From heritage to sustainability
Lessons from Delft's circular design approach
I.K.E. Mulders (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
K. Zhu – Mentor (TU Delft - Teachers of Practice / A)
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Abstract
In the pursuit of creating monumental and desirable cities with a sustainable character, the municipality of Delft has embarked on a journey of integrating sustainability principles into its urban development strategies. This paper traces Delft's evolution in sustainable design practices through a historical lens over the past three decades. While exploring the transition from experimental initiatives to mainstream adoption, it answers the research question ‘What was the municipalities approach that helped the historical houses in the old city center of Delft over the decades in regards of sustainability and what learnings can we take away from this development to complement the currently used sustainability measurements in the built environment?’
Drawing on archival documents, municipal records as well as literature, this thesis examines proactive measures such as financial incentives, strict construction requirements and policies that shaped Delft's identity as a leader in sustainable urban development. Through a comparative analysis of historical and contemporary approaches, the paper identifies key principles and practices that have contributed to Delft's success in balancing heritage preservation, urban livability, and environmental responsibility. Contextualizing Delft's experiences within broader discourses on sustainability offers insights into ecological consciousness, architectural innovation and urban resilience. By aligning local regulations with global sustainability principles, fostering collaboration between government, industry and civil society, and anticipating future challenges such as the EU's directive criminalizing environmental damage, Delft emerges as a model for crafting sustainable architectural legacies.
This research contributes valuable lessons and recommendations for architects, urban planners and policymakers worldwide. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and urban development, offering insights for shaping the cities of tomorrow.