Msc architecture, urbanism and building sciences Graduation studio advanced housing booklet

1
Faculty of architecture, Technical university of Delft
From Abandoned to Abundant
A Study of Revitalizing
Post-Industrial Environments
for a Productive City
Dirk Janus
17-05-2023

2 3
Graduation Studio Advanced Housing Design Faculty of architecture, Technical university of Delft
R
Preface
This booklet showcases the final project of my Master of Architecture degree at
TU Delft, which was developed during the Advanced Housing Design graduation
studio. The project focuses on Dutch housing design and aims to create an
inclusive living environment. The main question addressed in the project is how
the mixed-use ideology can be rethought through a historical perspective to
address the expulsion of the productive economy from cities. This is especially
relevant in the context of densely populated urban areas in the Netherlands.
My personal interest in mixing urban functions stems from a dislike of one-
sided urban areas, such as large industrial sites and residential suburbs. I
believe that strict functional separation of areas is not necessary, and I have
always sought ways to bring different functions together. A mixed-use urban
environment is not only important from a spatial perspective, but also from
a social standpoint, as it can lead to a more sustainable and attractive city
where people, products, and goods do not have to travel long distances.
During this graduation project, my focus was on how architecture can
encourage interaction between different functions of cities and promote a
truly inclusive mixed-use city landscape. The research not only explored what
these functions entail but also how we can create a more just city for different
societal groups.
The proposed design location for this project is a plot along the Keile-haven in
the Merwe-vierhaven area, a former harbor area in the west of Rotterdam. The
design is aimed at income groups and encourages interaction between them,
as Rotterdam’s population is expected to grow mainly in families, the elderly,
and starters in the coming decade.
I am proud to present my work titled ‘from Abandoned to Abundant’ A study
on revitalizing Post-industrial environments for a productive city, which is the
result of my research and design work over the past year. I would like to thank
my tutors for their guidance during this final project, as I have learned a great
deal during the process. I hope you find this booklet enjoyable to read. - Dirk
Janus.
Colophon
Author: Dirk Janus
Studytrack: Msc Architecture, Urbanism building
sciences
institute: Delft University of Technology
Date: 18-04-23
Advisors Committee:
Ir. Olv Klijn - Assistant Professor
Department of Architecture (AR) - TUD
Architecture Mentor
Dr. Anne Kockelkorn - Assistant Professor
Department of Architecture (AR) - TUD
Research Mentor
Ir. Ferry Adema - Assistant Professor
Department of Architectural Engineering
+ Technology (AE+T) - TUD
Building Engineering Mentor
Keywords
Productive city, space-extensive industry, work-
home, urban redevlopment, the creative class

4 5
R
206
314
Research
Introduction
Topic, theme of investigation
problem statement and research
Relevance
personal motivation
theoretical framework
methodology
1. The split
1.1 definition of the mixed-use ideology
1.2 the pre-industrial urban mix
1.3 influence of industrial revolution
1.4 the post-war urban mix
1.5 The contemporary mixed-Use City
1.6 Downside contemporary urbanism
1.7 sub-conclusion
2. The productive city
2.1 Productive city
2.2 for whom?
2.3 spatial justice
2.4 intersections
2.5 benefits, drawbacks and policies
2.6 sub-conclusion
3. the Keile-mix
3.1 Tender Keilecollectief
3.2 Concept 1
3.3 Concept 2
3.4 Concept 3
3.5 sub-conclusion
Research Conclusion
Recommendations
Table of contents
Design
4. Principles
4.1 Usergroup
4.2 Leitmotifs for Building technology
5. Urban design
5.1 Masterplan drawing 1:1000
5.2 Site plan 1:500
5.3 urban diagrams
5.4 urban Sections
6. Programmatic diagrams
6.1 program bar (% of GFA / function) i
6.2 circulational system
6.3 dwelling typologies
6.4 infrastructural support diagrams

7. Plan drawings
7.1 floorplans 1:100
7.2 sections 1:100
7.3 Elevations 1:100
7.4 Floorplans of dwellings 1:50
7.5 Details
8. Technical diagram
8.1 The load-bearing structure
8.2 circulation system
8.3 Climate design
8.4 Sustainability principles
8.5 Relation to the context
8.6 Explain on construction proces
8.7 Materialisation
Reflection
Bibliography
Appendix A B
06 110
124
152
154
14
44
54
102
108
300
322

6 7
R
Cities in Europe are undergoing a significant
transformation as more people migrate from rural areas
to urban centers. Eurostat (2016) estimates suggest
that by 2050, over 80% of the European population
will live in cities, presenting a daunting challenge for
urban planners who must accommodate the growing
population within already heavily urbanized areas.
Many cities have responded by converting industrial
and port areas into new mixed-use residential
zones, with a primary focus on housing, offices, bars,
shops, and restaurants. Unfortunately, this approach
has displaced existing productive industries, which
are often pushed to the periphery or out of the city
entirely, causing spatial injustice and limiting space
for industrial activity in urban centers.
0.2 problem statement and research question
The negative consequences of displacing the
productive economy from urban areas can be
addressed by exploring opportunities to reintroduce
industry into these areas using cleaner and more
sustainable methods. The Merwe-vierhaven in
Rotterdam offers an example through a design
tender where the “productive city” concept is being
implemented to create an inclusive mixed-use city
block configuration, serving as a potential solution
to this issue. This research therefor explored this
approach by examining the historical background of
the mixed-use city. By re-imagining the current mixed-
use ideology, the study seeks to address the expulsion
of the productive economy from cities and prioritize an
inclusive economic environment and spatial justice.
The central focus of my research was to answer the
question;
“How can the expulsion of the productive economy
from cities be addressed by rethinking the mixed-
use ideology through a historical perspective?”
Hoek van Holland
Maassluis
Rozenburg
Vlaardingen
Schiedam
Rotterdam
Pernis
Hoogvliet
Brielle
Oostvoorne
General cargo/ Containers
Wet bulk storage
Dry bulk
Distribution
Chemicals/ Refineries/ Energy
Other activities
M4h
Project location
Vlaardingen
Schiedam
Rotterdam
Pernis
Hoogvliet
General cargo/ Containers
Wet bulk storage
Dry bulk
Distribution
Chemicals/ Refineries/ Energy
Other activities
Hoek van Holland
Maassluis
Rozenburg
Vlaardingen
Schiedam
Rotterdam
Pernis
Hoogvliet
Brielle
Oostvoorne
Dwelling
Mixed-use Dwelling/ Working
M4h
Project location
Hoek van Holland
Maassluis
Rozenburg
Vlaardingen
Schiedam
Rotterdam
Pernis
Hoogvliet
Brielle
Oostvoorne
Dwelling
Mixed-use Dwelling/ Working
Fig. 1.a: 2023 “function mix Rotterdams’ port”, source: by author Fig. 1.b: ‘ Vision of a mix-used port of rotterdam”, source: by author
2023 2050
Introduction

8 9
R
Relevance
This issue surrounding urban planning and spatial
justice had been extensively studied, drawing on the
work of experts from various fields. In a 2013 article
titled “Open city or the right to the city?” published in
the magazine Topos, Neil Brenner, an urban theorist at
the University of Chicago, argued that the mixed-use
ideology, which aimed to promote diversity, had been
used to justify the exclusion of low-skilled workers.
Brenner asserted that the “open city” should be
accessible to all, but in reality, it primarily benefited high-
skilled workers and profited developers and investors.
Saskia Sassen, a sociologist and economist, attributed
disparities in living and working conditions to the
prioritization of the service economy by cities, creating
a spatial and social mismatch for many inhabitants.
In her book “The Global City,” (2018, p. 29-30) Sassen
emphasized how transnational business and financial
centers had become disconnected from their
hinterlands and national economies. Consequently,
while highly skilled professionals have many job
opportunities in the city, low-skilled workers are
left with limited employment prospects. Kristiaan
Borret, a Belgian architect and professor, discussed
the productive city concept as a solution in his 2021
article ‘Building better Brussels’, which aimed to create
jobs for blue-collar workers within the city. These
researchers emphasized different concerns about
the spatial justice of contemporary urbanism and
stressed the importance of urban planning to prioritize
the needs of vulnerable and low-skilled city dwellers.
Fig. 2: “Hinterland of Rotterdams’ harbor” source: by author
Amsterdam
Rotterdam
Arnhem
Köln
Namur
Luxembourg
Frankfurt

10 11
R
personal motivation
However, the literature lacks exploration of the
‘productive city’s potential to promote inclusive
urbanism, which led to my personal motivation to
investigate ways to create a configuration that can
accommodate the diverse needs of a complex urban
environment. Through my research, I found that the
productive city concept offers a unique opportunity
to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and justice in
urban planning and at a smaller scale in the dwelling
typology. As a city dweller myself, I am fascinated
by the way people interact with their environment
and how we can design cities that better support
our diverse needs. By providing recommendations
on how to alternatively implement a mixed-use
approach to urban transformations of post-industrial
areas, my research has the potential to inform the
development of more vibrant, dynamic, and livable
communities as the vision depicted in Figure 1.a-b.
theoretical framework
The theoretical framework for this research is based on
four key concepts: the mixed-use city, spatial justice,
productive economy, and the productive city concept.
Mixed-use urbanism integrates different land uses to
create vibrant neighborhoods, but it has been criticized
for displacing existing industries. Spatial justice
aims to address social and economic inequalities
in urban areas and is advocated by Dr. Caroline
Newton as a guiding principle for future city planning.
Urban planner Johannes Novy proposes in his 2022
research paper that bringing back productive functions
into cities through the productive city concept can
revitalize areas, offer jobs to diverse workers, and
provide opportunities for low-skilled workers. The
productive economy, which focuses on creation and
distribution of goods and services, has been displaced
from urban areas due to the rise of the service economy.
Novy suggests that integrating manufacturing back
into cities can also lead to environmental and social
benefits. However, prioritizing economic growth over
social concerns could lead to gentrification and
displacement of low-income residents.
methodology
This research aims to address the issue of the
displacement of the productive economy from cities by
rethinking the mixed-use ideology through a historical
perspective. The study consists of three chapters, each
examining a different aspect of the issue. The first
chapter analyzes the historical background of mixed-
use urbanism through a literature study and practical
examples. The second chapter explores the concept of
the productive city and how it helps to foster a more
just city in relation to urban planning. The chapter also
outlines a specification of four distinct urban functions
that form a part of the proposal for the configuration
of the design tenders’ programming. The third
chapter examines the implications of the theoretical
framework through the use of analyzing different
case studies. Also, an analysis is made that looks at
how the productive city influences the design of the
dwelling typology. The conclusion presents practical
recommendations from the findings of these chapters
for the implementation of a re-imagined mixed-use
approach to urban planning at the Merwe-vierhaven
location. These recommendations aim to support the
needs of diverse urban communities and promote
an inclusive economic environment that supports
different scales and forms of productivity.

