Lake Biwa in Japan stands as the nation's largest inland body of water, harboring over a thousand species of flora and fauna. In the past, the hydrological system of Lake Biwa operated seamlessly, with humans, animals, and plants interconnected by water, mutually influencing and sustaining each other, leading to ecological equilibrium.

However, over the past century, Japan has undergone significant transformations, including World War II, economic resurgence, and urbanization. The inner lake has been replaced by farmland, and rigid embankments have been constructed around it. These incremental changes have eroded the once robust system, with human development gradually exceeding the system's capacity. Presently, water no longer serves as a conduit between humans and nature; instead, it is perceived as a threat and a problem. Consequently, water heritage has been gradually abandoned due to its inability to meet contemporary lifestyle demands, obscuring the valuable and distinctive aspects of the land.

As a landscape architect, I am captivated by the former splendor of the site's system and lament the trend of its gradual disappearance. I aspire to reconstruct Lake Biwa's hydro-cultural heritage through landscape interventions, strengthening its distinctive characteristics while integrating new functionalities to create inclusive public spaces

This research discusses the use of historic bio-based binders for possible material enhancement of rammed earth constructions in Northwestern Europe. Potential material enhancements of rammed earth are concluded by considering the research scope and a summary of the history of rammed earth. With the use of an overview and a matrix of potential (historic) bio-based binders, the most suitable binders for material enhancement are concluded. Experimental research is conducted using samples containing beet sugar products and samples containing chicken egg. Additionally, samples containing cement and samples without any binder are tested, to compare the changes in the material behaviour. For this testing, testing methods are designed. The research findings suggest that dehydrated chicken egg albumen as a binder significantly improves rammed earth material in resistance against weathering (water, frost, abrasion).

The Chinese Eastern Railway Heritage stands as the largest modern heritage group in Northeast China, a special geostrategic heritage between Russia and China. Since the inception of modern heritage protection in China, this railway heritage has garnered significant attention due to its extensive span, large quantity, scale, and series of heritage buildings. However, with rapid urbanization, heritage areas are inevitably eroded by new urban areas and most railway heritage leaves people with an abandoned and neglected impression. Starting from the current poor condition of the heritage, I analyzed and identified spatial issues from larger scales and contexts. By integrating theories from different scales, deepening the understanding of the historic environment and the readable context of heritage, I propose design strategies for the preservation and development of historic environments and specific landscape intervention measures. These interventions aim to revitalize heritage by opening them to tourists and enhancing the surrounding environment and landscapes. I have chosen an almost abandoned Eastern railway line(Mudanjiang-Suifenhe line) to test these design principles and strategies. This testing also provides feedback for previous theoretical research and insights and guidance for future railway heritage conservation practices.

How to adapt the Polish Large Panel concrete system housing to increase the living diversity with modular architecture? This graduation topic aligns with the Architectural Engineering studio approach and the master track's emphasis on integrating technology and exploring circular adaptation strategies. The design of Plug & Live: Modular Adaptation of Polish Large Panel Concrete Housing is linked to the foundational concept of adaptable and flexible architecture, incorporating a user-based selection principle and activating roofscapes by greenery enhancement, energy production and water harvesting. Given the multi-layered nature of this approach, the primary challenge in the design study was distilling the minimum viable approach while still showcasing the potential for diverse architectural outcomes and evolution over time. This design philosophy represents a notable departure from conventional building practices, emphasizing a shift away from static structures towards designs capable of evolution led by dynamic change of the residents’ living needs.

Academically, this research adds the Polish perspective to the adaptive reuse discourse by exploring how architectural interventions can preserve the heritage from the 60s and 70s cultural, social and spatial significance while meeting future needs and improving the spatial, energetical and aesthetical values. By examining the exemplary W-70 system from Poland, which shares historical and architectural similarities to the prefab systems from other countries, this research provides valuable insights and recommendations that can inform the debate on future-proof adaptation strategies addressing the pressing need for affordable social housing in these regions. As a result, the neglected yet ubiquitous post-Soviet housing stock can become architecture beyond political ideologies, trends or profit-driven market.

