A project developer, a municipality or a province considers the opportunities for an urban area or a cultural landscape. How can a former factory site or port area, or an outdated residential area, change and at the same time remain recognisable? Or how can the regional economy be strengthened on the basis of the characteristics of the landscape? Vision development starts by comprehending the identity of a place. We study the origins, the time layers and the turning points to be identified therein, the concept and the spatial structure, the building fabric and the social significance. We record the essentials in a cultural heritage assessment study. We also write narratives – thematic storylines – in which the development of a cultural landscape, the socio-economic history of an area, prominent historical figures and other particularities are leading. We approach the content from a strategic perspective; the story is a means, not a goal. Thanks to a narrative, more becomes conceivable than can be seen at first glance. We identify surprising and inspiring connections. The area is given character and comes to life. Knowing what it is will stimulate the imagination as to what it could become. Our input is used as a basis for an environmental vision, a culture memorandum or for management policy. We are often closely involved in the translation of the cultural heritage valuation into the concrete area transformation.

CASE 1

OUTDOOR AREAS OF THE BINNENHOF, THE HAGUE

Cultural heritage assessment study and valuation

commissioned by: Central Government Real Estate Agency (2019)

On behalf of the Central Government Real Estate Agency, SteenhuisMeurs conducted a cultural heritage assessment study and a valuation of 31 outdoor areas on and around the Binnenhof complex of Parliament buildings, based on eight centuries of usage history. The study serves as an umbrella for the related renovation and transformation work and as a support for the design of the redevelopment of the outdoor areas. The study gained focus and power of expression through a new instrument developed by SteenhuisMeurs: the palette map, which accompanies the historical episodes. These reconstruction drawings outline the cultural influences and the spirit of the time at the Binnenhof per episode in one image. In the summer of 2019, the six palette maps were displayed on the site fencing of the Binnenhof archaeological soil survey. The 31 outdoor areas have been valued in accordance with the system of building and garden archaeological research employed by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands. The development of the Binnenhof is characterised by a search through the ages for representation, and was given shape by the counts, stadtholders, kings, ministries, Chambers and citizens who all of them wanted their presence at this location to be commemorated. The palette maps show the many faces of these different periods, but they also teach us that the search for representation, discussions as to the ‘proper’ style, and disputes on the approach to monuments are of all times.

The Binnenhof, The Hague

CASE 2

FACTORY LOCATION GROENPOL, PAPAVERWEG, AMSTERDAM

Cultural heritage assessment and valuation

commissioned by: De Alliantie ontwikkeling, Hilversum

The Buiksloterham district is changing rapidly. Centrally located in this area is the factory site of electrical engineering firm Groenpol (Groeneveld, Van der Poll & Co), one of the pioneers of the electrification of the Netherlands. At the Buiksloterham location, the electrical circuits of many Dutch department stores, factories, hospitals, schools, bridges, military ships, RAI Convention Centre, Delft University of Technology and even Soestdijk Palace were assembled and repaired. The complex developed along with the company and with the electrical engineering industry in general, and grew into a comprehensive factory compound. Most of the buildings were designed by engineering brothers G.J. and A.J. Langhout, also the permanent engineers of NDSM East Wharf. Each of the Groenpol factory halls has its own characteristics and opens onto the central factory street. Today, the ensemble functions as a meeting place, with vintage furniture shops and creative industries. The Groenpol complex is one of the last reminders of the industrial past of the Buiksloterham district, and can be deployed as a character-defining heart amidst the new constructions.

Factory location Groenpol, Papaverweg, Amsterdam

CASE 3

PROTECTED VILLAGESCAPE AND SURROUNDINGS, ZUIDLAREN

Cultural heritage assessment and valuation

commissioned by: the municipality of Tynaarlo (2021)

Zuidlaren is a unique village in the province of Drenthe, with a phenomenal variety of landscapes around the village, a sequence of village greens (not to be found anywhere else in the Netherlands) and an age-old country estate attached to the village. There are several substantial spatial assignments in Zuidlaren. The large site of the former events space Prins Bernhardhoeve will be redeveloped into a residential area of 200 homes. Additionally, there are plans for the public spaces in the village centre and for new supermarket locations, and a ring road is being considered. All these spatial issues take place in the nationally protected villagescape of Zuidlaren.
SteenhuisMeurs has drawn up a cultural heritage assessment, providing a historical basis for the question as to how these new developments relate to the heritage values of the village. Part 1 looks at the constants, the characteristics of Zuidlaren.
Part 2 interprets and assesses the seven sub-areas and outskirts of the protected villagescape.

Protected villagescape and surroundings, Zuidlaren