into the current development and future prospects of the integrated heritage zone of Waterdriehoek.

This research investigated the structural and operational attributes of shipyards within the Waterdriehoek, emphasizing their historical, socio-cultural and economic significance as maritime heritage. As key maritime elements face increasing threats from urbanization, insufficient protection and limited financial support, this endangeres both tangible attributes and the cultural identity of the region. Using the Neptune Marine Repair Wharf in Hardinxveld-Giessendam—formerly Shipyard ‘De Merwede’—as a case study, the study explored how historical events and technological advancements have shaped the design, layout and operational capabilities of shipyards.
Applying a value-based framework introduced by Havinga et al. (2020), this research identified interconnected values across multiple scales. At the area scale, environmental integration and regional impact highlighted the shipyard’s economic and historical importance. At the ensemble scale, the spatial relationships between structures, such as slipways, workshops, and rail networks, emphasized operational efficiency and social cohesion. At the building scale, the distinctive architecture and adaptive reuse of individual structures preserved both industrial functionality and aesthetic legacy.
By addressing the challenges of undervalued and unprotected maritime heritage, this study underscored the role of shipyards in fostering community identity, driving industrial innovation, and shaping regional landscapes. The findings aimed to raise awareness and inform strategies for preserving shipyards as vital cultural assets, ensuring their continuity for future generations.

This research explores the relationship between industrial heritage and human well-being in the Waterdriehoek region of the Netherlands. It is focusing on the steel factory buildings in Alblasserdam. As many industrial structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries face vacancy, the challenge of revitalizing these sites while addressing environmental and health concerns is crucial. Using a qualitative approach, the study combines desk research with a case study of the steel factory to assess its architectural qualities and impact on human well-being. Key questions investigate the preservation of industrial architectural values, the coexistence of heritage and residentials, and design strategies that promote well-being. Findings indicate that while the factory's features, such as natural light and spaciousness, enhance user well-being, challenges like pollution and limited green spaces remain. The research emphasises the importance of a comprehensive design approach, argues for strategies that integrate social, natural, and evidence-based elements. This approach aims to connect historical industrial use with future community needs, ultimately fostering well-being in revitalized areas.

With the rapid development of the Internet and the gradual penetration of online shopping into people's lives, COVID has accelerated the popularity of online shopping. People have found that it is convenient and varied, and traditional shopping centres are facing the impact of these e-commerce companies. This study explores the characteristics of brick-and-mortar shopping centres that cannot be replaced by online shopping from the perspective of perception. It selects Bogaard Shopping Centre and the Mall of the Netherlands as case studies to investigate the association between perception and architectural social space.

This paper explores the dual challenge of vacancy in post-war shopping malls and the lack of green spaces in urban areas. It proposes biophilic design as a solution to revitalize malls and address environmental issues. The paper emphasizes the importance of preserving the unique identity or 'spirit of place' while implementing biophilic transformations. The central question is: ‘How can biophilic design enhance the value and spirit of place in a post-war shopping mall?’. Through a comprehensive methodology, including literature reviews and a case study of Winkelcentrum Leyweg, the paper highlights the potential of biophilic design to enrich heritage, well-being, and sustainability. The results emphasize the importance of adopting a well-balanced approach that takes into account the unique Spirit of place of each shopping mall.

In the Netherlands, shopping centres are abun¬dant. Whether they are large-scale malls or small neighbourhood centres, they are woven into the fabric of Dutch society. But recently and in the future many malls will be facing the prospect of vacancy. A response therefore is needed. This design was created for the Leyweg in the Hague, and exemplary neighbourhood mall of the Netherlands. The design is focused on the social sustainability of a mall, a future proof design that could be applied to the many small scale shopping malls in the Netherlands. It is designed as a centre in the neighbourhood for people to come together, to meet each other, not solely as an incentive to seduce people to buy as much as possible. By bringing multiple functions in the mix, such as dance, study, work and community spaces, the mall becomes an centre point for the vicinity and attracts a large, diverse audience. It is made for people to just simply be there, to explore, to bring an incentive to wander.