12 13
R Framework
The Objective of My Overall Design
was to formulate a proposal for a mixed-use urban city block that includes
sides of the productive economy to combat its exclusion out of urban
areas
The elaboration of the Keile-mix proposal
the design ambitions
Incorporating the four categorized functions into the Keile-mix
How I used research to reach this goal:
1. A historical analysis of Rotterdam's mixed-use city paradigm was
conducted to trace the roots of its contemporary functional differenti-
ation and visualize its future prospects .
2. The second research step involved linking these findings with the
productive city concept, aiming to comprehend the demographics of
its inhabitants and the reasons behind its capacity to promote spatial
justice, as well as its importance for achieving urban sustainability.
3. The third step involved formulating a categorization of four urban
function categories based on the research findings, in order to create
an inclusive urban-mix approach for configuring a city block for the
Keile tender
4. The focus of the fourth step was on the development of multiple
conceptualizations based on the identified functions, as well as the
examination of different practical case studies to reflect upon them .
5. Conclusion, The final step comprises selecting a functional configu-
ration that will be further developed as a mixed-use approach known
as the Keile-mix in the second part of the booklet.
R
D
2. A housing arrangement catering to different age groups, allowing
individuals to relocate within the city block for various life stages
3. Enveloping this programming within an energy-efficient building that
lasts over 100 years and enhances the city's ecologies and biotopes
Student amilies
Starters
The service
related
functions of the
Keile-mix
The social
reproductive-
function of the
Keile-mix
The productive
function of the
keile-mix
The supportive
economy
function of the
keile-mix
energy efficiency Durable architecture Nature inclusive
F
s

The Split
14 15
R
“
W
h
a
t
a
r
e
t
h
e
h
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
a
l
c
o
n
c
e
p
t
i
o
n
s
a
n
d
i
n
c
a
r
n
a
t
i
o
n
s
o
f
t
h
e
m
i
x
e
d
-
u
s
e
c
i
t
y
p
a
r
a
d
i
g
m
s
i
n
c
e
t
h
e
a
d
v
e
n
t
o
f
t
h
e
i
n
d
u
s
t
r
i
a
l
r
e
v
o
l
u
t
i
o
n
?
”

16 17
R
This chapter explores the historical evolution of
the mixed-use city paradigm, shedding light on its
contemporary limitations. It delves into the impact
of events such as the industrial revolution and the
modernism movement on urban design and society.
The central research question that this chapter
addresses is: “What are the historical conceptions and
incarnations of the mixed-use city paradigm since
the advent of the industrial revolution?”. This chapter
establishes a coherent timeline of the mixed-use city’s
evolution in Rotterdam through a literature review and
case studies. Appendix A provides comprehensive
background information on the designated time
period. Some of the Wfindings of this analysis will be
illustrated as personal interpretations and reflections
in the form of diagrams, showcasing the typologies
of mixed-use cities across four time periods.
1.1 definition of the mixed-use ideology
Firstly, to better understand the paradigm of the mixed-
use city, it is important to establish a clear distinction
in its terminology. In her 2022 work “What’s in the Mix?”,
Inbal Ben-Asher Gitler, a senior lecturer of architecture
at Sapir College, highlighted an essential difference
between mixed-use housing and mixed-use zoning.
While mixed-use housing is intrinsically linked to the
larger urban plan, it is important to differentiate it from
other aspects of mixed-use urban planning (Gitler,
2022, p. 280). Gitler explains that mixed-use housing
broadly refers to homes that integrate functions
outside the housing unit, at the scale of the building
typology. This kind of architecture integrates housing
and additional urban functions that were historically
separated either structurally or by divisions into zones
and neighborhoods. While, mixed-use zoning refers to
the arrangement of different urban functions within the
The Split
scale of the neighborhood and the city block, to create
an integrated urban environment that intermingles
various functions. Accurately defining these two types
requires recognizing them as both a cultural issue and
a design strategy that varies according to time and
place. An important aspect of their implementation is
determining the appropriate scale and specification
of the urban function types, which belong to different
hierarchies within the city. This distinction is crucial
in understanding the complex relationship between
mixed-use architecture and urbanism and how they
shape the urban environment. As depicted in Figure
3, ‘a distinction between mixed-use architecture and
urbanism’.
Figure 3: ‘Scales of a mixed-use city
source: By author

18 19
R
1.2 the pre-industrial urban mix
According to the work of historian and urban planner,
Lewis Mumford, pre-industrial urban mixes in Europe
were characterized by a close relationship between
their residential and productive functions. In his
book “The City in History” (1961, p. 51 - 64), Mumford
argues that in pre-industrial cities, the majority of
the population was engaged in production activities,
such as craftsmanship and agriculture, which were
often carried out in or near their homes.The artwork
depicted in Figure 4, “Rotterdam, Waterstad” by Dutch
painter Johannes de Vou, created in 1695, illustrates
the spatial organization of the city’s productive land
use. Specifically, it depicts how the city’s agricultural
lands were situated right outside the cities boundaries,
while other productive activities were concentrated
within the city’s walls. Mumford explains that this
Figure 4: “Rotterdam, Waterstad” by “Johannes de Vou, created in 1664” source:
https://www.roterodamum.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/•-Atlas-Rotterdam-
1694-SAR-2017.03.09.pdf
Figure 5: “Old houses, Rottedam” by “Cornelis Christiaan Dommelshuizen, created
in 1882” Source: https://www.invaluable.com/v2/auction-lot/cornelis-christiaan-
dommersen-dutch-1842-1928-old-233-c-z8xkj9tgqq

20 21
R
resulted in a spatial organization where residential
areas were intermixed with productive spaces, and
where the city was divided into neighborhoods based
on the type of production that took place there. Figure
6, the ‘pre-industrial landscape of the city’, shows this
hierarchy of the city. This type of organization led to
a high degree of self-sufficiency within the city, and
a close connection between the residents and their
work. Additionally, this organization of cities reinforced
the sense of community and social interaction
between residents, who were often engaged in similar
activities. In the painting, shown in figure 5: ‘Old houses,
Rotterdam , 1882’ by Dutch painter ‘Cornelis Christiaan
Dommelshuizen’ the former pre industrial organization
can be traced back. As the painting shows, trade and
movement of people and products where small in
scale and locally organized.
Figure 6: pre-industrial landscape of the city, source: by author
Figure 7: pre-industrial city-block, source: by author
Frances Hollis an academic who focuses on labor
history and work-life balance writes in her 2018
research, “Work Home,” about this urban mix in the
context of the home typology. Prior to the Industrial
Revolution, Hollis argues that living and working in the
same building was a common practice and a guiding
principle for creating towns and cities that could be
mostly self-sufficient. These mixed-use buildings were
tall and narrow, with shops on the ground floor and
workshops and warehouses with living quarters above
and behind. Figure 8.A 8.B, showcase this building
typology. They were densely packed in narrow streets,
resulting in vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
Hollis emphasizes that the mixing of uses was essential
to the creation of these bustling neighborhoods. She
Harbor
transport of products and
people largely by wate
Backstreet
informal access for
servants and carriages
Courtyard
Combination of gardens
and work places
City block
outer edge made up of
houses and warehouses

22 23
R
further explains that buildings were maximized by
locating urban blocks around semi-public courtyards,
a concept known as the “soft edge.” Fig. 7 ‘pre-industrial
city-block’ shows a depiction of this typology. These
type of buildings were often designed specifically for
the dual function of living and working, and referred
to as a house with additional qualifications such as
bakery, bathhouse, or weaver’s house.
Figures 8.A and 8.B showcase the building typology
of the pre-industrial mix as described by Hollis, which
is based on the traditional canal house typology
found in the Netherlands, particularly in the Holland
provinces. These buildings featured business spaces
on the ground floor, with informal home functions
situated on the upper floors. Storage spaces were
commonly located above, utilizing built-in cranes
in the building facades to lift products to the attic
level. Additional functions such as the kitchen,
Figure 8.a: pre-industrial building typology source: by author
Warehouse
storage for goods
and bulk materials
Carriage house
and living quarters
for the servants
canal house
Main residence for the
merchants and his family
Figure 8.b: pre-industrial building typology source: by author

24 25
R
carriage house, and living quarters for servants
were situated at the back of the house, accessible
through a back street and facing the courtyard.
1.3 influence of industrial revolution
Mumford (1961, p. 143 - 161) argues that the industrial
revolution led to a separation of this urban mix
categorized by residential and productive activities,
resulting in a shift towards one-sided urban
configurations. As shown in figure 11; ‘industrial
landscape of the city’. Castells, a sociologist, urban
planner, and economist, argues in “The City and the
Grassroots” (1983, p. 27-37) that the factory system
was the primary factor behind this transition. This
steam-powered invention became the dominant
mode of production, increasing productivity levels and
attracting many new workers to the city. Despite the
Figure 9: “City Plan of Rotterdam” by M. Wyt Zonen, created in 1923
Residential function: (1) Spangen
productive function: (2) Merwe-vierhaven
source: https://hdl.handle.net/21.12133/BFC9DF8E6D0641ACBB19D382F6B86F4B
(1)
(2)
Figure 10: “Justus van Effenblok, spangen” by “Architect Michiel Brinkman, created
in 1918” Source: https://www.archined.nl/molenaar/project/29760-justus-van-
effenblok-te-rotterdam/

