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Courtyard Patterns Den Haag Sanne de Vries Tutor: Nelson Mota Msc Graduation Studio ExploreLab 19 TU Delft Faculty of Architecture 2015
Albert Cuypstraat Schilderswijk
Den Haag, The Netherlands
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01. OLD CONTINUING IN THE NEW
Although most of the neighbourhood is relatively young, specific features are built on in recent development of the area. The photograph portrays a reference to the step-gable in the backgroung by emphasizing the stairs in a typical way. It shows the sensibility to the character and history of the place - despite the schale of the project.
02. IDENTIFICATION
Despite the big schale of housing development in the neighbourhood, the importance is acknowledged of being able to identify with smaller parts building blocks - in order to be able for residents to feel attached to the place.
03. ORNAMENTATION
Related to the notion of identification, there will always be a need for ornamentation.
04. GREEN OPEN FIELD
In Alvaro Siza’s plan for the layout of the Schilderswijk, open spaces are incorporated that are publicly accessible and are arranged in a park-like way; big open green fields with pathways running through.
The open green space allows for different groups of people to be able to recreate in many different ways. Symbolically, the open space is surrounded by building blocks with each distinctive characters - as can be viewed in the photograph.
06. STREET FORMALITY
The formality and homogenity of the street is here taken to an extreme - with the only variation of the view coming from the inevitable: curtains, wires and open/closed windows.
07. HAAGSE PORTIEK
The block entrances follow a smart interpretation of the ‘Haagse Portiek’, combining six apartment entrances. Big openings in the facade with stairs leading up characterise this type of circulation. Bikes are often marking the entrance places.
08. TUNNEL VISION
The relation between the private and public exists through connection by a collective enclosed staircase - framing the view towards the street.
09. COURTYARD ENTRANCE
The courtyard is connected to the street through a long path. The gates at the beginning and end suggest a strict division between the different realms.
10. VEGETABLE PLOTS
The left-over space in the courtyard is used in a very interesting way; residents have divided the space into plots where vegetables are grown. This initiative enhances both recreation, healthy activity and productivity for the people of the block.
11. GARDEN SEATING
Often, seating is found along a boundary, even more preferably in a corner - an unexposed spot from where the open space can be observed. Also, it is often a markant spot, marked by features such as trees, laterns, etc. It is an absolutely essential element in the recreational courtyard.
12. INFORMALITY
The treatment of the inner facade is comparable to the outer facade in terms of materiality, yet is quite the opposite in level of strictness. An informal interplay of niches, balconies and galleries form the backdrop for courtyard activities.
13. COLLECTIVE WATER COLLECTION
Born from the wish to find a cheap solution for watering the plants, a resourceful system is constructed to collect and store the water from balconies and roofs into the bins.
14. BALCONY LAUNDRY
The balconies are used for a variety of functions. A very common one is the drying of laundry. Bringing something relatively personal outside contributes to the intimacy of the space.
15. SATELLITE DISHES
Another feature contributing to the playfulness of the inner facade are the quite randomly placed satellite dishes, which are not allowed in the streetview and thus forced to be positioned inwards.
16. COVERAGE
In some cases, residents started covering their outdoor extended living space. This might be suggesting a preference for niches over balconies.