Room for the New Collective: Towards Thresholds of Presence
E.E. Aksoy (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
H.J. Bultstra – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
A.M.F. van Dam – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
In recent decades, public architecture has increasingly been called upon to play a role in social, economic, and environmental change. In regions impacted by industrial extraction, exploitation, and political neglect, public buildings must exist not as mere civic objects, but rather as spaces where belonging, access, and collective identity are fostered. Such areas often tend to contribute disproportionately to national prosperity, yet remain marginal and peripheral when it comes to public investment, representation, and spatial quality. Several by-products of such processes include the physical deterioration of the built environment, social fragmentation, demographic decline, and a weakened sense of belonging within communities.
The northern region of Groningen is one such case, which has, for decades, been affected by processes of extraction. While gas extraction in the area has generated national economic benefit, it has left local communities with enduring social, spatial and psychological consequences, such as seismic damage, a loss of trust in the government, and a weakened sense of identity.
In response to these issues, the Dutch government has recently proposed Nij Begun, a long-term, 30-year agenda with the aim of rebuilding the future of Groningen and North Drenthe. This proposal serves as a point of departure for the project. Nij Begun addresses regions that, for decades, have been impacted by gas extraction and as a consequence, also by multiple earthquakes. In turn, this has caused serious damage to buildings, as well as economical and psychological issues to inhabitants.
This project departs from the Nij Begun agenda and its key principles such as addressing mental health and wellbeing, improving health and liveability, increasing participation, and fostering community spirit and pride. It aims to provide an environment of wellbeing. Through strengthening the relationship of the site with water, and creating public spaces and buildings which foster connection to others, and to nature, the project aims to generate a sense of identity, belonging, and community for the locals, while also attracting visitors to the region.