Broekbakema
Broekbakema

Blog: Building in solidarity

5 December 2024

The Netherlands is working hard on circularity. Yet I get surprised at all the reusable materials that still go into the incinerator. Even piles of paper coffee cups on the shop floor I know. How do we get rid of all that residual waste? I often have to think about this also in the construction world. Can you build in a socially responsible way without climate rules? For me, solidarity with future generations is enough.

Social mindset

That personal act is crucial if we are to decisively reduce residual waste. Sustainable buildings start with a social mindset towards the future. That means stop demolishing and start adapting an existing building differently, nothing starts from scratch. I don’t just mean preserving materials but also “reusing” existing functions that strengthen the sense of community and social cohesion.

Stop on ’emergency bandages’

I often see the reflex to skip that step and adapt existing buildings haphazardly with additional space or other necessary functions. That’s what I call “emergency bandage” architecture. Of course I understand that primary design solves a short-term problem for the owner or tenant. But those in solidarity with future generations want such a place to function and have positive environmental impact even after 15 years.

Starting at social value

Looking ahead is not enough; you also have to go back in time. It is important to have an eye for the social value of original building functions for a city, district or neighborhood. Closing your eyes to this means depriving the environment of part of its identity, which is often rooted in a long history. Without a past there is no future, as they say. I also see an adaptation as an intervention in the social cohesion of a local community.

Environmental values

That awareness is crucial to transforming and preserving landmark buildings. Restoring original building functions strengthens social cohesion. How do you address that in a design process? Consider the transformation of a church into a city swimming pool or a historic zoo that wants to strengthen its connection with the neighborhood. It is important to look for “environmental values” including historical values but also those of today.

Social circularity

At Broekbakema, we also speak of social circularity. Our predecessors began long ago with designs that put people first, such as the Terneuzen Town Hall, a gem of Post65 brutalism. Today, our work continues with social sustainability and keeping buildings socially relevant. This requires social connection that starts with dialogue and environmental participation. For example, we actively engaged with local residents in Maastricht about the design of the new DSM headquarters in the center of the Maaasstad.

Public functions

Because sustainable buildings do not stand alone (monoculture) but in the middle of society. Public functions strengthen social circularity; in the design for the transformation of the ABN AMRO office (Amsterdam-Zuidoost) we used the plinth for this purpose. Local residents will soon be able to view the art collection there, eat a sandwich in the public restaurant or find space for local activities. The building is also part of an art route through the city, thanks to art in the adjacent public space from the plinth to the bicycle tunnel below.

From building to incubator

As an architect, I feel responsible to immediately organize and direct that social connection in the early stages of the design and construction process. By working with clients to open up the design team to the local environment or by giving disassembled materials and green spaces back to the neighborhood or city. This creates an incubator of local consultants, students, startups and local residents who think along about the local use or reuse of sustainable and biobased materials. As a community that leaves a “social footprint” when construction is complete, how beautiful is that?

Marius Voets
Architect-director