innovation
Value
Our ambition is to create added value for the local context, not only physically but also in a social and economic sense. That is why we devote so much attention to the environment of the building: attention for the spatial quality, the programming and the solidity of our designs, as well as the lifecycle costs that they entail. Our goal is to create spaces and buildings in consultation with and embraced by their users, ensuring they are of lasting value for their surroundings.
WHY IS CONTEXT IMPORTANT IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN?
A building always influences the surroundings we are planning for. It is therefore vital to be conscious of this multitude of pre-existing conditions and accept them as a set of requirements to be complied with.
Cultural & social relevance
A careful integration honours existing values and aims to not only preserve but strengthen them. Developing a continued sense of place and identity.
Aesthetic harmony
A buildings appearance should be in dialogue with its surroundings, providing to its specific needs after careful consideration. Creating a sense of continuity and maintaining the character of the area.
Local significance
Buildings that are well-integrated into their context are more likely to be valued by the community and have a positive impact on a neighbourhood’s logistics and operation, contributing to their longevity and appreciation.
WHAT DEFINES CONTEXT IN OUR APPROACH?
The concept is often used with this meaning: a system of relations within which something occurs. Or simply to mean place. The total expression or atmosphere of a place together with our impression, interpretation and understanding of it. Context understood as place is one of the most significant premises of architecture. A combination of many aspects and elements come into play when we decide to build or decide to change the premises for the appearance of a place.
HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE SUCCESSFUL CONTEXTUAL DESIGN?
We carefully investigate what a building needs to be: a new icon for the area, or a careful extension to the existing urban fabric and part of a larger system. Our aim is to preserve and strengthen local values as much as possible by meticulously integrating a building into its surroundings. Designing on the basis of the ‘genius loci’ allows existing structures to be strengthened, and thus the building can be of social and economic value to a larger area.
The aim is to develop a holistic design that is geared towards unity and enhancement of the environment.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MOVE TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY?
Long-term investment strategies
In terms of output, sustainable design leads to better building performance, occupant satisfaction and increased property values. Green buildings have also been shown to attract higher rents and sales prices. In the long run, therefore, sustainable design is a more financially viable investment for building owners and developers, as long as these long-term benefits are taken into account.
Community wealth and social capital
Promoting and developing local circular economies leads to a more sustainable, resilient and equitable future within a stronger community. New jobs and economic opportunities are created through the promotion of local production, repair and recycling. Reducing reliance on imports and creating local supply chains instead, building economic resilience. By promoting local ownership and control of resources, strengthening community ties and social cohesion.
WHAT ARE ECONOMIC FACTORS WE NEED TO CONSIDER?
Economic factors in architecture refer to the financial considerations that affect the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. These factors can include the availability of finance, the cost of materials and labour, the potential return on investment and the economic impact of the building on the surrounding area. At the same time, a building is always developed within a wider macro-economic framework which has a major impact on the terms on which a building is valued by investors, users and the community.
HOW CAN WE INTEGRATE THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY INTO OUR DESIGNS?
By deploying high-quality materials and by detailing in a well thought-out and careful manner, we contribute to the solidity, sustainability and flexibility of buildings. Reducing their life cycle costs and simultaneously making them future-proof to retain their value. By setting up a more efficient design and construction process, we try to optimise the use of available economic and spatial resources. On a larger scale, we promote the implementation of robust circular economic models which favour long-term, local and non-speculative investment strategies.
The linear economic model of ‘take, make, dispose’ is unsustainable and contributes to environmental degradation and social inequality. Promoting circular economic models in the development of new buildings is therefore crucial.
WHY IS SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IMPORTANT?
Voice and influence
By engaging residents, stakeholders, and local organizations in decision-making processes, it fosters a sense of ownership and agency within the community. This ensures that the development reflects the unique needs, aspirations, and cultural values of the community. When people have a voice in shaping their surroundings, they are more likely to take pride in their neighbourhood, contribute to its improvement, and advocate for its long-term sustainability.
Combating inequities
Architecture and urban planning have historically perpetuated social, economic, and environmental disparities. Sustainable community development seeks to rectify these inequalities by promoting social equity, affordability, and inclusivity. It focuses on providing equal access to essential services, amenities, and opportunities for all community members. By creating equitable communities, sustainable development aims to reduce disparities and promote social cohesion and justice.
WHAT DEFINES A COMMUNITY?
The concept of a “sustainable community” does not describe just one type of neighbourhood, town, city or region. Activities that the environment can sustain and that citizens want and can afford may be quite different from community to community. Rather than being a fixed thing, a sustainable community is continually adjusting to meet the social and economic needs of its residents while preserving the environment’s ability to support it.
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE COMMUNITIES?
We believe that by designing attractive public space, we can create places that are appreciated and embraced by users and people from its surroundings. Designing in dialogue with users and neighbours, integrating local culture and ensuring equitable and diverse living environments makes people feel part of the building and the community. This results in places where people want to be and encounter one another, and places that people feel responsible for.
A community is both the bricks that make up the buildings and all the space and life in between. By improving community design, making cities work better, more enjoyable, healthier and sustainable, we can improve the life of the ones living in them.
Colophon
projects overview
the hudsons, rotterdam
s-west, eindhoven
beaufort, zeist
zoho, rotterdam