The Cauliflower 2.0
Re-design of the Raadsledenbuurt in Houtwijk
H. Teunissen (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
J.H.A. Macco – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
B.M. Jurgenhake – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
H.J.F.M. Boumeester – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
This graduation project explores how architectural and spatial design strategies can transform the cauliflower neighbourhood of Raadsledenbuurt in Houtwijk, The Hague, into a resilient 21st-century neighbourhood. Originally designed to promote safety and community, the neighbourhood is now facing contemporary challenges, including declining social cohesion, safety concerns, demographic changes, fragmented green spaces and climate-related issues.
The research combines theoretical, spatial and social analysis to examine the current conditions of the neighbourhood and identify opportunities for transformation. This project answers the following research and design question: “How can architectural and spatial design strategies transform the cauliflower neighbourhood of Raadsledenbuurt in Houtwijk into a resilient 21st-century neighbourhood?”
Particular attention is given to the transitions of housing, living together, and water and soil. The study also explores the characteristics of the cauliflower neighbourhood typology and the qualities of a resilient 21st-century neighbourhood. Based on literature developed by Sim (2019), five resilience criteria were selected as most relevant for the Raadsledenbuurt: Diversity of Built Form, Diversity of Outdoor Space, Human Scale, Sense of Control and Identity, and Greater Biodiversity.
The analysis shows that the neighbourhood is characterised by a small-scale, infrastructure-led spatial structure with fragmented green spaces, limited spatial hierarchy and unclear transitions between private and public space. At the same time, these characteristics provide opportunities to rethink the relationship between housing, public space and landscape.
In response, the design proposal “Patchwork of Landscapes” introduces five interconnected landscape typologies that strengthen social cohesion, biodiversity and housing diversity. The proposal transforms underused and private spaces into shared environments and extends the concept of home beyond the individual dwelling to the neighbourhood as a whole. By creating a clear hierarchy of landscapes and well-defined threshold zones, the design addresses the identified social and spatial challenges while embedding the selected resilience criteria throughout the neighbourhood. The project demonstrates how a cauliflower neighbourhood can be adapted to meet the social, ecological and spatial demands of the 21st century.