De Nieuwe Buitenhofdreef
Site: Buitenhof, Delft, The Netherlands
Typology: Urban Intervention, Master plan
Course: TU Delft | MSc S.W.A.T | 2022/23 Q1
Mentor: C.L. Martin
Team: Eliana Chuquizuta, Oskar Frick, Alexandra Fröwis, Frank Vahlstal
Software: Rhino 6, Grasshopper, Enscape, Adobe CC
De Nieuwe Buitenhofdreef is an urban intervention project in the Buitenhof neighborhood of Delft, the Netherlands. This initiative addresses societal challenges faced by the residents of Buitenhof such as youth crime, unemployment, and illiteracy, while also tackling national issues like the housing crisis and shortages in skilled trades. The project aims to bridge the societal gap between the Technical University of Delft and the Buitenhof community, fostering mutual benefits for all stakeholders. This is achieved through the implementation of specialized craftsmanship education programs that focus on trades in high demand, particularly those aligned with energy transition and circular built environment initiatives.
TU Delft’s expertise and personnel are brought directly into the neighborhood to mentor and provide hands-on training to residents. Participants are taught skills to become PV installers, heat pump technicians, and specialists in timber and circular construction. This initiative not only equips residents with valuable technical and practical skills but also fosters a sense of pride and community involvement by enabling them to contribute to society and participate in innovations emerging from TU Delft.
Central Plaza of Buitenhof
The new central plaza of Buitenhof is envisioned as a hub of amenities designed to benefit both the residents of Buitenhof and Delft. The satellite view on the right presents a proposal for the plaza’s potential layout. However, the final design is intended to be shaped by the residents, ensuring the space meets the community’s specific needs.
The proposal includes an open office for local entrepreneurs, a cafeteria, a dedicated space for community associations like Rode Feniks and Can I Dream, and modular housing for those in need. Additionally, the plaza features seating areas strategically placed to offer unique views of the neighborhood.
Co-creation Center
The co-creation center, located in the bottom-right corner of the proposal, serves as the starting point for the plaza’s growth. All structures within the plaza will be manufactured in this workshop, using a process similar to an industrial manufacturing plant. Completed modules are hoisted onto flatcars and transported via rail to their designated locations.
The construction process is adaptable to the module type and chosen materials. The center focuses on educating local residents, equipping them with the skills to build these modules under the mentorship of professional craftsmen. A key emphasis is placed on sustainable and innovative building techniques, enhancing participants’ attractiveness for future job opportunities.
To support this initiative, power tools and safety equipment are provided following a brief two-hour safety and introduction course. The co-creation center also offers a counseling and guidance service, study area, a library with a focus on craftsmanship, social space for relaxation and meals.
The building itself is designed to highlight transparency and innovation, featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows to draw in curious neighbors. This openness encourages participation and positions the center as a potential launchpad for future careers.
Project Contributions
This project was a collaborative effort with teammates Eliana, Alexandra, and Frank. The initial analysis was divided among the team, with personal contributions including demographic analysis and identifying nodes and boundaries within Buitenhof for potential urban intervention. This phase also involved setting up the grid and construction phases.
Once the overall concept was finalized, tasks were distributed based on individual strengths and interests. Responsibilities included the design of the central plaza, development of the complete 3D model, and designing the co-creation center with Alexandra. Additional tasks involved UV-mapping, detailing, landscaping, and producing Enscape renderings.