Beyond the Warehouse:Representing Hanseatic Memory through immaterial exchanges through medieval trade networks

Student Report (2025)
Author(s)

T.J. Schade (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)

Contributor(s)

Carola Hein – Mentor (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)

Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Graduation Date
17-04-2025
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Project
['AR2A011', 'Architectural History Thesis']
Programme
['Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences']
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
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Abstract

This thesis explores the Hanse’s legacy goes the exchange of goods, understanding how medieval trade networks also transported intangible practices, such as ideas, customs, and shared practices across Northern Europe. It discusses that such practices — from common legal frameworks and rituals for commerce to building techniques and a common language — were as important to the Hanse’s world as warehouses and ships. Such commonalties produced a cohesive identity across borders and diverse cities, leaving a mark on urban life and potentially a collective memory. By examining key trade outposts and the cultural ties that bound them, the research reveals a network held together not only by commerce but by a mutual understanding and governance that transcended borders. Further, the thesis assesses how this layered heritage is represented today, and how the existing taxonomy of the Water Museum Network could assist. It finds that the taxonomy could classify museums and archives which commemorate the Hanse’s history, they could further include heritage which represents this rich history.

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