Exterior Architecture and the Dutch Housing Crisis

Abstract

The Netherlands is facing a housing crisis, with thousands of dwellings being built quickly, focusing on quantity rather than aesthetically appealing qualities. Critics foresee a lack of place identity due to homogenised exterior architecture. Young adults, affected by the housing shortage, can provide valuable perceptions of exterior architecture. This research aims to offer recommendations for Dutch urban planners and policymakers to leverage the housing shortage with preferred exterior architecture fostering place identity. The interdisciplinary knowledge of aesthetically appealing architecture fills the academic gap and engages the public in contemporary urban developments. This thesis seeks to answer: How does exterior architecture in the context of the housing crisis in the Netherlands influence the identity of a place, and how do young adults living in the Netherlands perceive the architectural form of new urban developments?

To answer this, the qualitative method of Photo Elicitation Interviews (PEI) was adopted. Nine theory-driven photographs in three categories: traditional, modern, and neotraditional exterior architecture were used. Fifteen participants aged 21-29 living in the Netherlands were interviewed using a semi-structured approach.

The open and axial coding following the thematic analysis resulted in five core themes. A dichotomy between simplistic and homogenous interpreted architecture, and detailed and authentic interpreted architecture became strongly apparent. This indicates that interaction between exterior architecture and people was present. Participants preferred (neo)traditional forms of architecture, which enriched place identity and local culture. The small scale, warm colour schemes, rich ornamentation, and variation between buildings were positively identified elements of (neo)traditional architecture. Modern exterior architecture was negatively perceived due to large scale, cold colour schemes, monotonous structures, and lack of details. Recurring aesthetic elements like ‘internal symmetry and balance’ did not appear during the interviews. Urban memory played an important role in the production of place identity but was static regarding preferences for exterior architecture. Urban memory influenced attachment to a dwelling, especially participants’ parental homes. Monotonous and homogenous architecture produced during the housing crisis was seen as a temporary solution, not aesthetically preferred by the participants. This shows the frictions between architecture produced by the housing crisis and participants' preferences and well-being.

These results provide insight into the role exterior architecture can play in the construction impulse, translating into policy recommendations for urban planners, architects, and policymakers. Using the neotraditional approach, the construction impulse could enhance place identity and create more aesthetically appealing cityscapes. Policymakers and urban planners are recommended to broaden their influence on exterior architecture, emphasizing variation between buildings while forming a cohesive whole. Buildings with different colours, detailing, brick patterns, materiality, forms, and ornamentation create more unique dwellings. The use of brick and warm colour schemes on a small scale are appreciated aesthetics that could be leveraged within the construction impulse.