26 27
R
rise of factory work, Hollis (2018) argues that home-
based work continued during this time, but it faced
opposition from various groups. Employers for example
disapproved of the loss of control over their employees,
labor unions feared the exploitation of an unregulated
workforce and the undermining of the male family wage
campaign, while social reformers linked the practice
to poor sanitation and overcrowding. Conservative
opinion upheld that a woman’s place should be in the
domestic sphere, rather than in the workforce. This
opposition ultimately led to a gendered division, where
women were primarily associated with the domestic
sphere, and men participated in external productive
activity outside of the home. Additionally, the rapid
influx of workers led to the formation of new working-
class neighborhoods with poor living conditions and a
lack of basic services. The one-sidedness of these new
Figure 11: industrial landscape of m4h and residantial area of Spangen, 1920,
source: https://www.antennerotterdam.nl/read/antenne_item/id/170981/achter-de-
spoordijk-lag-de-polder
urban configurations resulted in new forms of political
consciousness among the urban working classes and
the emergence of labor and socialist movements,
contributing to the beginning of other forms of urban
spatial organization in the latter half of the industrial
revolution . In his article “Rotterdam’s manufacturing”
(2018), Han Meyer, a professor in Theory and Methods
of Urban Design at the Technological University Delft,
discussed this transition in relation to the city of
Rotterdam. He describes that the city transformed itself
from a staple market system in the late 19th century to
a modern port city focused on the throughput of bulk
and raw materials, as well as port-related industries.
This shift led to a transition of the city of Rotterdam
from a mercantile town, where a handful of merchant
families played a significant role in shaping the city
and market, to an industrial town with industrialists
Figure 12: City block Justus-van-Effencomplex
source: https://rotterdamwoont.nl/app/uploads/2018/01/2.1922.1-projectblad-Justus-2e-
restauratie-1.pdf
M4h
Industrial landscape of
m4h and Keile-haven
Spangen
Residential area with
a stark contrast

28 29
R
Figure 13.a: Elevation courtyard Justus-van-Effencomplex with gallery access
source: by author
and their workforce. Zoning regulations and physical
barriers were implemented in some instances to
separate these new productive areas from the cities
residential areas. The painting, shown in figure 9, “City
Plan of Rotterdam” by M. Wyt Zonen, created in 1923,
illustrates the expansion of Rotterdam. The Merwe
Vierhaven Area, located on the western flank of the
city’s expansion, is prominently featured as a large
and distinct new harbor that is situated away from the
historic city center. The residential neighborhood of
Spangen, shown in figure 10; Justus van Effenblok’, just
north of this new harbor, was developed in response
to the poor living conditions of the overcrowded
inner city (Admin, 2018). The residential neighborhood
prioritized livability with green spaces and wide streets,
influenced by rationalism as a response to historicism.
P. Verhagen’s urban design, overseen by Berlage,
allocated building blocks to multiple architects for
careful consideration of architectural quality. This
approach included lower-level apartments and
upper-level maisonettes, as shown in Figure 12, 13.A
13.B, depicting the urbanism approach in relation to
city blocks and building typology.
Figure 13.b: industrial building typology
N
82
84 86 88 90 92 94
96
98
100
102
104
106
108
110
112
114
116
118
120
122
124
142
140
138
136
134
132
130
144
146
148
150
152
154
160
162
164
166
168
170
172
174
83
85 87 89 91 93 95
97
99
101
103
107
109
111
113
115
117
119
121
123
125
127
129
131
133
135
137
139
147
149
151
153
155
163
165
167
169
171
173
175
177
179
141
157
A5
C8
C8
B2
B2
B3
B3
B1
B1
B2
B2
C7
C7
C7
B3
B1
C7
B3
B2
B2
B4
B4
B2
B3
C7
C7
C7
A7
C7
A1
A1
C7
A2
A2
C7
C7
C7
B3
C6
B4
B2
B1
B4
B3
C7
C7
D3
D1
C7
D2
C12
C7
B2
C7
B1
C7
B3
C7
C7
C7
C7
B2
C7
B1
B1
B1
B4
B4
C16
A1
B4
A1
B1
B1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
B1
B2
B4
A6
C14
112
114
116
118
B1
B2
B2
B1
144
146
B2
B1
160
162
B2
B1
84 86
B2 B1
92 94
B1 B2
93 95
B1 B2
85 87
B2 B1
121
123
B2 B1
153
155
B1
B2
75
77
B2
B1
Figure 13.b: Justus-van-Effencomplex, typology analysis
source: by author

30 31
R
Figure 14: “Rotterdam, Waterstad” by “Johannes de Vou, created in 1664” source:
https://www.roterodamum.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/•-Atlas-Rotterdam-
1694-SAR-2017.03.09.pdf
1.4 the post-war urban mix
These examples highlight how Rotterdam moved away
from its pre-industrial urban design to a separation
of areas with a focus on large-scale industrial
production for economic efficiency and industrialists’
interests, and areas mainly dedicated to residential
functions, prioritizing the well-being of city residents.
The destruction of Rotterdam’s mixed-use city center
during World War II posed the question of how the
city should be rebuilt, prompting city architect ir.
W.G. Witteveen to propose a reconstruction plan. The
plan aimed to enhance traffic flow, improve building
aesthetics, and eliminate slums while preserving
closed building blocks and traditional architectural
designs, the plan was officially adopted in 1941 (Plan
Witteveen, het eerste wederopbouw plan, z.d.).
Figure 15: “Maastorenflat, Rotterdam” by architect Herman Bakker, created in
1956” Source :https://wederopbouwrotterdam.nl/artikelen/maastorenflat
Figure 7: ir. W.G. Witteveens’ proposal for rebuilding rotterdam
source:

32 33
R
Figure 16: post-war urbanism of Rotterdam
source: https://nieuws.top010.nl/lijnbaan-rotterdam.htm
However, from 1942 onwards, a group of Rotterdam
businesspeople led by C.H. van der Leeuw, the director
of Van Nelle, along with like-minded architects,
criticized Witteveen’s plans, as they believed that the
reconstruction of Rotterdam was primarily an economic
issue, rather than an aesthetic one.Most industrialists
favored this group of architects, like W. van Tijen and
J.H. van den Broek. This group eventually won out, and
the city center was designed primarily for commercial
spaces based on economic considerations, resulting
in a lack of residential housing. Figure 14, ‘het basisplan
van Van Traa, 1946’, illustrates this new urbanism for
Rotterdam during the rebuilding period, with numerous
retail and office buildings serving as the primary
functions of the city center. Figure 16 and 17 depicts this
urban approach relating to the cities landscape and
the neighborhood configuration during this period.
Gitler (2022, p. 282-284) adds, that while the principle
of urban function segregation was the leading
approach during Rotterdams’ reconstruction, there
was also a growing desire among some modernists
to reimagine dwellings with additional productive
functions. Architects such as Le Corbusier promoted
this idea, with Le Corbusier’s Unités d’Habitation
complex integrating dwelling with urban functions. The
mixed-use buildings were constructed as multistory
buildings of exposed concrete with interlaced
balconies, promoting communality and accessibility
to modern urban functions. The idea of mixed-
use dwellings stood in stark contrast to the zoning
proposed in the functional city theory. One opponent
Figure 17: post-war urbanism, showing lijnbaan as the primary shopping street
source: https://nieuws.top010.nl/lijnbaan-rotterdam.htm

34 35
R
of the modernistic segregation of the city is Colin Ward,
a British architectural historian and writer and wrote in
his book “The Child in the City” (1978, p.164 - 176) that
the modernist urban planners have dismissed the
complexity of human life and that the modernist urban
plan of zoning the city into separate and specialized
areas for living, working, and recreation resulted in a
fragmented and dehumanized city. He criticized the
modernist urban planning, which sought to separate
work and residential functions of the city, arguing that it
led to an increased distance between people’s homes
and places of work, and that this increased distance
made it more difficult for people to participate in the
social and economic life of the city. Buildings like the
Maastorenflat, build in 1956, shown in Figure 15, is a
good example of this new interpretation of mixed-
use typologies in Rotterdams’ city centre. The building
was designed as a stack of functions, with shops and
offices in the first layers of the plinth, then a transition
layer, and residences above, each with a different
external design, shown in figure 18.A 18.B.
Figure 18. Urban setting Maastoren flat, 1957
source: https://wederopbouwrotterdam.nl/artikelen/maastorenflat
Building typology
Figure 18.b: Maastoren flat elevation and function configuration
source: by author
Residential
Offices
Stores

36 37
R
1.5 The contemporary mixed-Use City
During the period of 1970s to 1990s, Rotterdam saw a
significant reduction in its industrial and port activities,
primarily due to the construction of larger ports
upstream that could handle bigger container ships.
The authors, Brian Doucet, Ronald van Kempen, and
Jan van Weesep, discuss in their 2011 article “Resident
Perceptions of Flagship Waterfront Regeneration”
how these former industrial sites and waterfronts are
being transformed into gentrified spaces that prioritize
consumption and post-industrial development as
a trend that takes places in many cities across the
Western world. They explain that the waterfront closer
to Rotterdams’ city center became obsolete, and by
the 1980s, large sections of the city’s riverfront were
abandoned. Despite Rotterdam’s economic and social
problems, in the late 1980s, plans were first drawn up
Figure 19: “Masterplan Rijnhaven” by “Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates,
created in 2021” source: https://mvvainc.com/projects/rijnhavenpark
Figure 20: “Rijnhaven, Rotterdam” by Barcode architects, created in 2019”
Source: https://barcodearchitects.com/projects/masterplan-rijnhaven-
rotterdam/

