Researcher

Geert Driesen

Research Expertise:Geert Driesen is senior lecturer in architectural design at the Faculty of Design Sciences at the University of Antwerp. He is head of the 2BA module Architecture and Environment: architectural design & case and is also active in the Masters of Architecture, mainly on initiating and supervising research and design related tasks in the domains Urban design and Patrimony research [re-use]. His expertise is partly guaranteed by the international architecture practice “awg architects” (working in BEL, NDL, CHN, RUS) of which team Geert is an urban architect and partner / director. The significance of the [urban] unbuilt space, the charged void, and the boundary between the private, collective and public world, in particular the “layering” of the facade as a filter system, are a constant interest. The focus is always on an integrated approach; transcending the question to arrive at a clear and flexible answer. Master planning as an essential part of a long-term, sustainable vision of every construction assignment. As a member of the Henry van de Velde Research Group of the Faculty of Design Sciences, Geert is primarily the initiator of redevelopment projects in urban patrimony, with a focus on fundamental research into the intelligent “ruin”, research into the future value of old (and new), reusable structures that can survive different generations and programs.

Keywords:MONUMENT CONSERVATION, ARCHITECTURE DESIGN, REAL ESTATE, DESIGN EDUCATION, URBANICITY, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE, URBAN SOCIETY, Architecture, town and country planning

Disciplines:Architectural engineering, Architecture, Interior architecture, Landscape architecture, Urban and regional design, development and planning, Other civil and building engineering, Geomatic engineering, Product development, Safety engineering, Other engineering and technology, Architectural design, Art studies and sciences, Other arts, Study of regions, Other humanities and the arts

Research techniques:Research Method: In the master studio “Patrimonium”, we analyze and describe existing, often no nonsense buildings from the 1950s-60s, with the aim of studying the future value and re-use possibilities of "buildings". It is not about monuments or buildings with heritage value. We guide students in design research into re-use projects. Different cases are subjected to variant research. Foreign (European) projects are also being studied and subjected to comparative research. Erasmus students are involved. Giving lectures (keynote and moderation | for example, day chairman study day "Transformation & Reconversion of Real Estate"), participating in discussions and workshops (AR-TUR, Kempenlab, CampC, VITO, EMIS, ...). The publication and registration of non-written output, as well as the publication of research by design, in the domain of reallocation assignments. Analysis of comparative design research in the architecture practice awg architects. Specific comparative cases are being investigated: eg "Park housing" project in Parkwijk in Turnhout in workshop with external partners; AR-TUR, center for architecture, urban design and landscape in the Kempen and Camp C, Provincial Center for sustainability and innovation. Peer review with fellow architects, teachers, construction and sustainability specialists.

Users of research expertise:Research objective and intended research result: The aim of the research is to find out which criteria the footprint, the hull and the facade of a building must meet in order to be reused in an integral and sustainable manner. The research aims at combining exemplary projects of time-resistant buildings. The research can be used as a toolbox; on the one hand by designers to design the structure of a building in a sustainable way and on the other hand by (public) authorities, owners and developers as a testing framework in considering the feasibility of a possible re-use.