Sheltering Shelters
A transformation toolbox for HAS at Soesterberg Airbase
N.C. den Hoed (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
W.L.E.C. Meijers – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
T.P. Bennebroek – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
During the Cold War, thousands of military buildings and infrastructures were built across Europe, many of which have since been abandoned following the end of the Cold War. An example are the Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS). At Soesterberg Air Base there are 17 HAS within a nature reserve which is managed by Utrechts Landschap. A tension exists between ecological preservation and the safeguarding of Cold War heritage, caused by a lack of architectural precedents and transformation strategies for this typology.
This research investigates to what extent a design-based toolbox can guide the transformation possibilities of HAS at Soesterberg Air Base. The methodology combines a theoretical framework derived from the specific values of the site with research by design. Six criteria are established for the evaluation: level of intervention, public-private use, occupancy, heritage values, alignment with Utrechts Landschap's vision, and sustainability.
The results include six ensemble scenarios and twelve shelter scenarios exploring different functions, intervention strategies, and spatial approaches. One scenario, a natural cemetery, is developed into a detailed architectural design, testing the toolbox in practice.
The research concludes that a design-based toolbox can effectively structure and compare transformation possibilities while functioning as a conversation starter for stakeholders. The scenarios that perform best balance heritage preservation with ecological values. Rather than leading to a single solution, the toolbox shows opportunities, limitations, and conflicts, allowing multiple future scenarios to be explored while keeping the specific values of the site central.