38 39
R
Figure 21: post-industrial landscape of Rijnhaven and Wilheminapier,
source: https://nieuws.top010.nl/codrico-terrein-herontwikkeling.htm
for the redevelopment of the south side of the river
opposite the city center, known as the Kop van Zuid. As a
waterfront regeneration project, this approach aimed to
modernize the mixed-use city concept by incorporating
high-end housing, office spaces, restaurants, cultural
facilities, supermarkets, neighborhood stores, a college,
and associated student housing (Doucet et al., 2011).
Figure 19, gives an overview of the site. While figure 20
depicts the urbanity of the area designed by Barcode
architects in 2019.
The Masterplan Rijnhaven, a project commissioned
by the Rotterdam municipality in 2019 and designed
by Barcode Architects, proposes the creation of new
land by draining a section of the harbor basin along
the southern bank of the Nieuwe Maas river. The plan
envisions the development of a new city park and
mixed-use city blocks, serving as a second city center
Figure 22: post-industrial city-blocks of Rijnhaven
source: https://rotterdamsedromers.nl/2019/09/24/rijnhaven-marina-
maakt-van-rijnhaven-internationale-toplocatie/
to enhance connectivity between the North and South
of Rotterdam. With approximately 2,000 to 2,500 new
homes, offices, and urban facilities, the plan aims to
contribute to the city’s densification goals. The high-
rise buildings in the proposed development will feature
green roof gardens and small-scale commercial
spaces in the plinth (Barcode, 2022).
Another collaborative project between the municipality
and renowned architects is the transformation of
the Codrico terrain, a former industrial land, into an
extension of the Masterplan Rijnhaven. The Codrico
Factory, a listed heritage site, will be restored and
converted into a space for living, working, leisure,
and culture. (Powerhouse Company - The Codrico

40 41
R
Figure 23.a: the Rotterdam, building function configuration
source: https://www.archdaily.com/451377/de-rotterdam-
oma/528faecce8e44e5368000221-de-rotterdam-oma-program-section
Terrain, 2022). The project aims to activate the
waterfront, create new public spaces, and incorporate
extraordinary architecture that celebrates Rotterdam’s
industrial heritage. Key design principles of this
urban approach can be seen in figures 21 and 22,
showcasing the contemporary urbanism of the area.
An example of the mixed-use building typology that
was implemented in this scheme is Rem Koolhaas’
De Rotterdam project, completed in 2013. The
building is designed as a vertical city, consisting
of three interconnected towers that house offices,
apartments, a hotel, conference facilities, shops,
restaurants, and cafes. The goal of the towers is
to revive the vibrant urban activity, such as trade,
transport, and leisure, that was once present in the
neighborhood. (OMA, z.d.). Figure 23.A 23.B shows
the configuration of the building as a vertical city.
Figure 23.b: Section de Rotterdam
source: https://www.archdaily.com/451377/de-rotterdam-
oma/528faecce8e44e5368000221-de-rotterdam-oma-program-section

42 43
R 1.6 Downside contemporary urbanism
However, the success of the revitalization of the
Rijnhaven hinge on the expulsion of the Codrico
factory, a significant stakeholder in the area and a
contributor to the local economy that employs many
low-skilled workers. This raises the question of why
the city is promoting a mixed-use city approach that
displaces productive functions to make way for high-
end housing and workspaces for skilled and high-
educated professionals.
1.7 sub-conclusion
At the beginning of this chapter, the question was
raised regarding the different historical interpretations
of the urban paradigm for a mixed use city. The
historical research focused on Rotterdam, revealing
that before industrialization, the urban mix was a
collection of neighborhoods with a blend of residential
and productive functions, facilitated by the typology
of the work-home. With the emergence of industrial
production techniques, new city expansions aimed for
configurations where economic interests and residential
well-being were separated. After the bombing during
World War II, a new search for interpretation and
meaning of the city center arose, ultimately resulting
in a configuration consisting mainly of commercial
spaces for businesses and retailers. However, this
one-sided interpretation left a need for a better mix
of housing and productive functions, which was
addressed by the Maastorenflat, taking the first steps in
this direction. As industrial and port activities declined
in the late 20th century, there was a need to revitalize
these areas by adopting a mixed-use city approach.
This was in response to the poor function mix of the city
center. However, the pursuit of this mixed-use approach
led to the expulsion of productive functions that were
deemed unsuitable for the new urban mix. This resulted
in marginalized groups and low-skilled workers facing
unfair treatment and fewer job opportunities.

“
I
n
w
h
a
t
w
a
y
s
d
o
e
s
t
h
e
p
r
o
d
u
c
t
i
v
e
c
i
t
y
c
o
n
c
e
p
t
a
d
v
a
n
c
e
s
e
q
u
i
t
a
b
l
e
d
i
s
t
r
i
b
u
t
i
o
n
o
f
r
e
s
o
u
r
c
e
s
a
n
d
o
p
p
o
r
t
u
n
i
t
i
e
s
i
n
u
r
b
a
n
p
l
a
n
n
i
n
g
t
h
r
o
u
g
h
t
h
e
l
e
n
s
o
f
s
p
a
t
i
a
l
j
u
s
t
i
c
e
?
”
The Productive city
44 45
R

46 47
R
Building on Ward’s critique of the dehumanizing effects of
strict separation and segregation of urban functions, this
chapter explores the concept of the “productive city” as a
strategy for promoting equitable access to resources and
opportunities in the urban mix. The chapter aims to answer
the question of how the productive city concept advances
equitable distribution of resources and opportunities in
urban planning through the lens of spatial justice. Through
a theoretical exploration of spatial justice theory and the
productive city concept, the chapter will discuss potential
benefits and drawbacks of this urban remixing approach,
and consider measures for achieving equitable outcomes
in productive city planning. Ultimately, the chapter aims to
contribute to a better understanding of how the productive
city can advance spatial justice and promote a mixed-used
city that better fits the needs of contemporary urbanism
and its challenges.
2.1 Productive city
Firstly, to understand the origins of the productive city
concept, it is crucial to recognize the underlying reasons
for its emergence. Castells (1983, p. 67) explains that in the
second half of the 20th century, many Western European
cities experienced a significant shift in their economies,
transitioning from industrial societies to ones dominated by
theservicesector.Thisshift,evidentinchangesinemployment
composition and production and consumption patterns,
was influenced by factors such as globalization. This led to
the relocation of industrial activities to low-wage countries,
thereby reducing the significance of manufacturing and
The Productive city
industrial sectors in these cities. Meanwhile, the rise of the
knowledge-based economy, brought about new ways of
working. As a result, industries such as finance, healthcare,
education, and professional services became the primary
drivers of economic activity in Western cities. In “The Rise
of the Creative Class,” by Richard Florida, an urban studies
theorist, suggests that this shift resulted in the emergence
of a new creative class (2002, p. 44-49). According to Florida
these individuals are key drivers of economic growth due
to their ability to innovate and contribute to the economy.
Florida notes that the emergence of the creative class can
be traced back to the 1960s in Western countries and that this
group has become increasingly important to the economy
and society, particularly with the rise of the information age
(2002, p. 60).
Because of this shift, there was a common belief in urban
discourse in Europe that manufacturers in cities were no
longer relevant and relics of the past. However, this view
changed in the first decade of the 21st century when the
concept of the productive city emerged (Borret, 2021). One
researcher who has written about this new desire of bringing
back the productive economy into the urban mix is Matthew B.
Crawford, a philosopher and writer. In his book “Shop Class as
Soulcraft” (2009, p. 141 - 144) he explains the maker movement
as a reaction to the deskilling and de-personalization of work
that he saw in the service economy. He argues that the maker
movement represents a resurgence of interest in the kind of
manual work that requires skill, creativity, and autonomy. He
suggests that this movement is not only a response to the

48 49
R
deskilling of the workforce but also a form of resistance to
consumerism, by promoting the idea of individual creativity
and self-sufficiency. Crawford also points out that the maker
movement is also a call for a more sustainable economy
and society, by promoting a culture of repair and reuse.
Borret (2021) also argues that the desire to reintegrate
productive functions in the urban mix includes not only
manufacturing but also maintenance, repair jobs and
creative manufacturing industries such as custom bike
production, craft breweries, and fab labs. He explains that
it is crucial to accommodate ordinary professions such
as building material suppliers and plumbers to support
the daily functioning of the city too. According to Borret,
intermixing these type of productive functions into the fabric
of cities and connecting it to daily life can improve the
hybridization between local, regional and global economies.
This approach can create new opportunities for recycling,
social interactions, and urbanity, ultimately leading to a
more sustainable city.
2.2 for whom?
However, today’s cities have a wider range of work related
functions as described by Crawford, Borret and Florida. The
American journalist Steven Malanga for example contradicts
Florida’s emphasis on the creative class in his 2004 article
“The Curse of the Creative Class” and that it can lead to an
overemphasis on attracting highly educated and skilled
workers at the expense of other groups, such as low-skilled
workers and immigrants, which can lead to exclusion and
marginalization of these groups and erosion of social
cohesion. Florida’s concept of the creative class is too
broad and fails to take into account important distinctions
among different types of workers. It is overly broad because
it lumps together a wide range of occupations that have
little in common beyond being relatively well-educated
and well-paid. It is too narrow because it excludes many
of the key players in the knowledge-based economy, such
as managers and professionals in finance, health care, and
education. His critique suggests that Florida’s theory is overly
simplistic and that it fails to consider important distinctions
among different types of workers.
Sassen (2001, p. 329 - 342) also provides a critique of the
urban mix of productive functions in contemporary western
cities, using the concept of the “global city” and its role in
the global economy. According to Sassen, global cities are
important nodes in the worldwide system of trade, finance,
and communication, managing a significant portion of the
world’s economic transactions, as well as intellectual and
cultural capital. However, Sassen argues that these financial
and business centers are often disconnected from the local
economy and its hinterlands. Although these centers of
advanced producer services are crucial to the creation of
global knowledge, power, and culture, Sassen stresses the
importance of low-skilled workers, such as janitors, security
guards, and food service workers, who are critical to the
smooth functioning of these industries. She believes that
these workers play a vital role in providing basic services that
enable high-skilled workers to perform their jobs effectively.
Sassen asserts that the urban mix of contemporary cities
offers a wide range of job opportunities for highly skilled
workers, but low-skilled workers are often left with few
options. She argues that a city can foster a more innovative
environment by providing job opportunities for all types of
workers, as excluding low-skilled workers can result in labor
market polarization, ultimately damaging the city’s economy.

