Why is Architecture and the built environment still so permanent, in a time which is characterized by temporality? 

Especially in a time where certain types of urban spaces or buildings get more and more neglected due to their outdated functioning and changing demands of society. Since the emergence of the digital era and Internet Communication Technologies, changeability is becoming at least equally valuable as permanence. Virtual environments like social media and smart mobile devices have proven their value mostly throughout their high capacity of connectivity, accessibility and adaptability. The speed at which these virtual environments can change, respond and adapt to instant events or changing needs, illustrate a parallel of the current situation of our society. Trends and (societal) values change in a much shorter period of time and everything around us becomes ‘smart’ and more responsive. We as human beings have been extremely adaptive, in our way of life, to these changes brought to us by the digital era. So why not the built environment? Especially considering the way in which our physical built environment is strongly affecting the way we live, work and move. How we use space is influenced by how this space is physically designed. After all, the ability to adapt to the ever-changing times and society is also a form of sustainability and future-proofing. How can the design of a physical space adapt to this phenomenon? These are questions that triggered this graduation work and resulted in a design that elaborates through multiple scales on the theme of ‘adaptability’ of physical spatial settings. 

An urban device, as a system of systems and a hybrid space that mediates between the people, the physical urban fabric and digital environments.