MY INPUT
As an urbanist I can work for you on a temporary basis on a current or new task. I quickly fit in with your organization and can deliver the product within a relatively short period of time. My strength lies in incorporating ideas and giving them direction. I use an analytical method and strive for simplicity and clarity. I offer the appropriate presentation and provide drawings (sketches, Photoshop, Illustrator documents), a scale model, associated texts, a booklet or a video film.
MY CONTEXT
Since 2001 I work as a free-lance urbanist on research, design and video projects. Before I worked as an urban designer for Teun Koolhaas Associates in Almere and Anke Colijn Architects in Utrecht, both architectural offices in the Netherlands. In 1991 I worked as a technologist for Mohaupt Graig Architects in Ottawa, Canada. I worked in Paris (France, 1995), Hanoi (Vietnam, 1996) and Guangzhou (China, 1999) on urban design projects. Trained at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands, I am familiar with all aspects of the urban design profession. I have experience with suburbs, public space, urban renewal projects and strategic landscape and city planning.
FILOSOPHY
The challenge of urban development for me lies in creating more possibilities for the end-user. These should be able to directly influence his or her living space. Defining the transition between public, private and collective space, introducing private commissions and new typologies plus a varied programme will create the basis for a good urban framework suitable for flexible development. Naturally not every project can offer this possibility and subsequently I use this vision within the relevant context.
VIDEO
A video documentary offers the possibility for me to research and communicate the assignment from a completely different perspective. My involvement in the profession means I’m “in the field” in order to examine particular aspects of urban development at ground level. The main point is my own interest and curiosity in regard to the spatial developments of a neighborhood or an area and the impact it has on the physical and social landscapes. Meeting people who are directly affected via urban projects means that I am forced to re-evaluate my own urban perspective.
URBAN EXPLORATION
My fascination lies moreover in China, a country that due to globalization is undergoing a fast-track development. I have been visiting China on a regular basis in order to work as a guest teacher at the University of Xiamen and Guangzhou. I’ve also traveled there to complete film projects. Problems and their solutions seem to be magnified in China. The complex and rapid multiple developments ask for a different approach. This inspires my practice here in the Netherlands.
COOPERATION
Working on a project I will involve the expertise of other professionals when necessary. Since 1997 I work on a regular basis together with Mirjam Koevoet (1:1 Stadslandschappen-Landscape Architects, Amsterdam) on projects concerning urban design and the public space. Furthermore I can call on a wide network of urban designers, architects, landscape architects and artists.
TEACHING
I work as a guest teacher at the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam as well as the Technical University in Delft. Additionally I have worked in China (Guangzhou University 2000, Xiamen University 2004) and Mexico (Universidad Technologica de Monterrey 2001) as a university guest teacher.
PERSONALIA
Date of Birth: 01-03-1968 in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Nationality: Dutch
Degree: as Urbanist 1996 - Technical University, Delft in the Netherlands and as Architecural Technologist 1992 - HTS Groningen, the Netherlands.