Performative architecture as a guide line for transformation of the defence line of Amsterdam

The main topic that is researched in this study is: what performative architecture is and its role in the design process and product. In the scope of performative architecture the aim is to focus what a building does rather than what it is and the fact that architecture should have the capability of being adaptable to changing time, conditions and environment. A design problem is taken under consideration and designed from the scope of performative architecture. The design problem is the transformation of the Defence Line around Amsterdam, designing new buildings with the recent technologies as additions to the forts remaining from 1900’s. A “performative model”, which supports design from the conceptual stage until production of scale prototypes is structured by the author for this specific design problem. This performative model is used as a case study for the research of the role of the computational design tools in the design process and product of performative architecture. In addition to the design process, the role of using computer-aided manufacturing to increase performativity is envisioned and the proceeds of it to the relationship of design and manufacturing are also researched.

Canan Albayrak (January 2011)

Design project and research thesis

Haarlemmermeer|Mobility & Infrastructure: A new system for making the co-existence of infrastructure, agriculture and inhabitance possible

The project proposes a new system for making the co-existence of agriculture (and green in general) and the infrastructure possible. This infrastrucutre of mobility connects the Schiphol region of the Netherlands within itself via a network of several different means of transportation. In this region, the dominant elements of the architectural design include the Schiphol Airport and the agricultural fields neighboring it. In the design problem, the project plot (100m x 100m) is to be chosen from the area of 7.1 km2 depending on the designer’s choice. This kind of a variety regarding the position of the project plot is given in the problem definition of the designer because; handling the problem of transforming constraints (involving the infrastructure, noise levels or the climate conditions or wind, light, etc) is given prior significance. The proposed system aims finding a remedy for being responsive towards the transformation of the constraints that exist and will be existing for the particular region.

Selen Ercan (September 2010)

Design project and research thesis

Landscape Transformations: A Research Institute for Environmental Conditions

Research Institute for Environmental Conditions houses research and experiments on the major dangers threatening the landscape, climate and soil conditions in Haarlem / Spaarnwoude by studying the existing landscape through ongoing land transformations. This institute holds experiments to overcome environmental problems in the Netherlands on a real-time land-scale. Inspired from the land transformations in the Netherlands, the fascination is to represent these transformations of the Dutch lowlands in relation to the transformations and developments of technology. The story of constantly shifting landscape / shifting language of the Dutch landscape is exhibited and the memory of the lowlands is represented through keeping the track of the transformations of the landscape. The theme is based on the components that Dutch landscape introduced to the literature, the unique language that it generated over time. Experiments are applications of scaled experiments to a land scale to take measures for the possible future scenarios. Referencing these possible future scenarios its objective is to predict what will happen if these disasters occur. It is a prediction system, which will be realized on real land scale.

Ekin Damdere (September 2010)

Design project