Adaptive Reuse (AR) of heritage buildings is a sustainable approach to preserving cultural heritage while accommodating new functions. Despite the growing importance of AR in the last decades, a lack of comprehensive models for AR, particularly concerning heritage buildings, persists. This research addresses this gap by developing a model that guides architects in the AR process, drawing on international literature and Dutch AR practices, with a focus on its adaptation and possible application in the Iranian context.

A systematic review of the literature revealed a lack of overarching models for AR, and led to the development of a conceptual model. This model includes 10 steps, which are: “initiative”, “analysis of the building and its surroundings”, “value assessment”, “mapping the level of significance”, “adaptive reuse potential (function)”, “defining the design strategy”, “final decision-making”, “execution”, “aftercare and maintenance”, and “evaluation after years”. In addition, based on the analysis of 48 award-winning AR projects in the Netherlands and Europe, six key criteria for effectiveness were identified: sublimation-architectural aspects, sublimation-cultural aspects, social value creation, environmental sustainability, economic value creation, and innovation aspects.
Testing the initial model in the Dutch context, led to further development into the EARHB model, enriched with methods and tools used by the architect in the different steps of the AR process. In this dissertation, the EARHB model, including its methods and tools, is referred to as the EARHB framework.

Research on Iranian AR projects and interviews with architects demonstrate the EARHB framework’s potential, confirming that some of its process steps, methods, and tools are in use. Some limitations, due to cultural, regulatory, and practical constraints, might affect full implementation of the framework in Iran. Nevertheless, the potentialities of the proposed EARHB framework, offering a comprehensive and adaptable approach for enhancing the effectiveness of AR projects in different context worldwide, are confirmed.

This thesis consists of a paper about spatial quality in neo gothic churches and a design project about transforming the St. Barbarachurch in Culemborg. The paper explores the effects of different spatial solutions that can be used for transforming neo gothic churches on the spatial quality to draw learning for future design assignments involving churches. This is done by analyzing 9 different neo gothic churches that are transformed and have been given a new function. To start, the attributes that define the spatial quality and characteristics of the neo Gothic were determined. Different spatial solutions were also determined whereupon the different case studies were selected. These cases were examined using analytical diagrams and photo analysis. The research resulted in an overview of all the effects of different spatial solutions on the predetermined spatial aspects. The results showed that certain spatial solutions affect the spatial quality more than others as well as that there is a big difference in which attributes are affected by each spatial solution. As part of a graduation project the knowledge gained by the research is implemented in a redesign of the St. Barbarachurch in Culemborg. A church going vacant and therefore is being transformed into a hotel/ eventspace and restaurant while still preserving this spatial quality of the interior.

This project explores the utilisation of the collective memory of vacant churches and the architectural elements within them as incentives for their transformation and reuse. The number of decommissioned churches in the Netherlands is increasing with rapid secularisation, and many churches remain empty. The purpose of this paper is to find a method to connect the collective memory within elements in a church and utilise them for the church’s redesign. This study will focus on one such church for theoretical application of the methodology, the Saint Augustinus church in Amsterdam Noord, which has been empty since 2014. Finding a way to reconnect the church to its neighbourhood using the collective memory of the neighbourhood around this church, could be a way to socially sustain the church and prevent it from going into disuse. The individual memory of the churchgoers is rather subjective, but as churches have been a part of the landscape of the cities of the Netherlands for long periods, they also have shared memories. The way to investigate the collective memory of the church is to collect individual stories and find common strings among them. A phenomenological study of these architectural elements provides the way they are experienced and how this can be enhanced for the community to feel connected to them again. This paper thus answers the question of how the collective memory of the church can set in motion the transformation and conservation of vacant churches.

