Theory and practice of ‘space formation’ in modern architecture

Architect Oliver Sack is fascinated by the question of how spatial design relates to the use of space as it is intended and experienced. “I went in search of the relationship between the purposiveness of architecture, its perception and the role that space formation plays in that.” For his PhD research, he explored the socio-spatial aesthetics of space formation in twentieth-century architecture.

Regular architectural solutions fall short in favelas

The layout of slums often appears to be chaotic, but there is usually one factor that brings an element of order: work. Architectural intervention is rarely successful if designers fail to take this into account, as PhD researcher Ana Rosa Chagas Cavalcanti discovered in the Brazilian favelas.

Country estates landscapes still a prominent feature in Dutch green structure

The impact of regional design on spatial planning

What influence does spatial design have on spatial planning at a regional scale level and on decision-making at all scale levels? Based on practical case studies from the Netherlands, PhD researcher Verena Balz explored the two-way traffic between regional design and the development of spatial policy.

Modern trombe wall saves loads of energy

A trombe wall with phase-changing materials can ensure a much lower energy consumption of buildings. That becomes evident in the DoubleFace 2.0 research project. State-of-the-art technologies breathe new life into this age-old heat control method.

Money is not all that counts in sustainability

Dutch housing associations are very keen on sustainability, but when it comes down to it, costs are the decisive factor. This is the conclusion of Sandra Hoomans in her PhD research. “Strategic considerations on making housing stock more sustainable should also be based on ecological values.”