Preserving spatial quality when transforming churches

Preserving spatial quality when transforming churches: different spatial solutions and their effects

Blauw, Thomas (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment)

Visser, C. (mentor)
Smit, M.J. (mentor)
Quist, W.J. (mentor)

Delft University of Technology

Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Heritage & Architecture

2023-06-28

This thesis consists of a paper about spatial quality in neo gothic churches and a design project about transforming the St. Barbarachurch in Culemborg. The paper explores the effects of different spatial solutions that can be used for transforming neo gothic churches on the spatial quality to draw learning for future design assignments involving churches. This is done by analyzing 9 different neo gothic churches that are transformed and have been given a new function. To start, the attributes that define the spatial quality and characteristics of the neo Gothic were determined. Different spatial solutions were also determined whereupon the different case studies were selected. These cases were examined using analytical diagrams and photo analysis. The research resulted in an overview of all the effects of different spatial solutions on the predetermined spatial aspects. The results showed that certain spatial solutions affect the spatial quality more than others as well as that there is a big difference in which attributes are affected by each spatial solution. As part of a graduation project the knowledge gained by the research is implemented in a redesign of the St. Barbarachurch in Culemborg. A church going vacant and therefore is being transformed into a hotel/ eventspace and restaurant while still preserving this spatial quality of the interior.

Spatial quality
Spatial solutions
Neo gothic churches
heritage
transforming churches
interventions

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:0276e5cc-2422-494d-b978-9d0061908b59

Student theses

master thesis

© 2023 Thomas Blauw