Revitalization as a future trend in architecture 

How should we deal with growing population density in cities, increasing housing needs and changing lifestyles of residents on the one hand, and the need for sustainable and low-carbon construction on the other? One promising answer to that question is revitalization. Or while, revitalizing old buildings with existing materials. 

Sustainable restructuring is an absolute necessity

Today's cities are becoming stuffy and cramped. Growing population density is a serious problem. Although the Netherlands as a whole has a population density of 485 people per km² (after deducting water areas), some 8.4 million people live in the Randstad, making it one of the most densely populated areas in Europe. 

So where can a place be found for new residents? How can the urban fabric be developed for good living? 

The solution must be sought, in restructuring existing industrial, factory and port facilities. Some of these buildings have long been disused, others do not meet modern standards, nor the needs of occupants or users. It is time for their reconstruction, creating vibrant and inclusive urban spaces that contribute to healthy lifestyles, personal and professional development and well-being of residents.

Restructuring seems a real opportunity. Especially if it is carried out in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, with attention to the needs of residents and businesses as well as the environment, explains Michiel van Duren, Managing Director Aluprof Netherlands BV. "And that is possible, because as a company we already participate in several such projects," adds Michiel van Duren. 

Challenges of ecological revitalization

Reconstructing and adapting existing space to the needs of the local community is a noble but rather difficult task. Old buildings, built with outdated technologies, are much more difficult to adapt to modern energy standards or fire protection requirements. "Every day we face such challenges when preparing engineering projects that deploy our fire protection systems," Michiel explains.

At Aluprof, we see that revitalization is an important trend in architecture and urban planning, in line with the concept of sustainable development. Therefore, we are constantly introducing new solutions that improve the thermal and fire protection parameters of existing buildings, while - if the design requires it - preserving the shape of existing facilities. An example is the MB-FERROLINE system of fixed and open windows, which can be used even in facilities under monument protection - adds the expert. 

It is the combination of an existing space with the environmental requirements with the needs of the community that will use the revitalized facility that is so tricky, yet proves feasible in practice. 

Successful examples of industrial parks that have been restructured

The Netherlands now has a large number of successful projects of revitalization of post-industrial sites. In Utrecht, a city formerly dominated by industrial centers and parking garages, several such projects are underway, with the project of the car-free Merwede district, which is being built on the site of a former factory, leading the way. Lots of greenery and open spaces, as well as good space design, make it a special place to live. With more than 6,000 homes designed, there is room for both social rental and freehold and owner-occupied housing.

In Eindhoven, on the site of the former industrial area where the first DAF factory and the Picus factories that produced cigar boxes, among others, were founded in the 19th century, modern apartment buildings with 248 homes have been erected in the PicusKade project. The factories were in use until the end of the 20th century and have now been given a new life, thanks to the cooperation between the real estate developers Wooninc&Laride and Bouwinvest and the DAF museum. 

"As part of this revitalization, windows from the MB-86 system were used, perfectly integrated into the industrial and historic environment," adds Michiel.
Residential neighborhoods were also revitalized - especially neighborhoods from the 1970s and 1980s. It does not always have to be a spectacular implementation; activities on a micro scale are also important, as in Uithoorn.

It is worth noting, that in the Netherlands not only post-industrial sites are being revitalized. The Arneco initiative in Arnhem is another example of the creation of a sustainable residential neighborhood on the site of an old farm. Instead of three huge dilapidated barns, there are now 15 homes and communal facilities. The residential community has managed to preserve the historic appearance of the facades. The whole concept fits perfectly into the trend of revitalization of space.

Sustainable renovation

It is not always necessary to completely redesign space and change its purpose to give it a second life. As part of eco-trends in urban planning, it is equally important to renovate the space and adapt it to the changing needs of its users. 

A perfect example is the Keizerslanden shopping center in Deventer, which was expanded and modernized without closing the space or changing its purpose. The use of new facades and a modest redesign of the space plus an expansion of the center made it popular again. It now attracts more than fifty thousand visitors weekly, more than any other shopping center in Deventer. 

Renovation programs also improve existing facilities so that their carbon footprint is reduced. The thermal modernization projects implemented help adapt old buildings to the new standards and expectations of their users. 

The installation of solar panels, the introduction of LED lighting and, above all, the replacement of window and door systems, made it possible to increase the living comfort of the apartment dwellers of Den Heuvel in Velp and reduce the building's energy load. 

Den Heuvel, Velp. Applied systems: MB-59HS and MB-86

"Thanks to the use of Aluprof systems, we managed to increase both the visual attractiveness of the space and the energy efficiency of the buildings," explains Ralph van der Kooij, Sales Manager at Aluprof Nederland BV.

Let's build a better future

Revitalization is becoming a leading trend in sustainable European construction. Utilizing the potential of old, often ideally located facilities is a solution that benefits everyone - those involved in the investment process, the end users and the environment. It is to be hoped that this trend will only grow stronger in the coming years and decades.    

This article was sponsored by Aluprof.