Architecture – 29 projects selected

30 December 2024

general impression

Besides common topics such as innovative forms of housing and bio-based design, there was a notable focus in this round on agriculture and tasks in rural areas. For example, a project such as Verbeeldingslab by StadmakersCooperatie connects different groups in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, while De Boer als buur by KettingHuls shows how farmsteads can contribute to solutions to the nitrogen crisis and housing challenge.

It is also notable that several projects focus on the position of women in the history of architecture. An example of this is The Architecture of Dreams, which documents the architectural paintings by artist Rita Wolff, and Architectural Feminism by nai010 publishers, which examines the influence of women on Dutch housing design in the 1950s. There are also various publications on topical themes, such as Drifting Horizons by In-Depth-Space about coastal areas and rising sea levels, and Talking Tents by Namelok that examines the underexposed development of tent architecture.

selection

A few notable projects from this round’s selection are:

Netherlands' Eco Houses Lab – Ikram Hamdi Mansour
This project investigates innovative approaches to sustainable living in the Netherlands by means of extensive fieldwork. The researcher documents various examples of eco-friendly housing using a combination of sketches, photographs, technical analyses and the personal stories of residents. By highlighting the financial, social and technical aspects, a complete picture is presented of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable housing construction. The findings are brought together in an accessible publication that combines technical information with illustrative elements to dispel misconceptions about sustainable living.

Architectuur als culturele daad – Stichting August Kemme Fonds / A&NP

This project adapts Kirsten Schipper’s thesis into an accessible book in Dutch and English. The study approaches architectural policy as a cultural contribution to society and places the development of Dutch architectural and spatial policy in an international perspective. With critical reflections and images, the book is being prepared under the editorship of an experienced team. In collaboration with the Government Architect atelier, the publication will be widely utilised in the civil service, government and construction world.

Urban Sports als ontmoetingsplek - OFMAA
The project Urban Sports als ontmoetingsplek investigates how Urban Sports locations can become social meeting places for neighbourhoods and city districts. The project is developing a design toolbox based on inspiring real-life examples and testing it in five municipalities. By combining sport and daily life, new forms of public space are generated. The results will be shared through a symposium and publication, aimed at policymakers, urban designers and a wide audience.

numbers

Of the 75 applications taken into consideration, 43 received a positive assessment. The budget available for this round was € 653,148. This 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 29 ultimately approved projects, the percentage of applications receiving grants this round comes to 38%.

follow-up

For the 2025-2028 policy period, the Fund has renewed the Architecture Grant Scheme. The new grant scheme will use modified application procedures and tightened frameworks. Would you like to submit an application next year? Then take a close look at the grants page and read this news item about the main changes.

Banner image: Kinship bibliotheek – Stichting NDSM-werf