Urban oases : Dutch hofjes as hidden architectural gems Dutch hofjes have been capturing the imagination for six centuries; their special architecture makes these small hidden urban oases unabatedly topical. In every period architects have innovated the fourteenth century archetype in response to changing societal needs. Residents and visitors always experience a special urban intimacy in an atmosphere of collectivity. Urban Oases unravels the sustainable manifestation of the hofje. It takes the reader into the alleyways of ancient cities and also addresses an important contemporary question: How can we create high quality compact residential environments that bring peace to the often chaotic urban environment This book in which text and image are equally important is intended for architects urban designers developers policymakers and private commissioners who want to create a sustainable residential environment as well as for anyone interested in this extraordinary heritage. Dr. Ir. Willemijn Wilms Floet teaches Architecture at Delft University of Technology. Provided by vendor