50 51
R
The significance of social reproduction as explained by
Silvia Federici, an Italian-American academic in her 2019
article titled “Social Reproduction Theory: History, Issues, and
Present Challenges,” is another crucial aspect that these
researchers overlook. As Hollis (2018) explained earlier, the
industrial revolution led to a gendered division of labor,
where women were confined to the domestic sphere,
while men worked outside the home. Federici argues that
women’s work in the domestic sphere is equally essential for
the uphold of the cities functioning. According to Federici,
every mother is a working woman who produces social
wealth through informal and often unacknowledged labor.
She contends that dismissing this essential function of the
city’s productivity denies the productivity of unpaid work
activities, and assumes that a significant portion of the
world’s population is irrelevant to capital accumulation.
2.3 spatial justice
To address these conflicting interests in urban planning, Dr.
Caroline Newton, an architect, urban planner, and political
scientist, emphasizes the need for spatial justice as a guiding
principle, which originated from critical theory as a response
to capitalism and fascism in the 1930s (Blend Ed Newton,
2022). Peter Marcuse further developed this theory into a
pragmatic method called radical urban practice, to address
contemporary urban problems and the right to the city for
all. Spatial justice involves the fair and equitable distribution
of socially valued resources and opportunities in space,
acknowledging that social processes shape the spatiality of
injustice. The right to the city seeks to address inequality in
cities by providing full access to the city and the collective
right to participate in decision-making. The UN’s New Urban
Agenda from 2016 also highlights the necessity of the right
to the city in spatial and urban planning. Edward W. Soja,
an American geographer and professor of urban planning,
discusses the concept of spatial justice, emphasizing
its conscious and deliberate emphasis on the spatial or
geographic aspects of justice and injustice, specifically the
fair and equitable distribution of socially valued resources
and opportunities to use them (Soja, 2009). However, Soja
admits that complete socio-spatial equality are hardly
achievable and every geography has a certain degree of
injustice. Therefore, the selection of intervention locations
becomes a crucial decision.
2.4 intersections
With the clarification of both theory and concept, it becomes
apparent that addressing economic and social inequalities,
acknowledging the diverse needs of communities, and
empowering marginalized groups in decision- making
processes are critical elements to create a just city.
Soja emphasizes that achieving spatial justice is vital for
constructing sustainable, resilient, and equitable cities and
urbanplanningshouldprioritizethisgoalaccordingtoNewton.
This philosophy aligns with the productive city concept,
explained by Borret, which emphasizes the significance
of integrating different economic activities to achieve
parity. While spatial justice centers on social integration,
the productive city strives to offer equal opportunities for
various productive functions in urban areas and their users.
2.5 benefits, drawbacks and policies
However,theproductivecityconcepthasbesidebenefitsalso
some drawbacks, as highlighted by urban planner Johannes
Novy in his research paper “Getting back into the ‘business
of making things’.” Novy suggests that integrating productive

52 53
R
functions back into the city can revitalize areas, offering
stable and well-paid jobs to a diverse range of workers,
enabling individuals with lower levels of education and
experience to gain skills and lift individuals and communities
out of poverty. However, Novy also points out potential
drawbacks, such as prioritizing economic growth over
social concerns, leading to gentrification and displacement
of low-income residents, and requiring significant public
investment. According to Novy, policies for achieving
equality must accompany the productive city approach to
address social concerns and ensure equitable distribution
of resources and opportunities. The approach can promote
economic diversity by encouraging a mix of economic
activities, including manufacturing, service, and creative
industries, which can create jobs and generate revenue.
It can also reduce the concentration of poverty in specific
areas and lead to greater participation from a diverse range
of stakeholders in the planning process. Policymakers must
focus not only on trendy developments but also on essential
operations that keep the city functioning, such as maker-
spaces or mixed-use developments incorporating space for
light-industrial use.
Novy also argues that implementing the productive city
approach also requires considering the kind of producers
and products that are meant, who is politically valued and
supported, and who is not. Financial profit policies have
hindered the approach, creating an unfair division between
industrial and commercial/residential developments. City
officials have often promoted new upscale developments
near industrial sites, leading to displacement of industry
and destruction of mixed-use neighborhoods. This has
resulted in the loss of vibrant, diverse communities and
created a sense of injustice where the benefits of economic
growth are not equitably shared. Another challenge in
implementing the productive city approach is preventing
gentrification, where high-priced goods and services are
introduced in low-income neighborhoods. Novy suggests
that policymakers should prioritize the requirements of the
current local communities and guarantee that they are not
displaced by the arrival of new businesses and inhabitants.
To create a more equitable and sustainable local economy,
existing businesses that have been contributing to the
local economy for a long time should not be overlooked or
displaced.
2.6 conclusion
In conclusion, the research studied how the productive city
concept can promote equitable distribution of resources
and opportunities in urban planning through spatial justice.
Four categories were identified to classify urban functions:
service economy, productive economy, supportive economy,
and social reproduction. These categories can help identify
interventions for inclusive mixed-use configurations in
cities. However, issues like gentrification, displacement,
and economic-focused policies need to be addressed
through equality-promoting policies that consider diverse
communities and marginalized groups. The productive
city concept offers sustainability, economic diversity, and
social integration opportunities, but requires just policies for
implementation.
The service
economy
functio n
The social
reproductive
function
The productive
economy
function
The supportive
economy
function

54 55
R The Keile-mix
54 Graduation Studio Advanced Housing Design
I
n
w
h
a
t
w
a
y
s
c
a
n
t
h
e
‘
K
e
i
l
e
c
o
l
l
e
c
t
i
e
f
’
t
e
n
d
e
r
s
u
c
c
e
s
s
f
u
l
l
y
i
n
t
e
g
r
a
t
e
t
h
e
f
o
u
r
c
a
t
e
g
o
r
i
e
s
i
n
t
o
a
m
i
x
e
d
-
u
s
e
c
o
n
f
i
g
u
r
a
t
i
o
n
?
55
Faculty of architecture, Technical university of Delft
R

56 57
R
The goal of this chapter is to implement the theoretical
framework by applying it to the design challenges of
the ‘Keilecollectief’ tender. In order to meet the design
goals, this analysis seeks to determine how the four
categories of productive functions, as previously
outlined, can be combined. Specifically, the focus of
this research is to explore design strategies that can
formulate a mixed-use configuration for the Keile-
tender, incorporating industry, small-scale commercial
spaces, educational facilities, and housing as the
city’s social reproductive function. In Appendix B, a
comprehensive compilation of analyses relating to
the four different functions can be found in the form
of case studies. This chapter will highlight the primary
findings of this analysis, exemplifying their relevance to
the chosen design approach for the Keile-mix.
3.1 Tender Keilecollectief
Firstly, the Keilecollectief, a group of professionals
dedicated to improving the urban living environment
and the municipality of Rotterdam issued a tender
in September 2022 to develop a mixed-use building
spanning 48,716 m2, divided into 50% residential, 40%
commercial spaces, and 10% public facilities, as
depicted in figure 24; ‘tender program devision. The
initiative aims to promote a mixed-use approach
that includes the productive economy in the form of
traditional and creative manufacturing industries.
Figure 25 highlights the positioning of the plot in relation
to the masterplan of Keile-haven.
The Keile-mix
Figure 24: “tender program devision”
Source: by author
Hub Hub
Makersfoyer
Cars
Two-way traffic
Trucks
One-way traffic
Forklifts
Two-way traffic
Transhipment
Havenallee
Keileweg
Keilestraa
Social reproduction
50%
production
40%
10%
Residential L M S
Figure 25: “masterplan ‘keile-haven’ and tender location”
Source: by author Tim Raijmakers
Location

58 59
R
3.2 casestudy: NovaCity
To properly include these type of functions, it is
important to first examine a practical example of the
productive city concept. NovaCity, an architectural
project by DDS+ and BogdanVan Broeck, is a mixed-
use development located in Anderlecht, Brussels. This
project showcases the productive city approach by
presenting an urban mix of 51% residential and 49%
SME workshops. The project integrates housing units
on top of SME workshops located on the ground
floor, providing a central hub for daily interactions
between residents and business owners. The project
utilizes different public functions and shared spaces
to integrate different programs together, emphasizing
the connection between residential and productive
spaces. However, this approach also has potential
drawbacks, including negative environmental impacts
from industrial equipment and the financial investment
required to build housing on top of factories. Therefore,
a delicate balance had to be achieved between
economic development and preserving the well-being
of the residential community.
NOVA City
Brussels, Belgium
Living, working
2022
DSS+, BogdanBroeck
Kairos, citydev.brussels
15.422 m2
Location:
Program:
Year:
Architect:
Client:
GFA:
Figure 26: Nova city impression,
source: https://www.dds.plus/nl/projects/novacity

60 61
R A
F
G
B C D E
Section Figure 27: section NovaCity, scale 1:700
source: by author
The project’s function of mixing different land uses is clearly
demonstrated in this cross-section taken across the project.
The context is clearly portrayed with the railway infrastructure
and the commercial production spaces serving as buffers
between the residential functions and the rail. A service
road is located between these low-rise buildings, providing
access for freight traffic and separating it from the residential
street. One characteristic feature of this configuration is
that the residences are situated almost entirely on top of
the production spaces, with only their entrances at street
level. To activate the street, commercial spaces have been
added at the ground floor level on the residential street side.
Warehouse / manufacturing spaces
Offices / commercial spaces
Dwellings

