Sander Gijsen

Vernieuwd Bouwzicht

RenewedBouwzicht
A farm with a future and a representation of a renewed relationship between humans and nature. 

Since the radical reclamation of 's-Graveland in the 17th century, when sand was extracted as building material for the expansion of Amsterdam, the reclaimed landscape has been shaped in various ways. The subsequent spatial development of the various country estates, with Gooilust as the ultimate example, indirectly reflects the constantly changing relationship between humans and nature. This dynamic relationship is expressed in both landscape architecture and architecture and fits within the broader development of Western culture. Think of the staging of 15th-century Italian villas in their landscapes, 16th-century French and English gardens, and modern parks such as Parc de la Villette in Paris.  

Meanwhile, humans and technology have exhausted nature. Human influence is causing the climate to change rapidly, forcing us to rethink our relationship with nature and how we interact with it. As with any change, (political) tensions increase, and the contrasts between countryside and city are magnified. To address the current nature and climate crisis, the livestock population must be reduced. This will lead to the disappearance of farms unless new revenue models and a farming system are developed that balance with nature.  

This project envisions a renewed relationship between humans and nature by transforming a dairy farm into a place where building materials are grown and harvested. With the farmer as innovator, the aim is to contribute to improving nature and climate by cultivating natural and renewable resources. Through sustainable forest management and the cultivation of bio-based materials, the landscape of Gooilust can supply materials for sustainable housing, while offering farmers a new business model. 

The core of this transformation lies in the redesign of the Bouwzicht farmstead and the surrounding landscape, adding a new layer of time to the Gooilust estate. Architecture and landscape come together here, symbolizing the new relationship with nature. The transformation calls for a new interpretation of the farmstead and landscape, building on the tradition of self-sufficiency and circularity. Existing buildings are reused and transformed with the addition of harvested materials from the landscape. In this way, the Vernieuwd (= renewed) Bouwzicht farmstead is united with the landscape, becoming an exhibition of historical layers and a representation of a new relationship with nature. 

Graduation date:: 28 August 2024
Graduation committee: Rob Hootsmans (mentor), Kamiel Klaasse,  Jana Crepon 
Additional members for the exam: Machiel Spaan, Donna van Milligen Bielke