Time-based Architecture

By: Bernard Leupen, René Heijne, Jasper van Zwol
ISBN 978 90 6450 536 2

I recently read this book with great enthusiasm. Many points of recognition on dynamics and sustainability and the layered life cycles of  buildings.

Rudy Stroink says:

“Since we try to develop context sensitive buildings we have found that buildings generally are easier tot adapt to new users than one might think. The fit of a building for a specific demand not only lies with the appearance and functionality but also with the management after completion. Proper servicing by users can eliminate al lot (but not all) of the restrictions an existing building might have.”

and further on:

“Most importantly, the concentration on long-term management and the direct relationship with the users are in my view the only way tot protect the value of buildings. Buildings should be built for ever and not just to fulfil today’s demands.”

This fits beautifully in my view, that is the combination of:

In the chapter Cultural Durability, Bob van Reeth writes:

“Urban development and architecture consists of several layers: the site, the place, the footprint; the loadbearing structure + the skin. This is the durable structure, intended to last a long time. In addition, there are the various installations, the layout, and finally the finishing. These are the more temporary. Each of these layers has its own pace, and its own cycle.”

I consider this dilemma between the durable structure and the temporary occupation as an alternation of connecting and separating the object and the use. The object, the durable structure is driven by the context of the city the temporary occupation is driven by the changing user requirements. I like to present this as follows:

“In future architects must design buildings for polyvalent use, keeping the programme of requirements for present use in mind as an alibi.”

I could not agree more on that!