In Europe Christianity faces steady decline, causing dwindling attendance at
churches. As a result congregations are no longer able to afford the upkeep for their churches, forcing them to end services in these buildings. This caused many grand and historic church buildings to become vacant, and means that many will follow in the near future. Because many of these churches have deep ties to the local community and historically served a very public role, fitting new functions are needed to keep these building sustainable and part of their community. To find an answer to this question, specifically relating to 19th century neogothic churches of the catholic counter reform, the following paper will research the basic principles of (Neo)Gothicism and the methods and process behind the creation of such a church and its furnishings. The aim of the research is to establish the relation between the interior, the symbols and the architecture itself to understand how they together conveyed the story of Christianity, and how this could possibly be adapted for a use after Christianity or how this can be used to establish a fitting new purpose for these churches. As part of a graduation project this research will put the main focus on the RK Barbarakerk, a church going vacant in Culemborg in the Netherlands. By diving in to the construction history and theory of the time the main principles of Gothicism will be established and an understanding of the relation between the architecture, furnishings and symbols will be gained. Then by observing the features of the Barbarakerk, these principles can be contextualized. Finally by comparing existing converted churches to see how they reacted to existing history, symbolism and iconography, illustrate their methods of storytelling through architecture. Finally showing the integral narrative nature of the (Neo)Gothic architecture being able to indicate their own most fitting future.

Churches have always been the centre of Dutch society to gather under one roof (De Kruijf & De Roest, 2010). Due to the secularization of the Netherlands, church vacancy is increasing. Currently, churches still fulfill a central function within a city, village or neighborhood (Kerkmagazine, 2022). The Grote- of Mariakerk is one of them, and the vacancy of buildings in such prominent areas of the city will detract from social and physical quality of these areas (De Kruijf & De Roest, 2010). The church should not withdraw from the public domain (Kennedy, J. C. K., 2010). A transformation towards a public interior could avoid this. Kloos (1993) describes public interiors as buildings in which the city’s public space is continued. The social and functional diversity of urban buildings is reflected in their façades (Jürgenhake, 2014), especially around their interior and exterior; the ‘transition zone’ (Gehl, 2011). Therefore this paper focuses on the role of the transition zone when transforming the Grote- of Mariakerk towards a public interior, whilst maintaining its heritage values. By combining literature research , case studies, and field research, the role of the transition zone in public interiors is clarified. By analysing the existing transition zones of the Grote- of Mariakerk and linking them with the criteria of a public interior, opportunities and challenges for the transformation towards a public interior result in design approaches regarding the transition zone.

More and more churches are closing, facing vacancy, or even being demolished at an alarming rate, as a result of the declining amount of ecclesiastical in the Netherlands. While many churches are being repurposed, this isn’t always easy, as repurposing is an extremely emotional process for the local community. The locals hope to maintain their Sense of Place towards the church buildings and when this is endangered, they go as far as placing restrictions on business dealings. One of these churches is the Grote- of Mariakerk in Meppel. Instead of the local’s Sense of Place being a roadblock, this paper aims to find a way of working with their emotional bond. By measuring the residents of Meppel’s Sense of Place towards the church, and defining the limits to which the form and function of the building can be changed, without diminishing or damaging the local’s Sense of Place. By doing so, hopefully finding a way of repurposing the Grote- of Mariakerk with their Sense of Place instead of against it.

During adaptive re-use of heritage obejcts, experiential value of characteristics is often overlooked. This project highlights the importance of the effect of architecture on the psyche and how integrating this into the value assessment, a more holistic heritage approach can be realised. Religious heritage often has the capacity to astonish, overwhelm and inspire the visitor. This experience can be linked to the sublime, a philosophical concept which rose to fame in the 18th and 19th century. It describes how wilderness, vast landscapes, impactful structures, art and even music can elevate the mind, leaving a positive influence on mental well-being. The sublime experience is where the individual feels small or insignificant, but in a comforting way and where they are in an environment that goes beyond their imagination, evoking the realisation of the higher powers of their own mind. During adaptive-reuse of vacant churches, this experiential value is often overlooked, resulting in interventions that destroy the sublimity of the object. The research aims to identify the specific architectural characteristics and requirements within religious structure, so they can be preserved during transformation. This would ensure that the valuable experience is not lost, and can continue to positively impact society. A program which is suited to the existing architecture, a mental health & community centre, creates a beneficial relationship between function and structure where, both work towards the same goal: better mental well-being. Interaction between target groups reduces stigma on mental health issues and keep the church a public facility. Preserving the aesthetics and impactfullness of the structure, enhances sustainability and longevity, due to the ability of the structure to garner greater public support. The transformation was done with a zero was approach, meaning that materials that were demolished were re-used and future waste-streams greatly diminished through design. The project highlights how more research on wellness-architecture, or experiential qualities is needed to optimize the potential of heritage transformation.