The design proposal incorporates research findings while delineating between individual and community-based choices across various architectural tiers. Commencing at the smallest scale, XS (façade), where each panel offers customization options, it progresses to the S scale (apartment), enabling residents to expand their living spaces with winter gardens and green terraces. Transitioning to the M scale (cluster), new rooftop additions are introduced, followed by the L scale (block), where buildings are distinguished by unique color and material identities. This progression culminates at the XL scale (neighborhood), where each subsequent estate obtains its distinct identity through diverse façade compositions and elements, while adhering to the overarching design strategy.Ultimately, the establishment of the design minimum provides a starting point for subsequent extensions that contribute additional values across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, all while preserving the unique identity and individuality of buildings at various scales. 

This paper aims to explore the applicability of the standardization of heritage and sustainability values in the context of church transformations in the Netherlands. Through comparative research on available assessment tools, specifically focusing on church transformations, the study investigates whether these tools extend beyond their original purpose of standardization, and therefore, if this standardization of values can be used in the design process. The central question is articulated as follows: How can standardization of sustainability and heritage values be used in the design process of church transformations in the Netherlands?

The comparative literature research identifies two pertinent tools, DuMo and BPSC, both addressing standardization of sustainability and heritage values with distinct methodologies. The analysis of these tools' applicability in practice leads to the second phase of the research, aiming to determine if the core indicators of these tools can facilitate in the decision-making process of church transformation design.

While assessment tools primarily seek to standardize values, this paper explores their potential applications standardization of values can have in the design approach. Although not initially created for the purpose of design, the standardization achieved through these tools can enhance comprehension of various considerations in different stages of the design process. In conclusion, this research contributes to the existing framework on the standardization of heritage and sustainability values, specifically within the context of church transformations in the Netherlands.

This research and design explores holistic sustainability as a remedy for long term development of modern shopping malls in the Netherlands. Shopping malls are susceptible to changes and sometimes fail to create an equal balance between the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability, leading to vacant shops and lower quality of living in and around the mall. The insights presented in the research paper, which assess the impact of past mall renovations on the three aspects of sustainability can be used to make future redesigns on modern shopping malls better resilient to changes and promote a long lasting life. For the design "In de Bogaard" (Rijswijk) was chosen to apply the strategy of transforming a mall in a holistic sustainable way into a food court, indoor market and culture centre. Reducing, reusing and refilling are found at the heart of this discipline and tackle the design question of dealing with modern heritage.

This research explores the evolving role of shopping malls in the lives of the growing elderly population in the Netherlands. Delving into the unique needs and desires of the elderly, the study emphasizes diversity, accessibility, community, and inclusivity within shopping centres. The research methodology integrates a comprehensive literature review, a case study of elderly-cantered architectural designs, and structured interviews with elderly individuals. Contrary to the prevalent literature portraying the elderly as fragile and facing significant challenges, the interviews unveil a diverse reality of ageing, emphasizing individuality and varied impacts on daily life. The case study elucidates themes of mobility and social community as crucial elements in the design of age-inclusive spaces. By integrating these perspectives, the research concludes that a one-size-fits-all blueprint for shopping malls is inadequate. Instead, designers should focus on incorporating practical amenities, a diverse shopping environment, promoting community, and ensuring accessibility to cater to the broad spectrum of elderly needs and preferences. Furthermore, the study advocates for ongoing research to understand how the ageing population’s needs influence urban environments and various functions within these spaces. Ultimately, this research envisions an age-inclusive future, where cities and spaces are designed to meet the evolving requirements of an ageing population, promoting inclusive and enjoyable environments for all.

The modern malls in the Randstad are pressured into redevelopment, as their retail property value is decreasing relative to other more profitable functions (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, 2019).

According to Galema & Van Hoogstraten (2005), the shopping centres built in 1940-1965 according to contemporary and recent literature are often hardly recognisable, due to the speed at which commercial attitudes change. They further state that retail is forced to keep up with the times, and retail buildings and centres change regularly. Concluding that the building type evades traditional monument conservation.

This is despite forming an essential part of neighbourhoods for their socioeconomic value (Robertson & Fennell, 2007; Kooijman, 1999; Feinberg et al., 1989).

Therefore, the research focuses on determining who the insider stakeholders are and how they value the spatial attributes of a changed 20th-century shopping mall. One of the key strategies for the survival of a 20th-century mall is to reinvent its meaning in contemporary society.
The design focused on how to incorporate these values combined with contemporary design theories such as Gehl, and Sim, among others.

