An Inclusive Future for people, society and environment

Gradually there comes a moment when you wonder where the world is going. What has happened in the last fifty years and what can you expect for your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Trying to predict might not make much sense, but it is clear that rigorous changes are underway. Look at the climate, the way of communication, loneliness, the increasing scarcity in many places and so on. We can safely speak of a multiple paradigm shift. The question is therefore how we as architects should respond to these changes.

The average lifespan of a home in the Netherlands is one hundred and twenty years. This period can be roughly divided into use by four generations. Each, under the influence of the changed context, with different wishes and needs. The housing typology that can best respond to this has the greatest chance of surviving. Subsequently, it is not only about the adaptability within the home, but also about the living environment.

This is a quest that suits us as architects perfectly. However, we cannot do this alone. The task is so extensive and complex that collaboration based on an integrated approach is the only option. Formulating a point on the horizon together creates the opportunity to achieve the same goal independently of each other, yet together. We have formulated this point as 'Future Inclusive'. Designing and realizing for people, society and the environment from the perspectives of climate, social and capital.

Our research was recently mirrored during an expert meeting under the inspiring leadership of Bert van Eekelen. Here we have discovered that changes may be quick to think of, but can encounter resistance for various reasons, even from those who can ultimately turn it into a business again. Subsequently, we may be too rigid in the separation between rental and purchase, between private and public and between housing and care. It is precisely the search for hybrid intermediate forms that may provide answers to the many challenges we face physically, socially and economically.

A special thanks to all the expert participants for their inspiring input;
Gertjan Giele
Bert van Eekelen
Tanja Schuddebeurs
Claudette Bockstart
Jasper Spigt
Piet Grouls
Saskia van Stein
Claudia Bouwens
Tako Postma
Catharina Bieringa
Daan ter Avest