To successfully transform existing properties, architects not only need to have knowledge of architecture and construction techniques, but also of the economy. Architect Paul Diederen, who was appointed Professor of Transformational Design at Eindhoven University of Technology last month, states this.

During the opening of the Real Estate Market Transformatieplein at the Real Estate Meeting Point Provada, Diederen outlines what can be improved to enhance the transformation process. He himself, as part of architect firm Diederendirrix, has won his spurs in transformation: his firm transformed several buildings in Eindhoven area, such as De Witte Dame, a former Philips factory that was repurposed as a library and a museum of architecture. At this moment they are still working on the transformation of another part of the 1970s Philips heritage – the former Philips Lighting head office, which is converted into 600 lofts.

According to Diederen, important lessons can be learnt. “Too often, the three players in transformation – government, market and research institutes – are totally separate from each other. But for a project to be successful it’s important that there is better cooperation.” This certainly also applies to his own profession, he acknowledges. “It may not sound sexy, but it’s really necessary that architects understand the economics behind a building. And with this I mean that they should know the big picture. No, architects must really know the process. So what’s the value of a building? What are the investment costs? What life span are we talking? We need a Smart Architect, who at an earlier stage has insight into a project’s success chances. After all, not every building can be transformed.”

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