This book presents a wide range of landscapes that have been integral to the Modern Movement era. It aims to raise awareness of their design significance and to broaden understanding of their diversity. It demonstrates the breadth of roles that landscape architects and affiliated designers have played in response to the demands wrought by social, political and environmental change, particularly in the post-World War II years. In this sense it draws attention to people and places that previously may have been marginally understood—‘invisible’ or ‘dislocated’—thus enabling them to be appreciated in new ways and to be considered more carefully in comparative analyses into the future.

Included in this book are eighty-six landscapes spanning the twentieth century and representing the following thirty-eight countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Thailand, the Netherlands, Turkey, United States of America, and Venezuela.@en

Energy consumption has become a significant global issue due to climatic and environmental challenges, a lack of energy resources, and rising energy prices. The building stock accounts for 40% of the total energy consumption. Therefore, efforts should be made to explore possibilities to reduce energy consumption and related CO2-emissions, not only by the construction of modern and energy-efficient buildings but also through energy retrofitting existing buildings. Historic buildings often have thermal discomfort, cold draughts close to the exterior walls, and high energy consumption due to heat losses. Hence, the improvement of energy efficiency of historic buildings is important. Moreover, preserving architectural heritage can reduce our reliance on new materials for new buildings and reduce energy use in manufacturing processes. The potential for energy efficiency of historic buildings depends on an appropriate compromise between the need to conserve cultural heritage inherited in the building and energy efficiency measures.

Reducing energy consumption and raising thermal comfort is possible by adding thermal insulation to the building envelope. Most historic buildings have facades with cultural, historic and aesthetic value, therefore, internal insulation is proposed as a suitable measure. The application of internal insulation changes the hygrothermal behaviour of a facade significantly and might result in hygrothermal risks such as frost damage, interstitial condensation and mould growth. The change in hygrothermal behaviour depends on the type of internal insulation system. Nowadays, vapour-tight and vapour-open, capillary active, internal insulation systems are mostly used for historic buildings.There is no consensus about the third internal insulation system: a vapour-open, non-capillary active due to a lack of knowledge about the hygrothermal behaviour of this system from theoretical and practical perspectives.

The aim of this research is to gain insight into the most influential hygrothermal properties of vapour-open, non-capillary active, internally insulated historic solid brick masonry. Through literature review, background information is obtained on the hygrothermal behaviour of vapour-open, non-capillary active internal insulation of historic solid brick masonry by exploring the factors that influence this behaviour. Prerequisites for the risk-free hygrothermal performance of a vapour-open, non-capillary active, internally insulated historic solid brick masonry wall are defined based on the risk of mould growth due to interstitial condensation and taking moisture-sensitive wooden elements into account. This approach is sufficient for one-dimensional and two- or three-dimensional situations.

The influence of hygrothermal properties on the hygrothermal behaviour of vapour-open, non-capillary active, internally insulated solid brick masonry of historic residential buildings is studied by a parameter study, which is carried out through Heat, Air and Moisture simulation software WUFI 2D.4. To gain insight into the influence of the hygrothermal properties on the hygrothermal performance, the boundary condition of the outdoor environment is simplified by excluding solar radiation and wind-driven rain. In the parameter study, four hygrothermal properties were studied: the μd-value of the finishing layer, the μd-value of the insulation layer, the thermal performance of the insulation layer and the moisture storage capacity of solid brick masonry. Finally, a prediction method of the hygrothermal performance of a building component is explored, which can be a useful tool to quickly assess the hygrothermal performance of a building component, without conducting advanced Heat, Air and Moisture simulations which might not be available.

From the research, it can be concluded that for the studied hygrothermal properties and boundary conditions, the moisture storage capacity of historic solid brick masonry has the most influence on the hygrothermal behaviour of a vapour-open, non-capillary active internally insulated historic solid brick masonry facade. The outcome of this research shows that a high moisture storage capacity of solid brick masonry has a lower risk on mould growth due to interstitial condensation at the interface between the solid brick masonry and insulation layer. Furthermore, the explored prediction method shows quite adequate predictions for the single variation of the parameters.

