How do we ready the existing built environment for the future? A large part of the Netherlands has already been built. At the same time, climate change, limited space and changing housing needs are setting new requirements for our cities and neighbourhoods. As a result, the challenge is shifting increasingly from expanding to adapting.
In this session, Ronald Schleurholts of cepezed and Eric van der Kooij, Chair of BNSP and concept developer at BPD, will talk with each other and with the audience about the future of existing neighbourhoods, buildings and cities.
At the core is the question of how we can upgrade, intensify and make existing housing and areas climate-resilient. This requires a different way of looking: not only from the perspective of demolition and new-build, but precisely from what is already there and what opportunities are embedded within it.
The speakers share their perspectives from architecture, urban planning and area development, and explore how renovation, sustainability measures, climate adaptation and new housing can come together in a single integrated design challenge. How do we ensure that existing neighbourhoods not only perform better, but also become more attractive, liveable and future-proof?
We also link this to the ambitions set out in the Nota Ruimte and discuss what choices are needed to deliver them. Where are the opportunities, where do we need to dare to think differently, and how do we make this transition a reality in practice?
- Rik Martens – Board member BNA, architect and co-owner of MartensWillems Architecten (moderator)
- Ronald Schleurholts – Architect/owner CEPEZED, professor Heritage and Design TU Delft
- Eric Thijssen – Architect | Partner VenhoevenCS
- Eric van der Kooij – Concept developer at BPD and Chair BNSP (Beroepsvereniging van Nederlandse Stedebouwkundigen en Planologen)
- Mariam Shaaban – Policy Officer for Housing Policy, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) | Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO)
PROVADA winner Michel Baars: 'MOOS will become the ASML of housing construction'
Not a man of one company, but a man of movements. His strength? Not shouting from the sidelines, but starting new companies himself that set the market in motion and challenge existing systems. That's how the jury of the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 describes winner Michel Baars. 'Michel gives direction to our entire construction and real estate sector.'
PROVADA 2026: It's a wrap!
For three days, the real estate sector stood shoulder to shoulder at RAI Amsterdam. With a record number of visitors, a packed programme and plenty of energy, PROVADA 2026 was an edition to remember. Below, we look back at the highlights — and at the end you'll find the photos and aftermovie to relive it all.
PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 for Michel Baars
At PROVADA 2026, the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 was presented to Michel Baars. The award is presented annually to an individual who realises sustainable change within the built environment through vision, courage and decisiveness. This year's presentation marks the award's fifth edition.