A+BE | Architecture and the Built Environment

A Mapping Method for the Exploration of Rapidly Urbanizing Deltas

The research aims to provide an understanding of an urbanizing delta in which different scales,  times, and domains are related to each other; and to examine how this understanding can be used  in a planning and design process in a rapidly urbanizing delta. A mapping method is developed  according to the key notions in the understanding of urban deltas, namely its systems, scales, and  temporality. The systematic mapping approach was used to organize and analyze both short-term  and long-term spatial data during the rapid delta urbanization processes by transforming spatial data  via scales, times, and domains.

Understanding, interpretation, and the use of spatial-visual landscape characteristics in landscape design

Landscape design focuses on the construction and articulation of outdoor space and results in landscape architectonic compositions. In order to communicate about three-dimensional forms and functions, vocabulary, representations, and tools (in terms of spatial-visual characteristics) are of fundamental importance for landscape architects to describe, interpret, and manipulate landscape spaces. While combining design vocabulary and landscape indicators, qualitative and quantitative mapping approaches, visual representation and interpretation methods, this research aims to provide a framework for describing, understanding, and communicating about spatial-visual characteristics in landscape design.

The price of houses in Amsterdam, whether rising or falling, influences house prices in a large part of the Netherlands. This is an important result of Alfred Teye's PhD research because insight into house price developments and risks in the housing market is crucial for society.

Can the organisation of public space be handed over to private parties? Yes, according to Els Leclercq's conclusion in her doctoral research, but it has serious consequences in terms of what is and is not permitted in streets, squares, and parks. She calls for clear government regulation.

On 5 April, Els Leclercq will defend her thesis ‘Privatisation of the production of public space’.

Although a curved form is known to be stronger than a flat structure, we do not know exactly how much stronger. Doctoral candidate Qingpeng Li tried to find out by testing various shell structures. His findings show that even a small curve can provide significant reinforcement.

Published 2012 October 13:

Beirão, J. (2012). CItyMaker; Designing Grammars for Urban Design. A+BE | Architecture And The Built Environment, 2(5), 1-440. doi:10.7480/a+be.vol2.diss5

Published 2012 October 1:

Heurkens, E. (2012). Private Sector-led Urban Development Projects; Management, Partnerships and Effects in the Netherlands and the UK. A+BE | Architecture And The Built Environment, 2(4), 1-480. doi:10.7480/a+be.vol2.diss4

Published 2012 September 11:

Zhou, J. (2012). Urban Vitality in Dutch and Chinese New Towns; A comparative study between Almere and Tongzhou. A+BE | Architecture And The Built Environment, 2(3), 1-432. doi:10.7480/a+be.vol2.diss3

Published 2012 September 4:

Brand, N. (2012). De wortels van de Randstad; Overheidsinvloed en stedelijke hiërarchie in het westen van Nederland tussen de 13de en 20ste eeuw. A+BE | Architecture And The Built Environment, 2(2), 1-352. doi:10.7480/a+be.vol2.diss2

Published 2012 April 23:

Bilow, M. (2012). International Façades - CROFT; Climate Related Optimized Façade Technologies. A+BE | Architecture And The Built Environment, 2(1), 1-360. doi:10.7480/a+be.vol2.diss1

Published 2011 July 1:

Zijlstra, S. (2011). Klantgestuurd voorraadbeleid en empowerment; Over Te Woon en andere initiatieven van woningcorporaties. A+BE | Architecture And The Built Environment, 1(1), 1-312. doi:10.7480/a+be.vol1.diss1