A Century of Change
The Evolution of Residential Building Facades in the Netherlands (1920 – Present)
J. Wouda (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
RJ Rutte – Mentor (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
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Abstract
This history paper explores how the facades of Dutch residential buildings have changed from 1920 to today. It looks at how social, economic, political, and architectural developments influenced these changes. The main question is: How and why have Dutch residential facades evolved over the past century, and what role did broader societal developments play in this transformation? The study uses a historical approach to follow key changes; from the decorative brickwork and craftsmanship of the early 20th century, to the simple, functional designs after World War II, and finally to modern facades that focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Important government policies, such as the Woningwet (1901), Wederopbouwwet (1950), Klimaatakkoord (2019), and Omgevingswet (2024), played a major part in shaping how facades look and function. The research shows that Dutch architecture has continually adapted to changing needs. Economic challenges, housing shortages, and climate concerns have led to more standardised, compact, and eco-friendly designs. Throughout all of this, Dutch residential architecture has shown a strong ability to balance strict building rules with creative and innovative design solutions.