62 63
R A
F
G
B C D E
Figure 28: Building fragment A+B NovaCity
source: by author
In this isometric section of the project, a portion of the func-
tional stacking can be observed. The residential units are
arranged in a portico flat typology on top of the produc-
tive spaces of the industrial and office functions. The living
volumes are connected through a gallery circulation. In my
opinion, a significant design principle is the attention given
to the outdoor spaces on the roof of the industry, creating
a second ground level where residents can freely interact
and engage with communal functions that are intentionally
placed on the roof.
Industry
Circulation
Storage compartments
Dwelling
Outdoor spaces
Figure 29: Exploded isometric overview of building fragment A+B
source: by author

64 65
R
C 1
C 2
A
F
G
B C D E
Collective outdoor plateau
There are communal functions
on the roof of the second floor
Roof terraces
roof as an outdoor space to
keep the patio spacious
Passive design
Homes are passively designed
and equipped with solar energy
Parking
Loading and unloading areas
for companies and employees
Warehouses
Used as a buffer between
residential units and railway
Industry entrances
rear entrance for
industrial activities
Pedestrian axis
Axis that brings the different
volumes together
The project represents a new direction in the integration of
urban functions. It demonstrates that it is indeed possible to
take a new look at the mixed-use city approach and that the
productive economy can be a part of urban redevelopment.
The proposed design embodies principles of sustainability,
accessibility, and inclusivity, with a focus on creating a vi-
Figure 30: Isometric overview 1 NovaCity, source: by author
Logistical street
Integral organization
of traffic flows
Makers street
Place where
entrepreneurs meet
Patio
outdoor spaces of residents
combined with gallery access
Small parking lot
due to the proximity of
alternative mobility
Residential street
The street separates
residents from the industry
Public meeting place
forecourt with a coffee
corner for social interaction
Transit-oriented
17 minute ride to Brussels'
central station
Figure 31: Isometric overview 1 NovaCity, source: by author
brant intermeixing of functions. The incorporation of outdoor
spaces on the rooftop of the industrial spaces creates a se-
cond ground level, offering a new type of urban experience
for residents. The project’s findings and proposed principles
offer valuable insights and principles for the future develop-
ment of a mixed-use urban block for the Keile-tender

66 67
R Keile-mix concept 1
Figure 32: Isometric overview Concept 1.A Keile-mix, source: by author
3.3 iteration 1
With these findings a first configuration is proposed,
that features a flexible and scalable production hall
with a modular building structure for productive work
functions. Logistics flow is designed with user needs
in mind, fostering a cooperative entrepreneurial
community. An industrial crane facilitates smooth
product movement across the water. This creates a
creative, adaptive, and collaborative environment,
ensuring safety for workers and visitors (Figure 32).
66
Figure 33: Isometric overview Concept 1.B Keile-mix, source: by author
The next step, shown in Figure 33, involves
configuring the building with a production hall
bordered by living and working units, including
commercial amenities. These units will be five
storeys high, in line with surrounding residential
building heights. An arcade will be introduced at
the boundary of the volumes to create a smooth
transition between public and private spaces.
Various bridges will connect the volumes, creating
an attractive outdoor space at a higher level.
67

68 69
Figure 34: Isometric overview Concept 1.C Keile-mix, source: by author
The requirement for a substantial ground floor area
to accommodate industrial and commercial functi-
ons, coupled with the preference for direct accessi-
bility from ground level, has led to the adoption of a
tower typology for the remaining residential program.
This approach enables high-density living while ensu-
ring that residents have access to natural light, fresh
air, and open space. This design approach strikes a
resemblance of the NovaCity design with a delicate
balance between production and residential functions.
68
Figure 35: Section Concep 1 Keile-mix, source: by author
Figure 36: Isometric function overview Concept 1 Keile-mix, source: by author
Industry
Circulation
Technical spaces
Dwelling
School
Residential
47 %
Ateliers
14 %
Work
22 %
school
6%
school
11 %

70 71
R
3.4 collaborative work environment
The first iteration of the Keile-mix has provided
several key design principles that can be used as a
foundation for further development. However, upon
reflection, it becomes apparent that the design
falls short of achieving the desired inclusive mix,
particularly in relation to the varying scales of
manufacturing enterprises. To cater to businesses of
different sizes, a traditional large-scale manufacturing
facility should be included in addition to small and
medium-sized enterprises that can accommodate
the desired creative manufacturing businesses.
In their book “Offsite Architecture: Constructing the
Future” (2019, p. 98 - 102), architect John Quale and
educator Ryan E. Smith suggest that a large-scale
modular building factory could offer a sustainable
and efficient solution for the housing shortage issue in
Rotterdam. This industrial typology could be supported
by the SME workshops that provide woodworking, metal
fabrication, painting, drywall installation, plumbing,
and cabinet making services, creating a collaborative
work-environment. These workshops could customize
and compliment the modular units produced by the
factory, producing one-of-a-kind buildings tailored to
the specific needs and preferences of each client. By
combining a traditional large-scale manufacturing
facility with smaller, specialized SME workshops, an
inclusive configuration that caters to businesses of all
sizes could be achieved.
The logistics organization for this approach is detailed
in the article “Design for Modular Construction: An
Introduction for Architects” (2019) by James Wilson, a
member of the Editorial Board of Building Green. This
research divides the logistics process of modular
construction into 8 steps, what translates in the need
for specialized zones within the modular factory
itself. In the article “So You Want to Open a Modular
Factory?” (2022), written by Zena Ryder, a British-
Colombian writer specialized in construction, the
process is explained in more details, suggesting that
the space requirements for a modular construction
factory include a minimum area of approximately
1.900 square meters. In addition to the space needed
for the production of the modules, reception areas,
lavatory, a cafeteria, offices for administrative work,
storage for materials and waste, and space for
loading and unloading must also be considered.
Connecting these different scales of production can
be achieved through an educational program that
serves as the designated 10% for public amenities.
This program can integrate apprenticeships with the
work-environment, creating a collaborative setting
where learning and production occur simultaneously.
Richard Sennett, a proponent of craftsmanship
education, argues in his book “The Craftsman” (2008,
p. 278 - 286) that practical work experiences are
crucial for developing expertise in a craft or trade.
This aligns with the principle of the productive city
concept as described by Novy. Sennett highlights the
value of traditional apprenticeships, where young
people work alongside experienced craftspeople in
real-world settings, ranging from small productive
activities to larger industrial practices. Such
apprenticeships offer a unique form of education
that cannot be replicated in a classroom alone .

72 73
R Glarus Süd
Glarus Süd, Switerland
Modular buidling factory
2022
BAMJGS, Marti AG Matt
±2500 m2
Location:
Program:
Year:
Architect:
GFA:
Prior to iterating a second proposal, an analysis of
productive functions will be conducted. One of the
examples of a modular building factory is located in
Glarus Süd, Switerland. The building was designed by
AMJGS Architektur, Marti AG Matt and completed in
2019. The structure is composed of 16 slightly curved
glued laminated wooden trusses that are supported
by solid wooden columns. The interior of the building
is designed in a rectangular shape and is composed
of columns, beams, and roof elements, with a span of
23 meters. Steel cables are utilized as tension rods to
stabilize the trusses. The facade of the building is more
than 70 meters long, and the spacing between the
columns is reflected in the design of the facade. These
columns are visible as regular divisions, which are
further separated by slender windows and accentuated
by vertical wooden wind braces. The facade is
finished with larch planks that frame and intensify the
subdivisions and rough, carved spruce trims, resulting
in a cohesive whole. The new production facility serves
as an opportunity for the company to demonstrate the
versatility of wood as a building material.
Figure 37: Impressions of Glarus Süd, Switerland, by BAMJGS, Marti
AG Matt
source: https://www.archdaily.com/960151/wooden-production-facility-
73

74 75
R
One example of a collerabtive work-environment is the
“New Aarch” project in Aarhus, Denmark. The “Aarhus
School of Architecture” has a floor area of 12.500 square
meters and serves as a demonstration of how different
creative spaces can be integrated. The building
comprises of flexible studios, specialized functions such
as teaching rooms and study areas. The design of the
building serves to bridge the gap between the school
and the city, as well as the contrast between the large-
scale front street and the small-scale activities in the
green zone that runs through the building complex.
This is accomplished by designing the building with
a taller and more massive facade on the street side
while gradually lowering it to accommodate the more
casual ambiance of the Freight Rail area. The building
is organized as a city within a building, with diverse
programs within a simple industrial palette, and it allows
for accessibility of certain areas to people outside the
school, and the open spaces throughout the building
encourages interaction between students and the
public in both planned and unexpected ways. The
mixing rooms, where the school and local community
interact, are where the school truly comes alive.
location with three neighboring streets.
New Aarch
Aarhus, Denmark
University, faculty of architecture
2019
ADEPT
±12.500 m2
Location:
Program:
Year:
Architect:
GFA:
Figure 38: Impressions of New Aarch, Denmark, by ADEPT
source: https://divisare.com/projects/448478-adept-rasmus-hjortshoj-
coast-new-aarch
75

76 77
Figure 39: Isometric overview Concept 2.A Keile-mix, source: by author
Based on the analysis of various case studies, a new
approach has been developed for integrating different
functions of the tender program. In the second iteration,
the focus was on the entrepreneurs and factory
owners of a modular construction factory, who are the
initial stakeholders utilizing the central function of the
project. The factory occupies an area of 3,437 m2 and
includes a rectangular hall that serves as a covered
environment for various operations. To minimize
disruptions in the public realm, logistical areas have
been designated within the hall, shown in figure 39.
Figure 40: Isometric overview Concept 2.B Keile-mix, source: by author
The second step in the configuration efforts involves
small-scale productive manufacturing clusters
comprising specialized “making stations.” These stations,
with a combined floor area of 3,227 m2, and will be
utilized by a diverse group of users, including residents,
makers, students, educators, and entrepreneurs. They
will serve as a hub for collaboration and innovation.
Figure 40 displays the positioning of these spaces
in relation to the factory, with the different buildings
united on a higher level by a shared roof garden.