Thisgraduation project that explores the boundaries of acceptable policy change through three redesign scenarios. Its objective is to create and evaluate values-based models for the transformation of built heritage. The MSc3 Graduation Studio: Revitalising Heritage comprises three key phases: a survey to assess cultural significance, a values-driven redesign process, and a heritage impact assessment. Initially, existing policies were examined, followed by a gamified survey comparing the perspectives of two distinct target groups: the community and experts. The design proposal presents three options, ranging from conservative to substantial alterations, for heritage housing. To assess the effectiveness of the methodology, a SWOT analysis was conducted to analyze the project's impact. Overall, this graduation project aims to provide insights into the potential for change in heritage redesign while considering the cultural significance and stakeholder perspectives.

This thesis explores the potentialities of neo-gothic churches’ preservation and redesign in order to re-connect people and nature. It aims to identify elements of neo-gothic churches that are compatible with a biophilic and nature-inclusive mindset. At the same time, it reflects upon incompatibilities and how these can be overcome in order to create a more comprehensive redesign framework.
Additionally, it creates a precedent of incorporating natural features into adaptively redesigned heritage buildings.

This project focusses on the relationship between nature in cities and the values conveyed by local communities in Faro, Portugal. With economic and health crises leading to increased stress and depression, society has begun paying more attention to mental and physical health, and the role of nature in cities has become increasingly important. The neighborhood of Estação in Faro is an area that directly borders the Ria Formosa Natural Park, making it an ideal location to study the values that green areas in cities convey to local communities. To understand the relationship between nature and people, this research used participatory research methods. The aim was to reveal the interests and perspectives of different stakeholders regarding the cultural significance of places, by assessing the values held by different generations. Two theoretical frameworks were used to code the cultural significance of nature. Cultural significance is defined by two concepts: values and attributes. The values refer to why something is important, while attributes refer to the quality or characteristic that someone or something has. The varied categories of attributes are divided into tangible attributes (asset, area, and all) and intangible attributes (product, societal, process).

The research aimed to gather information about all age groups with the most suitable participatory gaming methods. A card game was developed to understand the values of both children and elderly. The game is set around proposal cards that contain actions to take regarding the city of Faro, based on nature-based solutions (NBS) from the Urbinat catalogue. The proposals are completed with other actions that might want to be explored further in the design phase. Each proposal has been classified according to the values/attribute framework. The results of the research indicated that nature in cities is valued by local communities for a range of reasons. The highest results that emerged from the research where the economic, social and ecological values. The research also identified different attributes associated with these values, such as a sense of place, physical characteristics, cultural heritage, and ecological functions. Overall, this research has highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural significance of nature in cities for different generations.

The research was used for a values-based redesign of a vacant industrial site. The project has four main goals: rehabilitation, cohabitation, intergenerational interaction, and community ownership. The first goal aims to protect the historic and cultural significance of the site by limiting interventions to minor impacts. The second goal focuses on the relation between people and nature, highlighting the potential for nature to increase well-being and create enjoyable spaces. The third goal focuses on the relationship between people of different ages, emphasizing the mutual benefits of intergenerational interactions. The fourth goal emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the creation and maintenance of the project. Proposed functions for the building include workshop spaces, gardens, bars/restaurants, workspaces, clubs, and exhibition spaces. The proposed design aligns with social, ecological, and economic values. Based on the research the design received positive responses from both age groups.

By approaching the research from an user's perspective, De Bogaard in Rijswijk has been redesigned in order to attract pioneers that will aid in reigniting the attraction of the shopping mall. It has been partly refunctioned, in order to blow life into the area and stimulate the community. The new design focuses on the first phase of the redesign of De Bogaard and has 'community based design' as a base. It aims to attract artists and crafstmen, that are often pioneers in bringing areas back to life, e.g. M4H and Amsterdam Noord.

