Nathalie de Vries (Netherlands)
A visionary architect, urbanist and co-founder of Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, known for designing innovative, unexpected, and joyful mixed-use buildings that transform urban spaces.
Nathalie de Vries is co-founder of the global practice MVRDV, established in 1993 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and now operating from five offices worldwide. As a principal architect and urbanist, she has played an important role in establishing the research-by-design methodology of the firm, resulting in many award-winning buildings, masterplans, and research projects worldwide. Her focus on the public aspects of architecture, as well design processes driven foremost by societal relevance including the usage of data, resulted in in the past in part-time consultancy functions like Dutch Chief Railroad Architect and City Architect of Groningen.
She investigates in her work what she calls ‘the urgent need for more multiplicity in design’, the need to create innovative architecture that is more productive and transformative to be future proof. Committed to the education of future generations of architects, she is currently full Professor of Architectural Design and Public Building at Delft University of Technology. She also regularly lectures worldwide and takes part in international competition juries.
MVRDV Markthal project in Rotterdam, photo by Daria Scagliola & Stijn-Brakkee, courtesy of MVRDV.
How does the theme of Common Interests resonate with you and the design process at MVRDV?
It resonates a lot! So many of our designs negotiate between the private and common interests. These negotiations are important, as they consider what buildings can give back to the city, such as quality public spaces. We also emphasise the importance and added value of this approach to our clients. It’s gratifying to see how they have consistently been willing to invest in creating larger, publicly accessible spaces within their projects, often going beyond what was originally requested in the brief.
In your opinion, what is the most pressing need that urban environments fail to address today?
I find that the most pressing requirement is balancing everyone's needs. Urban areas often fall short in providing public spaces that are accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds. This can leave residents feeling like their neighbourhoods don't offer enough quality amenities or even basic infrastructure at times. A negative aspect of gentrification that can exacerbate this is through pushing out long-time residents and reducing community diversity. To create lively and sustainable cities, we need to make sure that urban spaces are inclusive and cater to everyone.
What are some of your favourite projects that have transformed urban space?
It's not necessarily a specific project, but I really admire the 25 years of dedication shown by Rotterdam city planners in transforming downtown into the lively heart of the city it is today. I’m also proud that MVRDV has played a role in this transformation, with each new project contributing to that goal. For example, policies like requiring housing in every new development in the centre—such as with the Markthal—have helped triple the number of people living there. It goes to show that real transformation begins with good policy making.
What are you most looking forward to for Living Cities Forum in Australia?
I’m really excited to meet like-minded peers, designers, and thinkers who are passionate about improving our cities. Even though our urban landscapes are quite different, there are still many similarities and common interests, to borrow your expression. So, I’m especially eager to listen and learn from everyone. On a personal note, I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with some of my acquaintances in Australia.
This session is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands, Australia.