78 79
R
1.
2.
2.
2.
2.
1.
1. Lobby
The floor plan reveals the lobby
as a roomy reception area.
From here, passages connect
to the north and south wings of
the building.
2. Corridor
The user and resident traver-
se a glass passageway, with
creative spaces located on
both flanks, placing them at the
center of the action.
3. Factory
The factory’s various zones are
also depicted and differentia-
ted by distinct floor treatments,
providing clear demarcation
between each zone.
5. Cafertia
The factory’s canteen, intended
for both workers and visitors,
providing them the opportu-
nity to observe the production
activities while they partake in
their meals.
R

80 81
Figure 41: Isometric overview Concept 2.C Keile-mix, source: by author
The configuration of the building is visually striking,
showcasing its unique role as the makershub of the
Keile quarter. The isometric view reveals how the
building volumes open up towards the makers park
across the Keileweg. However, with a total of 211 homes,
the industrial spaces on the ground floor dominate the
configuration, pushing other functions to higher levels,
which may not be ideal. The building has a FSI of 5.3,
indicating a dense utilization of space. Additionally,
there seems to be a lack of a clear framework for
integrating the four described productive functions
within the inclusive urban mix.
17%
50%
26%
4%
2%
Circulation
9.963 m2
Industry
6.713 m2
Dwelling
19.421 m2
School
901 m2
Offices / commercial
spaces
1.487 m2
total: 34.614 m2
Figure 42, section function Concept 2 Keile-mix, source: by author
Figure 43, Isometric function overview Concept 2 Keile-mix, source: by author

82 83
R
3.5 Work-home in the Keile-mix
The previous section primarily examined various
configurations that focused on the integration on the
industrial function integration, but it is important to
note that the design of individual dwelling typologies
is also influenced by the concept of the productive
city and as important for the design of building. The
emergence of the creative class has led to a closer
relationship between the working environment and the
private sphere of the home. The work-home typology,
which has gained popularity since the early 2000s,
offers significant potentials for creating a more active
and vibrant living environment.
Hollis (2018, p. 5-6) explains that the work-home
typology, which combines dwelling and workplace,
was commonly referred to as a “house” in the pre-
industrial era, but fell out of use in the 20th century
and was re-coined as “workhome” in 2007. She explains
various types of contemporary home-based workers
and their specific needs for their work environment. Her
research identified eight categories of home-based
workers, including family care-givers, professionals
and managers, 24/7 artists, craftworkers, top-up, live-
in, and start-up workers. Hollis emphasizes that a one-
size-fits-all approach to designing these environments
is inadequate. The participants in her research were
diverse, including individuals of varying ages, income
levels, and skill sets. She explains that some individuals
primarily use their work-home as a dwelling, while
others primarily use it as a workplace. Additionally,
there is a third category of work-homes in which
the dwelling and workplace elements are of equal
importance. This typology has significant implications
for design and urban planning. Urban blocks can also
be classified into the same three categories, with the
majority being home-dominated and work-dominated
in urban areas, and equal-status in rural areas. Hollis
categorizes dual-use buildings by their dominant
function and explores the relationship between work
and home in them. Three degrees of spatial separation
are identified, with implications for both the building
and the city. The most common type is “live-with,”
where the building has a single entrance for both
domestic and income-generating activities. In some
cases, the functions are in the same space, while
in others, a distinct space is created. However, in all
cases, the functions overlap to some degree. This type
tends to generate more conventional monofunctional
urban blocks, but thoughtful design can express the
dual-function, benefiting the individual, local economy
and social networks.
The concept of “live-adjacent” work-home refers
according to Hollis to dual-use configurations that have
separate entrances for the dwelling and workplace
functions. This type of arrangement allows for a degree
of spatial separation that can be beneficial when the
two functions have conflicting design requirements,
such as interactions with the public, concerns about
privacy, or potential health and safety hazards. The
separate entrances of live-adjacent workhomes can
increase the visibility and status of the employment
and/or dwelling spaces, contributing to the layering and
differentiation of urban areas that result from home-
based work. Hollis continues with the third type, live-
nearby, that involves total spatial separation between
work and home, with the two functions taking place in
separate buildings or at a small distance from each
other. The type of workhome chosen by individuals
often aligns with their occupation, with some preferring
to blur the line between work and home, while others
preferring to keep them separate.

This 'live-with' typology is used in the Robin Wood
project. This interpretation of the typology is particularly
beneficial for professionals who don't require extensive
workspaces and often work remotely using digital
communication tools. It offers greater flexibility in
terms of work schedule and eliminates the need for
a daily commute, leading to a reduction in both time
and cost. In the Robin Wood project, the workspaces
are designed to be compact, making them ideal for
urban residents who work digitally.
84 85
R Robin-wood
Amsterdam,the Netherlands
housing, library, offices, studio's
2020 - 2024
ANA architecten, Marc Koehler Architects
24.400 m2
Location:
Program:
Year:
Architect:
GFA:
Figure 44: Robin wood impressions and diagrams,
source: https://www.ana.nl/portfolio-item/robin-wood/

86 87
R Piazza Céramique
Maastricht, The netherlands
housing, offices
2006
Jo Janssen Architecten
18.970 m2
Location:
Program:
Year:
Architect:
GFA:
The Piazza Céramique project, located in the
‘Céramique - Area’ of Maastricht is an example of
the ‘live-adjecent’ work home typology. The program
for the site includes a combination of residential
and commercial spaces, with a focus on integrated
forms of dwelling and working. The basic architectural
concept of the project, in terms of structure and
infrastructure, allows for a high degree of flexibility
while remaining within the constraints of the building
envelope. This flexibility was utilized by the client to
the maximum extent, resulting in a final project with
92 apartments, 27 of which include home offices, as
well as commercial spaces and 7 separate work units.
One of the key themes informing the design of the
integrated home office apartments is the concept of a
double entry and the psychological split between the
more private space of the family and living, and the
more public space for working and receiving clients,
harkening back to the 19th century mansion-annex
practice commonly inhabited by professionals such as
lawyers, doctors, and architects. Another advantage of
integrating dwelling and working within the same block
is the creation of a more spacious entry-hall, in this
case represented by a glassed atrium that serves as
a public lobby.
Figure 45: Piazza Céramique,
source: https://www.archdaily.com/508089/piazza-ceramique-jo-janssen-architecten

88 89
R
Another example I use to formulate a third concept for
the Keile-Mix is the Spaarndammerbuurt, as it presents
an interesting incorporation of the live-work typology
into the streetscape, as shown in the upper right-hand
side of the page. In the design by Korth Tieles architects,
it was important to situate the work function of these
dwellings at street level to activate the street more.
The type of work space used is mainly for small-scale
productive functions and not a place for large-scale
manufacturing industry, which, in my opinion, presents
a mixed opportunity. Nevertheless, the design employs
other strategies that I use to formulate the third
concept for Keile-Mix alongside this small-scale work
function. Additionally, the design features a courtyard
typology with residential volumes surrounding it. The
residential street separates this courtyard from the
row of live-work dwellings, giving the courtyard a
predominantly residential character. However, there
are common social functions such as a community
center and social spaces where the neighborhood can
come together. The complete analysis of the project
is included in the appendix, and I will only address the
main points relevant to the program and design for
Keile-Mix.
Spaarndammer hart
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Living, working
2021
Korth Tielens architecten
14.334 m2
Location:
Program:
Year:
Architect:
GFA:
Figure 46: impressions Spaarndammerhart,
source: https://arcam.nl/architectuur-gids/spaarndammerhart/

90 91
R
corners and shapes. Expressive facade detailing with
bricks and ceramic tiling has been chosen to physically
translate the various programs into their appearance
in the environment. The parking facilities and storage
areas are located below ground level, as depicted in
the section.
A quick overview of the design is depicted in these
diagrams and section. The row of work-live dwellings
and the residences in the opposite volume have been
reduced in their basic volume to improve sun exposure.
Additionally, the volume has a historical appearance
that relates to the residential area with rounded
Figure 47: diagram 1 Spaarndammerhart sun study
source: by author
Figure 48: Section 1 spaarndammerhart
source: by author
Figure 49: diagram 2 Spaarndammerhart architecture
source: by author

92 93
R
The primary volume of the different building volumes
is intersected by various walking routes that connect
the different courtyards with each other. The diagram
on the right illustrates the communal areas, which are
strategically positioned along the residential street
and directly adjacent to the courtyard and surrounding
garden, promoting social cohesion by increasing the
number of people present in the area.
Figure 50: diagram 3 Spaarndammerhart walk routes
source: by author
Figure 52: diagram 4 Spaarndammerhart communal spaces
source: by author
Figure 51: Section 2 spaarndammerhart
source: by author

94 95
R
The diagram below illustrates the vertical stacking of
work-live units, with workspaces located at the street
level, followed by living spaces, such as kitchen and living
room areas accentuated by balconies on the facade,
and finally, sleeping quarters above. This configuration is
primarily designed for families, who often face difficulty
finding suitable housing in Amsterdam, let alone with a
workshop on the ground floor. The project represents
a novel approach to bringing the productive side of
the city into closer relation with its socially productive
functions. Thanks to its reinterpretation of the urban
city block, the provision of numerous green spaces,
and attention to its distinctive brick architecture, the
design won an award in 2022.
Figure 54: impressions Spaarndammerhart,
source: https://arcam.nl/architectuur-gids/spaarndammerhart/
Apendix : Figure 53: overview work-homes
source: by author

