In 1985, in his role as chief government architect in the Netherlands, Tjeerd Dijkstra wrote a note on the concept of architectural quality and the criteria that, in his opinion, could be applied when assessing building plans. Some thirty years have elapsed and there is still a need for clarity about the concept of architectural quality. Here, Tjeerd Dijkstra describes which concepts play an important part in the definition of architectural quality. After a reflection on these concepts, he enters into the procedures of monitoring and assessment. The proposed criteria and procedures are usable as a theoretical background for all those who are concerned with architectural quality, not only in governmental institutions, but for private clients and interested citizens as well.
Professor ir. Tjeerd Dijkstra is an independent architect, former chief government architect in The Netherlands and professor at Delft Technical University.