Stimuleringsfonds

In the second round of 2024 of the Architecture Grant Scheme, 25 projects were selected for support. Coordinator Ibrahim Alaoui Chrifi reflects on the round.

12 September 2024

general impression

This round saw a large number of applications, with housing issues being a particularly recurring theme. Projects such as MLA+’s Rotterdam Alexander minimal living experiment show how post-war buildings can be transformed into sustainable living spaces without new construction – an approach that responds directly to the current housing shortage. Some projects, such as De Bundel’s Participation hub, also focus on creating alternative housing through participation and collaboration with local communities.

Additionally, there was a strong focus on circular construction practices this round. PosadMaxwan’s project Bouwketen in transitie explores how circular economy can be integrated into urban areas through design-based research. Sustainable building materials also took centre stage, as in CHRITH architecten’s research into how designers can integrate the erosion of loam into the design process.

A number of projects show how spatial design can support societal challenges such as integration and social cohesion. For instance, Night school 0.1: inventory-ing architectures of mistrust examines the spatial effects of surveillance in emergency shelters, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and safety for vulnerable groups. Another example is De archipel van buitenstedelijke Nederlandse exclaves by basvanderhorst Architects & Engineers, which explores the encounter between residents and refugees in small villages. Through designs such as benches and playground equipment, connection is sought between these groups.

selection

CHRITH architecten - Ontwerpen van erosie / Erosie als ontwerp CHRITH architecten is collaborating with ceramicist Berthel van het Goor on a study (Ontwerpen van erosie / Erosie als ontwerp) into how natural processes, such as erosion, can be integrated into architectural design. Materials such as clay and ceramics change under the influence of water and time, and this project explores how this weathering can play a conscious and aesthetic role in the design process.

The first phase of the project will create two objects that are deliberately exposed to erosion, in order to explore the visual and material possibilities of this natural process. The ultimate objective is to apply these techniques more widely in architecture, with erosion becoming a defining part of building design and aesthetics.

De Bundel is developing a Participation hub to shape a new cooperative housing project with residents and local organisations. This hub hosts workshops, knowledge sessions and co-production meetings that increase neighbourhood involvement. The pavilion will function for a year as a meeting place, providing space for both social activities and educational events. The aim is to create an inclusive community where residents actively participate in the design and management of their living environment. Ultimately, this project can serve as an example for other civic initiatives, encouraging the emergence of sustainable, cooperative forms of housing. De Bundel is collaborating with Time to Access (architects), Towards Nature (landscape architect), Ru Pare (social centre), Rene Boer and Lada Hrsak. It also involves neighbourhood organisations such as museums, community centres and educational institutions.

ArchiNed - De Geert Bekaert-prijs voor architectuurkritiek 2025
The Geert Bekaert Prize aims to stimulate architecture criticism in the Netherlands. This year, Archined has teamed up with OASE to organise a new edition. The prize is awarded to a critical reflection on architecture (including landscape architecture) or urban design that contributes to a lively debate within the field. The Geert Bekaert Prize stimulates critical thinking among starting writers in particular, but also established writers. An independent jury will evaluate the anonymised entries and compile a shortlist. During Critics Night, part of the Rotterdam Architecture Month, the authors present their nominated critical writing to the public. By focusing on multiperspectivity and deepening the dialogue on architecture, the foundation aims to promote critical thinking within the field and provide a platform for new perspectives.

numbers

Of the 71 applications taken into consideration, 49 are receiving grants. The budget for this round was € 450,000. This available budget was not sufficient to award a grant to all positively assessed applications and as a result the advisory committee had to prioritise. The procedure used is described in the Architecture Grant Scheme. With 25 approved projects, the percentage of applications receiving grants this round comes to 35%.

Banner photo: PosadMaxwan - Bouwketen in transitie