Heritage & Design

In this minor, you will learn to develop concepts for the transformation of urban areas, landscapes, public spaces and buildings. The basis for these interventions is a historical analysis of the site and knowledge of architectural history. The challenge is to preserve monumental values, existing qualities and the sense of place – while giving way for an intervention that allows for a new function and prepares a site for an up-to-date use. Studies of heritage and other subjects form an important framework.
You will immerse yourself in the issue of cultural-historical continuity and urban identity. In this minor the focus lies on how today we handle cultural heritage and necessary urban renewal with reference to changing functional requirements. Related to the urban renewal we also focus on the use of public areas and historical buildings in an old city centre.

To approach these complex tasks, you will be challenged to familiarise yourself with the specific design skills and knowledge of urban development of Dutch cities. You will delve into analysis methods and various theoretic approaches, as well as in cultural, societal and philosophical aspects. You will have the opportunity to obtain knowledge in and to practise with aspects as historical identity, value assessment and spatial intervention with objects and structures of cultural heritage in a historical environment.

In the studios research is done in small groups. For the design assignments, we will work in a transdisciplinary manner, using a variety of design skills (architectural/landscape design, sketching, mood boards, collage, models, etc.).

You will develop your skills as a designer of interventions to historic buildings of cultural heritage quality. In this minor the particular focus lies on how we currently handle cultural heritage and necessary urban renewal with reference to changing function requirements. Related to the urban renewal we focus on the use of public areas as well as the interior spaces of historical buildings in an old city centre.

To approach these complex tasks, you will be challenged to familiarise yourself with the specific design skills and knowledge of artistic and architectural development of Dutch cities. In addition, you will delve into analysis methods and various theoretical approaches, as well as in cultural, societal, philosophical and environmental aspects of Heritage and Architecture. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge in and to practise with aspects such as historical identity, value assessment and spatial intervention with objects and structures of cultural heritage in a historical environment. History is used as inspiration for the design.

You will practise in analysis of urban, architectural and landscape heritage and will make a simple landscape architectural plan for an intervention in a cultural landscape or urban green heritage site.

At the end of the minor you will have enhanced/improved your:

• knowledge about the main characteristics and periods of urbanisation and landscape transformation in the Netherlands from the tenth to the twenty-first century;
• ability to place these developments in their art-historical, economic, political and demographic context;
• knowledge about cultural heritage in the form of urban projects and structures
• ability to apply different methods and techniques for analysis of built heritage, regarding its urban context and historical development, the functionality, the materials used, and the technical development;
• ability to recognise current urban problems concerning cultural heritage;
• knowledge about approaches and work methods concerning appreciation, repurpose, and redevelopment of historically valuable objects within an old town;
• ability to make and present your landscape and spatial design choices on different scales, based on analysis and evaluation of historical information;
• ability to justify your point of view in discussions about the valuation of heritage on different scales and about merging old and new in case of an intervention.
• knowledge about the main characteristics and periods of architecture and art in The Netherlands from the tenth to the twenty-first century;
• knowledge about relevant cultural, economic and political processes in development of art and architecture;
• knowledge about cultural heritage in relation to buildings and monuments;
• knowledge about approaches and work methods concerning appreciation, repurpose and redevelopment of historically valuable objects within an old town;
• ability to analyse heritage buildings and ensembles regarding their urban context and historical development, the functionality, the materials used, and the technical development;
• understanding of “Architectural Heritage” and relevant terminology (e.g. ‘Values of Heritage’, ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’, ‘Integrity’, ‘Reversibility’, and ‘Authenticity’, etc.).
• ability to make architectural and spatial design choices on different scales, based on analysis and evaluation of current historical information;
• ability to put historic research and contextual analysis in a functional relation with a design task;
• ability to combine the existing building fabric, methodically recorded and analysed, with your own modern design concept to create a stimulating project;
• ability to present and explain your design choices, justify your position about merging old and new in case of an architectural intervention.

Design studios, lectures, excursions and a seminar

Check the detailed overview of courses, learning activities and study load at https://www.studyguide.tudelft.nl/

Registration for this thematic minor is on a first-come, first-served basis and available places. (No lottery draw).

Student at Leiden University, TU Delft or Erasmus University Rotterdam?
Check the eligibility matrix to see if your bachelor’s degree programme offers access to this and other minors at https://www.tudelft.nl/minor

Student at another educational institution?
External students cannot register via EduXchange. Interested in this minor, read the whole registration procedure at https://www.tudelft.nl/minor

For information about the courses, visit the TU Delft study guide.
For additional information on this minor, visit the TU Delft minor page.