In this book, together with guest editor Kirsten Hannema, Chief Editor of the nai010 Yearbook Architecture in the Netherlands, we will take a look at the recent 10 years of Dutch architecture discourse. Previously in our a+u 12:01 issue (Feature: Architecture in the Netherlands 2000–2011) highlighting the country’s architecture scene right after the global financial crisis in 2008, the construction industry faced a slowdown and what we saw then as “typically” Dutch, has gradually faded. Looking away from the “SuperDutch” stigma, we now see projects combining broader social issues and since, take on a new form of cultural energy. Yet, compared to their previous superstar generation, these architects and their projects often go unnoticed. Therefore, in this book, 19 projects are selected and placed into 3 themes to introduce to you a new attitude on today’s architecture in the Netherlands – the “SuperNormal”.

The 3 themes: “Reshaping the Polder” looks into pilot projects that rethink the sustainability of our construction practice. “Tabula Scripta” introduces transformation projects exploring how we rebuild under pre-existing conditions. “After the NAi” presents a body of public projects built during the period after 2012 when the national budget was cut. Each theme is accompanied by an essay written by Bob Witman, Jarrik Ouburg, and Sergio M Figueiredo, respectively. Finally, Floris Alkemade, Chief Government Architect of the Netherlands, shares with us in an interview about his reflections, actions, and predictions on the country’s architectural setting.

Architecture and Urbanism Series

Prepared and compiled by CA-GROUP, Architecture and Urbanism Series is authorized by a+u Publishing Co. in Japan and published by China Architecture & Building Press. Established in 1971, a+u is one of the most professional architectural magazines worldwide. CA-GROUP (a+u China Editorial Department) is an international corporation founded in 2003, focusing on architecture and culture. It is committed to introducing global architecture to China and vice versa through project management and international publication. Subordinate to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China, China Architecture & Building Press was founded in 1954 and is the largest professional publishing institution of architecture in China. a+u China aims to introduce the most cutting-edge information and latest trends in architecture to Chinese audience.