Frank van der Hoeven pt 1 – DigiNEB and the Digital Future of the Built Environment
Frank van der Hoeven, research director at TU Delft Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment and coordinator of the DigiNEB project, discusses how digital tools are shaping the future of architecture and urban planning. He reflects on the origins of the New European Bauhaus initiative, its role in uniting sustainability, cultural identity, and social equity, and the challenges of integrating digital technologies into the traditionally hands-on field of design.
New European Bauhaus Sustainability Cultural heritage and diversity Social renewal and societal change Architectural education and practice Digitalization and innovationFrank van der Hoeven pt 2 – Open Science, Architecture, and Public Engagement
How can architectural research be made more accessible? Frank van der Hoeven traces his journey from urban design to European research coordination, explaining how open science can connect architects, researchers, and the public. He discusses why architecture shouldn't hide behind paywalls, the importance of publishing in language people actually read, and how transparency in design benefits society.
Architectural education and practice Education innovation European collaboration and policy Knowledge sharing and dissemination Interdisciplinary approach Community engagementFrank van der Hoeven pt 3 – Citizen Participation, AI, and the Power of Visualisation
Should everyday citizens have a say in urban planning? Frank van der Hoeven challenges the idea that only architects and planners are the experts, arguing that those who live in a place are, in many ways, more knowledgeable than those designing it. He also explores how AI is changing architectural design, the rise of co-creation, and his own experience working on the iconic Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.
Community engagement AI and digital tools Co-creation and participatory design Architectural education and practice Digitalization and innovation Human-centered designFrank van der Hoeven pt 4 – Sustainability, Infrastructure, and the Future of European Cities
Massive infrastructure projects—from bridges to industrial ports—pose some of the toughest sustainability challenges. Frank van der Hoeven discusses the transformation of Rotterdam’s vast petrochemical hub, the role of bio-based solutions, and the difficult balance between economic transition and environmental responsibility. He also reflects on the strange beauty of industrial landscapes and what might come next for Europe’s largest port.
Sustainability Climate change and adaptation Urban design and development Co-creation and participatory design Policy-making and evaluation Community engagement