To be conti-NEW-ed
Balancing heritage and innovation in the Dutch polder dwelling architecture
R.B. Vink (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
O. Klijn – Mentor (TU Delft - Public Building and Housing Design)
R. Kuijlenburg – Mentor (TU Delft - Teachers of Practice / AE+T)
B.T. Haileselassie – Mentor (TU Delft - Public Building and Housing Design)
A. Straub – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Design & Construction Management)
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Abstract
This research investigates how contemporary design can integrate modernization and efficiency while preserving the historical value, cultural identity, and unique essence of traditional Dutch polder landscapes and their dwellings. Grounded in a qualitative methodology, the study employs a multifaceted research strategy including exploratory, descriptive, correlational, comparative, historical, and case study method. These approaches facilitated a layered understanding of spatial, architectural, and cultural dynamics in the polder landscape, with Midden-Delfland serving as the principal case study.
The study explores how design principles derived from historical research and grounded theory can guide the creation of architecture that respects tradition while meeting modern needs. Through comparative analysis and narrative interpretation, vernacular forms and typologies were examined and reimagined to develop a unified set of contemporary design principles.
The findings culminate in a three-part design framework: [1] urban planning strategies that align future-oriented development with polder logic and environmental systems; [2] rchitectural massing techniques that reinterpret vernacular typologies using durable, symbolic forms; and [3] detailing approaches that combine traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation to enhance experiential and cultural value. This triadic approach offers a resilient and context-sensitive blueprint for modern architecture in heritage landscapes.
Ultimately, the research proposes that the preservation of the Dutch polder’s architectural character lies not in replication but in reinterpretation—through craftsmanship that bridges past and future, tradition and innovation. This vision champions an architecture that is both deeply rooted and forwardthinking, ensuring the continued evolution and recognizability of the polder landscape.