The Value of Heritage

Archaeological remains lie beneath our feet, often hidden from view or only partially visible. In spatial development, heritage values can be revealed through design or, ideally, inspire design, forming the unique spirit of place (genius loci) in newly created environments.

Key themes

Climate transition, energy transition and agricultural transition are accelerating changes in the appearance of urban and rural areas. Heritage restoration and conservation can play a meaningful role in addressing these challenges. Consider, for example, the major water retention challenge in the Eastern Netherlands, where the restoration of small-scale stream landscapes with trained streams and natural pools can play a vital role.

Key themes of our research:

Digital technologies are now indispensable in the heritage sector. For example, drones equipped with advanced sensors are widely used to identify archaeological sites and document excavations. The collected datasets are processed in GIS systems. 3D modelling increasingly plays a significant role in publishing.

Heritage from recent times, often referred to as ‘New Age heritage’ is gaining recognition within contemporary society. In this context, we pay special attention to industrial heritage, conflict heritage, and cultural landscapes.

The Eastern Netherlands is home to a remarkable variety of landscapes shaped over millennia, from ancient moraines left by the penultimate ice age to the youngest river valley in the country, the IJssel. This wide variety is also reflected in the diversity of the region's heritage. It is precisely this diversity of landscapes and heritage that is highly valued by people from inside and outside the region.

A spatial design perspective on the use of the subsurface to inspire others and provoke deeper dialogue about its potential.