This thesis explores the use of the palimpsest as a theoretical framework for adapting a heritage building. The research studies the former Maranatherkerk in Castricum, Noord-Holland. Set against a backdrop of ever-increasing secularisation in the Netherlands, the former Maranathakerk characterises the struggle faced by many decommissioned churches today - that of a tendency for stakeholders to choose demolition over adaptation. Despite the successful establishment of an upstart school community within the former church in recent years, the site nonetheless faces imminent demolition and redevelopment by the municipality. The focus of the thesis is thus twofold: to propose an extension to the former church and champion it as a permanent home for the school community; and to position the palimpsest as a theoretical framework in guiding the architectural design. The latter builds upon previous discourse on the palimpsest in linguistics, postcolonial theory, archaeology, and drawing theory, and applies this to architectural design in a novel manner. In a palimpsest, the interplay of successive layers transforms the collective into a new whole. The retention of imperfect erasures of past layers forms a crucial part of this transformation. The thesis posits that the valuation of heritage is a subjective process. Rather than attempting to establish 'limits of change' or merely preserving past traces, the existing is taken as is and as a whole and used to study ways in which past layers of the building have influenced the present usage of the site. By investigating and cataloguing the ways the different time layers interact with the life within the building: its phenomenological meanings, characteristics, usage, and everyday rituals, a toolbox for palimpsestuous adaption is formulated. In the final extension proposal, these palimpsestuous fragments are developed and architecturally highlighted in both spatial layout and material detail, encouraging future users and visitors to experience the many past lives of the site and add their own traces onto the tapestry.

Society conveys values to cities and their buildings, the key to sustainability, only in part recognized as heritage values, when protected by urban and/or heritage planning. There is a growing recognition of the importance of acknowledging the values conveyed by locals and tourists in heritage management and urban planning. However, the knowledge and tools available today remain predominantly expert-based. Their contribution to heritage listings and conservation plans is therefore limited. Moreover, some cities tend to unbalance locals and tourists’ needs, leading to overly touristic areas, gentrification and communities’ exodus. Although research on the values conveyed to cities and buildings is growing, there is seldom research comparing them. Hence, how do the attributes and values of Faro’s heritage conveyed by locals and tourists set the frame for transformation? This research aims to reveal the cultural significance (values and attributes) conveyed by locals and tourists, taking the neighborhood São Francisco (included in an Urban Rehabilitation Area) in Faro, Portugal, as case study. And will provide a masterplan as a visualisation of the results gathered by this research. The guidelines provided by the masterplan address the current challenges of the neighbourhood further than the actual policies in place. By using multiple methods to perform spatial analysis, which includes (1) photographing, mapping and categorization of the facades and their attributes in São Francisco, and, (2) social media analysis, where hundred Instagram posts were manually collected following strict guidelines, heritage attributes could be identified. (3) Public engagement was used in the site survey game in which pictures of the attributes would be shown to locals and tourists who would connect predefined words to them in order to collect the heritage values. By following these methods, this research aims at revealing patterns and relations between: a) attributes, in particular, buildings’ facades and their characteristics and b) values (distinguishing local and tourists). After the fieldwork, results showed clear concurrences and contradictions between both communities. Results revealed low values for contemporary apartment complexes and higher values for pre-existing typologies in both groups. Furthermore, attributes such as the street art, the materialisation of facades, and the authenticity of attributes developed into design guidelines for a masterplan in which these relations are portrayed. By understanding these relations, the Municipality of Faro can improve their awareness of who values what, and why, in order to support their strategies about how to accommodate new functions in historic buildings while respecting the limits of acceptable change of built heritage according to these stakeholders. Hence, the expected impact is to raise awareness about the cultural significance of both societal groups in order to better inform heritage management and urban sustainable planning.

Keywords | cultural significance, urban rehabilitation, building attributes, tourism, São Francisco - Faro