Preface
by John Habraken
1. Introduction: Distinguishing Levels of Intervention
Changes in the environment
Levels of interest and power
Levels of design
Open design
Themes
Patterns
Models
Plans
Parcellation
Summary
2. Urban Tissues: the composition of public outdoor spaces
Introduction
Preparation
Designing an Urban Tissue
Projects
- Wilgendonk/Molenvliet in Papendrecht
- Lunetten in Utrecht
- Claeverenblad-Wildenburg in Leusden
- Veenendaal-West Fase III in Veenendaal
- Meanderhof in Zwolle
Elaboration
Allotment, implementation and management
3. Supports: the composition of collective built spaces
Introduction
Preparation
Designing a Support
Projects
- Molenvliet in Papendrecht
- Lunetten 4D in Utrecht
- Keyenburg in Rotterdam
- Berkenkamp in Enschede
- Pelgromhof in Zevenaar
- Meanderhof in Zwolle
Elaboration
Allotment, execution and management
4. Infill: the composition of private indoor spaces
Introduction
Preparation
User consultation
Infill in Support projects
Infill components
Execution and management
5. Reflections
Acknowledgments
Sources
Biography
Frans van der Werf (1937) is a Dutch architect and urban designer. He completed his studies at Delft University, the Netherlands, with the awarded project ‘Housing in a Linear City’, anticipating Open Building ideas. He co-designed the New Town of Evry, Paris. He has practiced Open Design in social housing and new city districts, and has designed care centers and a city center, since 1990, in bio-based organic architecture. His recent study includes ‘Transformation of Slums into Low-Rise High-Density Urban Districts’. He assisted N. John Habraken at SAR research and was a board member of SAR, Open Building and VIBA. He has lectured all over the world. (www.vdwerf.nl)
"Only rarely does an architect explain how they work. Frans van der Werf is an exception. He does so in this book with examples of his practice over several decades, work that shows both the consistency of his approach and its evolution. It’s especially important that this book is being published now because the Open Building approach which underpins his work is finding new adherents while at the same time running into headwinds. A clear exposition of the approach, in straightforward language with helpful drawings and photographs, will be of immense help to a new generation of practitioners and clients interested in a humane, regenerative built environment."
Stephen Kendall, Emeritus Professor of Architecture at Ball State University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
"The book is about a lifelong research of an architect on building better housing for ordinary people. The projects illustrated a beautiful balance of living in communities and individual intervention in the changing environments. It shows how a concept of Open Building developed, enhanced and enriched in design practice in almost half a century. It is both poetic and technical. It is both architectural and touching. I believe the book will be beneficial for young architects and architectural students who are facing a changing urbanism in the 21st century. It is also a reference for developers and housing authorities who are endeavor into a sustainable future of cities in the world."
Beisi Jia, Partner and Director, Baumschlager Eberle Hong Kong Ltd.
"Frans van der Werf offers us a much-needed resource which not only addresses the theory of Open Building, but also presents real-life examples from his years of practice. Having had the privilege of visiting Molenvliet many years ago, I remember the impact it had on me in terms of its human scale and spatial hierarchies, but also because of van der Werf’s response when I asked, “why is that window lower than the others”, he simply replied “the occupant is a wheelchair user.”
I believe that Open Building should be the way in which we practice architecture. It should become the way that we teach and practice. The concept of Open Building is timeless and its principles are universal."
Amira Osman, Professor, Architecture and Industrial Design, Tshwane University of Technology; Past President: The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA)
"This is a well-organized and graphically coherent volume. Although the author is reflecting on 40 years of practice -there is an energy and immediacy to his writing as if these projects are under development now. The projects are well-illustrated by iterative process drawings, diagrams and photographs. In addition, the ubiquitous pen and ink vignettes by Kees Gunneweg provide both coherency and delight."
John Dale, FAIA. Principal, Synchronis. President and Co-Founder, The Council on Open Building