96 97
R
Bedroom
Topfloor parent bedroom
Roof terrace
addiyional outdoorspace
Groundfloor
First floor
Third floor
Fourth floor
Work
Work area
Kicthen
Groundfloor with entrance
to the garden
Work area
with large window
Roof terrace
Additional outdoor spaces
bedroom
Sleep level
Living level
large living space with
two distinct areas
bedroom
Floor with primarly
bedrooms and bathrooms
Work area
with large window
Figure 55: overview of dwelling typology,
source: by author

98 99
R Workhome
Nordvest, Denmark
housing, library, offices, studio's
2017
Rasmus Pikk
Location:
Program:
Year:
Architect:
An example of the live-nearby typology is designed by ‘Rasmus
Pikk’. He focused in his research on the intersection of architecture
and urban design, specifically in the context of how the blending
of residential and work spaces can contribute to the overall
vitality of a city. He examines alternative forms of urban dwelling
in dense, urban environments and question traditional notions
of the separation between living and working spaces. Buildings
that combine residential and work spaces can be found globally,
and take on different forms depending on cultural context. These
spaces can serve as important centers for community and social
interaction, and have the potential to be deeply integrated into the
fabric of a city.
The proposed design, with the title “Workhome,” is a mixed-use
building in the Nordvest neighborhood in Den mark that combines
residential units, communal spaces, and a public workshop on the
ground floor. The building is designed to complete an existing urban
block and create a new courtyard that connects it to surrounding
uses. The residential units are composed of a single room with
shared spaces that facilitate a range of activities, including
dwelling, working, and production. The building is intended to serve
as a home for artists, makers, and other creatives in fields such
as advertising, architecture, crafts, design, media production, IT
services, and the performing and visual arts. By bringing together
this diverse group of residents, the building has the potential
to foster a sense of community, encourage networking and
collaboration, and provide opportunities for mutual critique and
exchange.
Figure 56: Work home,
source: https://royaldanishacademy.com/project/workhome

100 101
Figure 57: Isometric overview Concept 3 Keile-mix, source: by author
These case studies have demonstrated how
work-related functions can be combined with
residential typologies. These findings have led to the
development of a third spatial concept, illustrated in
the accompanying figures. The primary distinguishing
feature is the diversity of functions on the ground
floor, including various residential and commercial
uses. This proposal for the Keile-mix project integrates
four distinct functions both vertically and horizontally
across the building plot, resulting in a more inclusive
approach that caters to the needs of both residential
occupants and users of commercial spaces. Further
details on this proposal can be found in the next
section of this booklet
R
Figure 58, section function Concept 3 Keile-mix, source: by author
Figure 59, Isometric function overview Concept 3 Keile-mix, source: by author
Circulation
4.422 m2
Industry
3.376 m2
Offices / Commercial spaces
1.330 m2
Dwelling
14.014 m2
School
1.516 m2
Storage spaces / installations
1.546 m2
collective spaces
602 m2
Parking
11.949 m2
Legend 31%
36%
3%
9%
11%
2%
4%
4%
GFA: 36.855

102 103
R
Conclusion
At the beginning of this research, the question was
asked: ”How can the expulsion of the productive
economy from cities be addressed by rethinking the
mixed-use ideology through a historical perspective?”
The aim was to investigate how the displacement
of the productive economy, as a result of urban
transformations in former industrial and port areas
such as the Merwe-Vierhaven area, could be mitigated
by better integration of this urban function into the
typology of the urban city block.
To investigate how the mixed-use urban city block
can be reconfigured to address this issue, a historical
analysis was used, focusing on the research question:
“What are the historical conceptions and incarnations
of the mixed-use city paradigm since the advent
of the industrial revolution?” This analysis gave a
historical timeline of the city of Rotterdam, which can
be summarized into the following significant moments
that resulted in the transformation of the configuration
of the urban city block from a mix of functions to a
separation of functions:
1. Before industrialization, the urban mix was a blend of
residential and productive functions, facilitated by the
typology of the work-home.
2. With the emergence of industrial production
techniques, new city expansions aimed for
configurations where economic interests and
residential well-being were separated.
3. After World War II, a new interpretation of the city
center arose, resulting in a configuration consisting
mainly of commercial spaces for businesses and
retailers.
4. This one-sided interpretation left a need for a better
mix of housing and productive functions at the end of
the 20th century.
5.In response to the relocation of harbor activities
to other areas, there arose a need to revitalize
former harbor and industrial areas in Rotterdam by
implementing a mixed-use city approach, which
aimed to address the poor mix of functions in the city
center.
6. However, pursuing a particular mixed-use approach
led to the expulsion of productive functions that were
deemed unsuitable for the contemporary urban mix.
This timeline revealed that the contemporary function
mix of the urban city block in Rotterdams revitalization
approaches are predominantly focused on a selective
set of urban functions. Particularly in current urban
transformations, the productive economy, often
providing employment for lower-educated and
vulnerable minorities in society, is being replaced or
displaced by high-paying employment opportunities
in commercial spaces for higher-educated individuals.
This raises the question of how to address this
phenomenon, as the underlying intention of current
urban transformations is actually to stimulate a
mixed-use living and working environment. However,
the unidirectional approach to commercial spaces
102 103
R

104 105
R
targeting a specific group of individuals has resulted
in a new spatial and socio-economic problem.
The second part of the study focused on exploring the
Productive City concept as a potential solution to this
problem, with the central research question: “In what
ways does the productive city concept advances
equitable distribution of resources and opportunities
in urban planning through the lens of spatial justice?”
The findings suggested that integrating functions of
the productive economy, such as small-scale and
manufacturing industries, could be a viable approach
to address the issue. However, it was noted that this
strategy may also lead to gentrification, particularly if
high-end manufacturing that requires advanced skills
or produces luxury products is integrated. Therefore,
the study concluded that achieving an inclusive urban
city block requires a proper mix of four urban functions.
These urban categories are:
1. the service economy
The service economy category includes commercial
and retail spaces that provide essential goods and
services to the community. To create an inclusive
and spatially just mixed-use city block, it should offer
a diverse range of services that can meet the needs
of a diverse community. In the case of keile-mix,
this means including restaurants, retail stores, and
exhibition spaces. Additionally, the design of the block
should be flexible enough to accommodate changing
service needs, such as adaptable retail spaces,
flexible workspaces, and open areas that can be used
for multiple purposes
2. productive economy
The category of productive economy comprises
manufacturing and industrial spaces that provide
employment opportunities for individuals with lower
levels of education. However, due to the heavy traffic
flow associated with these spaces, the function should
be located away from residential programming. For
the design of the mixed-use city block, this means
maximizing the potential of water transport and
keeping the production activities within a centralized
factory space. The design of the factory should allow
for flexibility and adaptability to meet changing
production needs. Zoning regulations play a crucial
role in supporting the productive economy, and mixed-
use city blocks should allow for a diverse range of
production activities, from large-scale manufacturing
to small businesses and creative industries. To ensure
the activation of public space, the large factory should
be placed in the middle of the plot, leaving space for
other urban functions that border the Keile-weg and
Oeverpark. The roof of the factory should also be
kept clear of other heavy programming to prevent
potential fire hazards and to maintain the necessary
overspanning for the factory space. The productive
economy can be resource-intensive, and features
like green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and an
integral energy system should be included to mitigate
this impact.
3. supportive economy
The supportive economy category comprises of
public amenities that enhance social cohesion
and community development, such as schools
and community centers. In the Keile-tender
context, education serves as a key component
of this category and should be extended beyond
104 105
R

106 107
R
formal classroom settings. Open spaces can offer
opportunities for informal learning and socialization,
which can be facilitated by a collaborative work and
educational environment within the mixed-use city
block. Collaborative educational efforts involving
partnerships between local businesses, educational
institutions, and community organizations can foster
community resilience.
3. social reproduction
The social reproduction category is an essential
component of the mixed-use city block. This category
forms the largest part of the configuration scheme. To
make the city block accessible to all, including people
with disabilities and caregivers with strollers, features
such as ramps, wide sidewalks, and elevators should be
included. A well-designed public space that promotes
social reproduction by providing opportunities for
activities such as gardening, or community cooking,
should also be incorporated. These spaces should be
easily accessible and include features like benches,
greenery, and play areas. Access to affordable housing
is crucial for this category and should include a variety
of housing types, such as family-sized units, housing
for marginalized groups like students and starters, and
live-work spaces. Community facilities such as libraries,
community centers, and health clinics should also be
included, located within easy reach of residents and
designed to be welcoming and accessible. Providing
easy access to transportation, including public transit
and bike infrastructure. Shared mobility is particularly
important in the M4H area, where adequate public
transportation is lacking.
The expulsion of the productive economy from cities
can be addressed by designing an urban city block that
incorporates all these categories. This not only creates
a socially sustainable and equitable neighborhood but
also provides a usable framework for integrating the
productive function of the city. In the final chapter of
the research, the focus was on effectively integrating
these four categories into the ‘Keilecollectief’ tender
through different conceptualizations of function
configurations and case studies analysis. The design
outcome achieved a balance where the lower layers
of the urban block were primarily dedicated to service,
supportive, and productive functions, with the exception
of ground-bound dwellings with a private workshop
situated on the waterfront. Above these layers are the
social reproduction functions, consisting of various
types of housing and shared spaces for residents.
Categorizing the four urban functions helped evaluate
the final design. A leading theme in the design process
was carefully organizing the sequence of spaces in
varying scales and designing the transitions between
these types of programs.
106 107
R

Msc architecture, urbanism and building sciences Graduation studio advanced housing booklet

Msc architecture, urbanism and building sciences Graduation studio advanced housing booklet

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Msc architecture, urbanism and building sciences Graduation studio advanced housing booklet

Similar to Msc architecture, urbanism and building sciences Graduation studio advanced housing booklet (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Msc architecture, urbanism and building sciences Graduation studio advanced housing booklet