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Alchemy of the Edge: Genesis of a Vibrant Decentralized Node

Aravamudhan, Sam Iniyan LU (2025) ASBM01 20251
Department of Architecture and Built Environment
Abstract
This Master's thesis in Sustainable Urban Design investigates the critical transformation of urban peripheral areas. Framed by the concept of "Alchemy of the Edge," it focuses on Westraven, Utrecht—a historically industrial and fragmented site. The project explores how design can facilitate Westraven's "Genesis as a Vibrant Decentralized Node," contributing to a more resilient and livable urban future.

Urban history's pattern of centralization created saturated city cores and underdeveloped peripheries by concentrating functions. Today, pressures from this saturation drive a strategic shift towards decentralization, distributing vitality and services across the urban fabric. Transforming these peripheral legacies, like Westraven, is... (More)
This Master's thesis in Sustainable Urban Design investigates the critical transformation of urban peripheral areas. Framed by the concept of "Alchemy of the Edge," it focuses on Westraven, Utrecht—a historically industrial and fragmented site. The project explores how design can facilitate Westraven's "Genesis as a Vibrant Decentralized Node," contributing to a more resilient and livable urban future.

Urban history's pattern of centralization created saturated city cores and underdeveloped peripheries by concentrating functions. Today, pressures from this saturation drive a strategic shift towards decentralization, distributing vitality and services across the urban fabric. Transforming these peripheral legacies, like Westraven, is crucial for creating the distributed nodes necessary for sustainable decentralized futures, aligning with Utrecht's strategy for vibrant urban environments beyond its core.

Employing design as the primary transformative tool, the thesis analyzes Westraven through its historical context and draws lessons from relevant case studies. Core strategies – including spatial restructuring, active mobility integration, mixed-use zoning, and human-scaled design – apply this "alchemy." These efforts facilitate Westraven's "Genesis," culminating in a Masterplan and detailed proposals that demonstrate its potential as a thriving, integrated decentralized node. (Less)
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author
Aravamudhan, Sam Iniyan LU
supervisor
organization
course
ASBM01 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Decentralized Urbanism, Polycentric Cities, Urban Edge Regeneration, Transitional Districts, Peripheral Urban Transformation, Westraven Utrecht, Urban Design Toolkit, Adaptive Urban Framework, Mixed-Use Development, Human-Scale Urbanism, Mobility Equity, Healthy Urban Living, Shared Streets, Barcode Urbanism, Post-Industrial Redevelopment, Urban Resilience, Spatial Integration, Sustainable Mobility, Flexible Urban Design, Design Prototypes for Edge Cities
language
English
id
9194090
date added to LUP
2025-06-09 09:53:14
date last changed
2025-06-09 09:53:14
@misc{9194090,
  abstract     = {{This Master's thesis in Sustainable Urban Design investigates the critical transformation of urban peripheral areas. Framed by the concept of "Alchemy of the Edge," it focuses on Westraven, Utrecht—a historically industrial and fragmented site. The project explores how design can facilitate Westraven's "Genesis as a Vibrant Decentralized Node," contributing to a more resilient and livable urban future.

Urban history's pattern of centralization created saturated city cores and underdeveloped peripheries by concentrating functions. Today, pressures from this saturation drive a strategic shift towards decentralization, distributing vitality and services across the urban fabric. Transforming these peripheral legacies, like Westraven, is crucial for creating the distributed nodes necessary for sustainable decentralized futures, aligning with Utrecht's strategy for vibrant urban environments beyond its core.

Employing design as the primary transformative tool, the thesis analyzes Westraven through its historical context and draws lessons from relevant case studies. Core strategies – including spatial restructuring, active mobility integration, mixed-use zoning, and human-scaled design – apply this "alchemy." These efforts facilitate Westraven's "Genesis," culminating in a Masterplan and detailed proposals that demonstrate its potential as a thriving, integrated decentralized node.}},
  author       = {{Aravamudhan, Sam Iniyan}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Alchemy of the Edge: Genesis of a Vibrant Decentralized Node}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}