Building construction accounts for roughly 36% of global energy consumption and emits
about 39% of CO2 from energy use [9]. Consequently, there is a growing push to adopt
sustainable construction methods and utilize materials with low embodied energy [10]. As
buildings stand as major contributors to CO2 emissions, the focus is shifting towards timber
as a building material choice. Timber is renewable, stores carbon, and boasts low embodied
carbon from production [11]. However, while high-rise timber frames represent a significant
step in integrating timber at a larger scale, their connections often rely on steel, contributing
to increased embodied carbon.
This thesis explores the resurgence of interest in wood-to-wood connections as a response
to sustainability imperatives in modern construction. It examines the historical significance of
timber joinery, the current state of sustainable construction, and the potential of engineered
timber products in reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, the thesis investigates modern
innovations in timber connections, focusing on the development of ductile and eco-friendly
alternatives to steel fasteners. Through theoretical frameworks, experimental studies, and
structural validations, this research aims to understand the impact of implementing timber
dry joints on the embodied carbon of high-rise timber building frames.
Results reveal that while timber dry joints offer potential in reducing embodied carbon,
their effectiveness varies. While they can reduce the need for steel fasteners, their impact
on lowering embodied carbon is limited. Conversely, the integration of continuous beams
and multiple-span floor systems proves to significantly reduce embodied carbon in timber
building frames.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of holistic approaches in optimizing timber
building frames for sustainability, highlighting the potential of innovative design strategies in
achieving carbon reduction goals.

This research delves into the post-war reconstruction of Damascus, focusing on the intricate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modernity. Through the lens of informal settlements, particularly in the neighborhood of Jobar, the study examines the adaptability of contemporary dwellings alongside historic courtyard houses. The analysis highlights the tension between modernization aspirations and the preservation of unique cultural identities in a post-war context. A comprehensive survey, incorporating diverse voices from the Syrian community, revealed a tapestry of preferences and aspirations that underscore the importance of community living, memories associated with home, and resilience. This input shaped the design intervention known as Bait Byoot, which aims to rebuild structures while fostering a sense of community and resilience. The project integrates green spaces, communal hubs, and varied materials, addressing immediate housing needs and promoting sustainable, flexible growth. Bait Byoot,beyond a housing project, it serves as a blueprint for revitalizing war-torn communities, providing a foundation for healing and growth. The design respects traditions and experiences, bridging the past and future to create spaces for new memories and opportunities. This research emphasizes the human element in post-war reconstruction, advocating for urban resilience and recognizing that rebuilding communities extends beyond physical structures. It calls for a delicate interplay between modernization, cultural preservation, and the human experience. By envisioning the future of neighborhoods like Jobar, the study aims to revitalize the essence of community, creating spaces where resilience, cultural richness, and the philosophy of home-making converge into a narrative of hope and renewal.

The Netherlands, primarily a Delta nation, is confronted with significant challenges in adapting to the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels. And the urgency to prepare for a significant climate change is more than ever, now 9 years after the Paris agreement, the feasibility to keep to the agreement of 1,5 degree is shaky. The pressures of climate change, rising sea levels, increased demands on limited freshwater supplies, and more frequent extreme weather events are exposing the limitations of human control over the environment (Meyer, 2014).
Traditionally, the delta has been a dynamic landscape shaped by tides, wind, and currents. However, over the centuries, human intervention has increasingly dominated and transformed this landscape, leading to reduced dynamics, adaptability and biodiversity. The dynamic landscape is mechanically controlled with dikes, dams, sluices, and pumps. These highlights of water engineering make the Netherlands considered a pioneer in water management and flood protection. But to keep this postion we need to adapt and react on the changing future a head.

The human utilization of the delta aligns with the prevalent anthropocentric worldview, where nature is perceived as serving the direct or indirect needs of humans. This exploitative attitude towards the natural world has resulted in negative consequences, as we are currently witnessing. Nevertheless, there is a shift in this perspective, with two-thirds of the Dutch population considering themselves part of nature and feeling a responsibility to care for it. This view is a combination between the roles of stewardship and participant. (Schouten, 2013).

This master thesis has explored the research question of what the return to a (semi-) open delta would mean for the green-blue network of Schouwen-Duivenland, and what spatial framework and guiding design principles would be necessary to sustain and upgrade both the green-blue networks and livability, now and in the future.

By conducting a comprehensive analysis at the delta scale, this study identifies 6 key challenges: water safety, sediment deficiency (zandhonger), biodiversity loss, water quality, and saltwater intrusion. A more focused analysis at the island scale enables the exploration of solutions to these challenges and the establishment of design principles.
The proposed design principles, guided by a nature-based solutions approach, highlight the fundamental importance of soil and water. These principles address challenges posed by agriculture, urbanization, water management, and climate change, aiming to create a resilient and nature-inclusive environment. To facilitate their implementation in different contexts, the design principles have been transformed into practical pattern cards, offering clear and practical guidance.

In conclusion, this master thesis has provided valuable insights into the potential benefits and spatial implications of returning to a (semi-) open delta for Schouwen-Duivenland. The research highlights the importance of integrating green-blue infrastructure, ecological considerations, and livability aspects to create a resilient and thriving environment for both nature and people. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, urbanists, landscape architects and researchers in the pursuit of a sustainable and nature-inclusive delta landscape.

JOY deals with the social segregration between the older and younger generation. How to join the older generation with the younger generation by creating an intergenerational living environment that offers opportunities for social interaction within the living environment.

Housing sites are urgently needed and one location that has been designated for this purpose is the Zuidplaspolder. The Zuidplas municipality would like to retain the village character of the existing villages, as it is highly valued by the inhabitants. It has therefore been decided to build a fifth village in the polder, instead of expanding the existing villages. However, this very deep polder has a number of problems, including the water system, the soft peat soil and biodiversity. Climate change will exacerbate the water problems, while oxidation of the peat will also contribute to climate change. This raises the question of whether it is wise to build in this polder. This project investigates whether there is a sustainable way to build a village in this polder, by putting the water system and biodiversity first. It will be investigated what form suits the polder, but also the people who like to live in a village. What ultimately contributes most to sustainability, in this time of great uncertainty about how great the consequences of climate change will be, is the temporary nature of the village, which leaves other options open for the future.