Bouwkunde in Delft: A Chronology
180 years in 18 metres
It's hard to miss: as of late, a large timeline covers a wall near the Library. Its drawings, objects, articles and much more span from 1842 to the present day. This is 'Bouwkunde in Delft: A Chronology'. Although impressive, the timeline is not intended as a complete overview of the eventful history of the faculty but rather as an accessible and inspiring impression of where we came from.
What is the premise of BK: A Chronology?
The commission comes from our dean Dick van Gameren, who wants to give the history of the faculty a visible place in the building. The idea of a timeline comes from Aart Oxenaar, lecturer in architectural history at Bouwkunde. Specifically, a timeline mainly composed of images and physical objects, and focusing on the work and innovations of architects rather than their portraits. The resulting narrative should encourage visitors to think for themselves and discuss what they see. So controversial parts of history, such as the colonial past or the former patriarchal atmosphere, are also covered. Aart: "You can see, for example, our link with the Bandung Technical High School, and that it was only in 1917 that the first female alumnus graduated."
What did it take to create BK: A Chronology?
The process has been ongoing for at least 1.5 years. Aart searched libraries and archives and interviewed former students and (former) staff, aided by his assistants Jesse Verdoes and Rohan Varma. Certain sources are straightforward: the faculty library and museums such as the Nieuwe Instituut. But private collections were also explored, like the Smeuler archive: a man who stored everything from his time as a student and faculty member.
Jesse then directed selection rounds to incrementally reduce the pile to a strict 1% of all finds. Based on his design, he and Aart then hung the chosen material on the wall. In this task, they received vital help from staff member Bas Vahl. The process often led to interesting conversations with passers-by. According to Jesse, this sometimes caused delays, but "after all, our aim was to start conversations." So the project worked!
Tips for starting your exploration of BK: A Chronology
For history enthusiasts, this project obviously offers a golden opportunity to learn more about Bouwkunde. But the makers are convinced that anyone can be inspired by BK: A Chronology. Jesse himself studied at the faculty, and he found it fascinating to compare his work with that of 19th-century students. "The quality of those drawings, the effort they put in, is really impressive. But the progress we have made is also apparent." He was also astonished by the material from the chaotic 70s and 80s. During those decades students were highly active, to the extent that they almost seemed to take control of the faculty. "It can be seen, for example, in the 1970 Stylos pamphlet 'The Elite', which ends 'The architekt must no longer be the footstool of the capitalists!'"
So when you find yourself at the faculty, take some time off. Walk down the Library corridor and see what resonates with you. Whether you are a staff member, researcher, or student, BK: A Chronology will quickly make you feel connected to our past.
More information
BK: A Chronology can be found on the first floor, in Midden. So next to the entrance to the Library, and directly above the faculty's main entrance.
BK: A Chronology was made possible by the materials, information, and help of a large number of individuals and organisations. For an overview, please see the colophon at the left end of the timeline, next to the introduction.