The upcoming circular economy has consequences for the application of materials within the building sector, which requires a different mindset and way of designing from the architect. The aim of this research is to develop a Circularity Overview in which the materials of a building can be assessed for circularity and environmental impact. The Overview can thus be used as a tool to test materials of an existing building, materials for a design, or can be used as a tool during the design process for adaptive reuse. This allows for orderly weighing of options and making choices, therefore it is a tool that can be of interest to students and architects who will be working with circular material use. The Overview is developed from criteria that have been compiled through desk research, for which it was important that the criteria are measurable and verifiable so that results can be replicated and traced. Knowledge about circularity was generated through literature research, after which six case studies were analyzed with an objective view. By testing the Overview on both newly built circular projects and transformed buildings, it emerged that the combination of material use and construction technique of both, such as reusing materials, applying detachable connections, and keeping existing structures intact as much as possible, can lead to favorable outcomes in terms of circularity. The circularity of the case studies as well as the operation of the Overview itself have also become insightful as a result. Although the Circularity Overview has shortcomings due to the incomplete availability of data, it provides an indication of circularity in material use that can be used to support choices before, during, and after a design phase.
The Circularity Overview was used during the design process for the revitalization of the St Barbara church in Culemborg, which resulted in a design with minimal impact on the environment.

This paper examines the valuation and perception of de Hoeksteen, a heritage building in the Netherlands. Expert stakeholders, such as the municipality and architecture historian Joop van Stigt, value the building for its aesthetic qualities and historical significance. In contrast, users of the building, particularly the community organization Casa Migrante, value it for its social value. However, the local community, who have little knowledge of the building’s current use, perceive it as unattractive and lacking in value. The paper suggests that this discrepancy highlights the need for a participatory approach to bridge the gap between stakeholders and foster greater appreciation for the building’s potential. The paper also draws on the works of Timothy Hyde and Roger Scruton to explore the relationship between architecture, perception, and imagination, and to contextualize the social and cultural factors that shape our judgments of architectural value.

The combination of the monumental building, the Rotonde, and the panoramic painting ‘Panorama Mesdag’ is one of the few remaining exhibitions of its kind. The organization of the museum aims to preserve the building and painting while also wanting to decrease the carbon footprint of the museum. The objective of this research is to design a sustainable climate solution using thermal buffering that creates an indoor climate that preserves the panoramic painting and reduces energy consumption of the minimally insulated building. The potential thermal buffering solutions were defined through literature research and the option of a PCM system secured to the interior façade was further elaborated on by estimating its effect on the indoor climate of the Rotonde through software simulations in DesignBuilder using EnergyPlus. The simulation results of multiple PCM types and thicknesses showed that the current indoor temperature of the Rotonde is too inconsistent during summer months for a PCM to reach the intended cooling effect. A simulation of a combination of improvements to the building envelope and the most effective PCM showed a cooling effect of two ° C on warm summer days and a decrease of 50% in heating demand during the winter. This research amplifies the importance of a well-insulated building envelope for a qualitative indoor climate and climate systems should be an additional step. The outcome of this research has the potential to be relevant for other monumental museums or other spaces that seek sustainable solutions to stabilize the indoor climate.

This graduation project is the heritage design of an abandoned factory in the Estação neighborhood, Faro, Portugal. The aim of MSc3 Graduation Studio: Revitalising Heritage is to develop and test values-based models for redesigning built heritage. There are three main phases: cultural significance survey, values-based redesign, and heritage impact assessment. This project applied cultural mapping, decision-making participation, and impact assessment methods to fulfill the value-based redesign and improve residents' place attachment. The design proposal is making use of the outdoor space with nature to support people’s interaction and leisure activity without harming the calm atmosphere and the elderly’s sense of ownership.

Now almost 50 years old, the woonerf is challenged with social and technical deterioration, poor energy performance, misalignment of demographics and typology and an overall negative image. Because the housing stock consists of 20% of woonerf residents, there is considerable reason to seek for a solution to make this type of neighbourhood future-proof. In this national task to renovate and adapt entire neighbourhoods, there is another issue to consider: our linear consumption trends. The consequence of the linear economy is a worldwide waste crisis, pollution, and the depletion of finite resource. That is why we need to switch to circular consumption. Which means going from a take-make-dispose system to an economy in which resources are circulated. This project therefore combines the challenge of future-proofing the woonerf and the transition to circular consumption into a test case that aims to experiment with the woonerf as a circular neighbourhood. The final product is a research-informed design for the neighbourhood Goedewerf in Almere Haven.

This graduation project explores emotional attachment toward nature in the city of Faro, Portugal. A photographic walking tour had been used as a participatory method to identify values and attributes that are related to the community’s emotional attachment. The research resulted in a values-based redesign of two former warehouses at the waterfront of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The redesign aims to attract the younger generation to the plot and acts as a catalyst for more urban development in this high-potential area and eventually reduces the large vacancy.