Flexibility in urbanism: Research on flexibility and transformation design for the Binckhorst

Flexibility in urbanism: Research on flexibility and transformation design for the Binckhorst

Bouten, J.M.

Rooij, R.M. (mentor)
Hermans, W.J.A. (mentor)
Van de Bout, J. (mentor)

Architecture

2008-03-28

A shift is taking place in planning culture from a rational planning approach, which is mainly about production, to a dynamic city approach which is more about the transformation and development of existing urban areas. Flexibility is a relevant subject in this. This graduation project has been aimed at developing an insight in flexibility in urbanism and using this in developing a transformation design for the Binckhorst in The Hague. This has been done with literature research, case studies and research by design. The definition of flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing and differentiated circumstances. Flexibility means finding a balance between freedom and fixation in many aspects in the design and development process. It means providing long term guidelines for quality and security and stimulating dynamics. The two reasons to use flexibility are as a reaction on uncertainty and on differentiation. The Binckhorst in The Hague is an (100 hectare) industrial area near the centre of The Hague which has an isolated position and incomplete urban structure. Because of its position in the city it has much potential to develop into an intense mixed use urban area. The design provides a framework which improves internal and external connections and uses the qualities of the Binckhorst to facilitate and stimulate the redevelopment of the area. This structure of streets, squares, parks and public transport enables a gradual transformation from the existing to a new situation. The design on a lower scale in the area is made to provide principles but leaves room for interpretation and design in a later phase of the project.

flexibility
uncertainty
urban

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:3233c7f4-e69a-408a-9ac3-e81ab4a8db7d

TU Delft, Architecture, Urbanism

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2008 J.M. Bouten