Mapping the Density, Diversity, and Digitization of the 21st Century - The Diagrammatic Architecture of MVRDV

Oct 29, 2026

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The study investigates how architectural diagrams can respond to the challenges of density, diversity, and digitization in 21st-century contexts, focusing on the diagrammatic architecture of MVRDV. Qualitative content analysis is conducted using unbuilt/diagrammatic works associated with the firm. Findings show diagrams are used to shape future-oriented designs, align and unite stakeholders, integrate data and technology into architectural spaces, and engage environmental concerns. The research links diagrammatic practice to contemporary challenges and outlines future exploration through design examples and discourse.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Research purpose and question

Role of diagrams in architecture

Method and data

Findings and implications

Conclusion

| | ICCAUA Proceedings Journal
Proceedings of the international conference of contemporary affairs in architecture and urbanism-ICCAUA
Volume 8 (December 2025), Pages 138–146
Journal homepage: [https://journal.iccaua.com/](https://journal.iccaua.com/) | | | --- | --- | --- | | DOI: [https://doi.org/10.38027/ICCAUA2025EN0238](https://doi.org/10.38027/ICCAUA2025EN0238)
Mapping the Density, Diversity, and Digitization of the 21st Century: The Diagrammatic Architecture of MVRDV
* 1 Ph.D. Candidate Aslı Yücel and 2 Asst. Prof. Dr. Hande Düzgün Bekdaş
1 Department of Architecture, Faculty Of Art, Design and Architecture, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University, Istanbul, Türkiye
2 Department of Architecture, Faculty Of Architecture, Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye E-mail1: [ayucel@fsm.edu.tr](ayucel@fsm.edu.tr) , [E-mail](E-mail2: hduzgun@yildiz.edu.tr)[2](E-mail2: hduzgun@yildiz.edu.tr)[: hduzgun@yildiz.edu.tr](E-mail2: hduzgun@yildiz.edu.tr) | | | | A b s t r a c t | | | | Received: 12 January 2025
Revised: 1 May 2025
Accepted: 18 June 2025
Available online: 5 July 2025
Copyright © 2025 by the author(s) .
All rights reserved.
This article is published under an open-access model and is made available in accordance with the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY) .
The publisher maintains a neutral stance concerning jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
This article has been selected and peer-reviewed for publication in this journal as part of the 8th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism, held on 8–9 May 2025 in Alanya, Türkiye.
| “Cities have distinctive identities that vary physically according to their geographical location, demographics, culture, environment, and economic factors”(Nafa & Husain, 2021), thus, Intoday’s rapidly changing architectural environment, the need for new approaches to generate knowledge is increasingly important. In this era of growing complexities, diagrams have become a crucial tool in architecture, establishing the relationship between the abstract and the concrete. This research aims to explore how diagrams can be utilized to address the challenges related to density, diversity and digitization of the 21st century and provide insights into the diagram’s potential future practices. The qualitative content analysis method has been adopted, with data gathered from the unbuilt/diagrammatic works of MVRDV, a firm known for its innovative and speculative projects in the field. Findings revealed that diagrams are mostly utilized to shape forward-thinking designs, unite stakeholders, integrate data and technology into architectural spaces, and discuss environmental issues. This study emphasizes the potential of diagrams in linking architectural practice to contemporary challenges, suggesting that this potential could be further explored through various design examples and discourse in the future studies.
K e y w o r d s : Diagram; Density; Diversity; Digitization; MVRDV. | | 1. Introduction In contemporary architectural practice and theory, the diagram has increasingly gained importance as a dynamic mechanism that shapes both the processes of thinking and production, moving beyond its traditional role as a mere representational tool. Positioned between architectural thought and the act of drawing/making, the diagram transforms architecture from a strictly formal domain of production into an interactive and multilayered process, serving as one of the most effective mediators in addressing the complexities of reality (Allen, 1998) . In reaction to new technology and changing societal dynamics, it also serves as a tool that facilitates flexibility. With its reductive nature allowing the transmission and transformation of complex systems and concepts in contemporary design practice, and its generative capacity fostering new ideas th

FAQs

What is the research purpose of the article?

To explore how architectural diagrams can address challenges related to density, diversity, and digitization in the 21st century and to identify insights into diagrams’ potential future practices.

What method does the study use?

The study uses qualitative content analysis, with data gathered from MVRDV’s unbuilt/diagrammatic works.

How are diagrams mainly utilized according to the findings?

Diagrams are mainly used to shape forward-thinking designs, unite stakeholders, integrate data and technology into architectural spaces, and discuss environmental issues.

Oct 29, 2026

Upload by Jacob