New Modernism

MAster project, Urban Architecture, Tu Delft, 2022
Tutors: Elsbeth Ronner & Leeke Reinders

The project is located in the modernist neighbourhood Westwijk in Vlaardingen, known for its typical urban plan: U-shaped stamps of apartment blocks. There are large, unused green spaces and small apartments unsuitable for larger families. Many residents face financial difficulties, limiting their ability to move. To address this, we developed a versatile toolbox applicable to similar urban designs. It transforms vast green areas into smaller, valued spaces, creating more housing, larger balconies, and shared facilities like kitchens, laundry services, and workrooms. By diversifying floor plans, including co-housing, family housing, and apartments for the elderly. the result is a sustainable living area catering to all age groups. 
As inspiration we used the Justus van Effenblok as case-study. With a visit to one of the residents of the block, we discovered how the block is used. A particular focus point was the famous 'sky-street', which provides the residents of the top-level apartments with a street and 'normal' front door. The results of this case-study are shown in a stop motion movie.
Made together with Djamo Masten & Ramona Wey
Context

Westwijk, Vlaardingen - construction started 1954

One of the building blocks - google maps, 2022

Garage boxes of building block - google maps, 2022

Observation: Appropriation of grass field - own photographs, 2022

Observation: Appropriation of grass field - own photographs, 2022

Urban concept

Map of westwijk - Red, building blocks we tackle

Urban plan with tool-box

Putting the focus only on the main road, to reduce traffic on other roads

Adding green & new volumes in inner-courtyards and on the rooftops

Design

Floor plan 00

Floor plan 01

Floor plan 02

Zoom in on section of floor plan 01

Section from North to South

Floor plans - Yellow is demolish, red is new, black is re-use
Conceptual drawing of the multi-generation (co)housing

View on inner-courtyard - Djamo Mastenbroek

View on sky-street - Djamo Mastenbroek

Entrance of block - Djamo Mastenbroek

Photographs of model, section 1.100 - front view

Photographs of model, section 1.100 - side view

Photograph of final presentation

Photograph of final presentation

Case Study

Justus van Effenblok, Axonometric drawing - Michiel Brinkman, 1921

Justus van Effenblok - Michiel Brinkman, 1921

Justus van Effenblok - Michiel Brinkman, 1921

Safe playground for the children - own photograph, 2022

View on inner-courtyard from kitchen - own photograph, 2022

Appropriation of inner-courtyard - own photograph, 2022

Appropriation of inner-courtyard - own photograph, 2022

Sky street - own photograph, 2022

Sky street & balconies - own photograph, 2022

Fences, closed during nights - own photograph, 2022

Fence between Inner-courtyard and streets - own photograph, 2022

Stop-motion movie of the collage

Collage of the observations

Collage of Golden Lane estate, 'sky-street'  - Alison and Peter Smithson, 1953

Floor plan of Golden Lane estate, 'sky-street'  - Alison and Peter Smithson, 1953

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