Programme

Let’s Talk!
Three philosophers, three architects, and three artists will share their perspectives on Cherish or Destroy. Jacob Voorthuis, Susanna Lindberg, Eric Bolle, John Körmeling, Gijs Frieling, Elian Somers, Moriko Kira, Tomas Dirrix, and Michiel van Loon, will all address the same set of questions: When do we speak of progress, and when of loss? Additionally, what ideological frameworks inform our creative decision-making processes?
We invite you to join the discussion! The lectures, Q&A sessions, and concluding panel discussion will be moderated by Jelle Hettema, an architect and architectural historian.

Lets Work!
In conjunction with the talks, three workshops will be held by instructors Erik Hehenkamp, Maarten van Kesteren, Lidy Meijers, Chris Smith, Chris de Vries, and Wouter Willers from TU Delft. All workshop participants are invited to visit one of the three iconic architectural designs before the start of the program: the former US embassy, designed by Marcel Breuer; the Christus Triomfaterkerk, designed by Geert Drexhage; or the Algemene Rekenkamer, designed by Aldo van Eyck. These sites will be the focus of our workshops.
The workshops are open to everyone interested in architectural design, urban planning, or those who generally have a love for shapes and spaces. There are a total of six sessions, with a maximum of 12 participants per session.
During the workshops, participants will explore the architectural and urban planning qualities of one of the three designs. Through the visit and the use of photos and drawings, we will assess the extent to which a design asks to be changed or preserved. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the elements we want to cherish, and on evaluating how alterations to the designs destroy the character, identity, or any other unique qualities of the building. Thus, we aim to examine how ethical considerations regarding heritage intersect with practical and creative challenges in design. Each group will conclude their workshop by designing a poster illustrating their reflections on the discussion. The posters will be showcased at the auditorium during the panel discussion.

Let´s Dance!
Housemusik für Räume in Den Haag is a one-day performance featuring resonances, sonic interruptions, and wallpaper music. Anne Wellmer serves as the Haus DJ, accompanying the day with interruptions, transitions, and sonic landscapes crafted from field recordings, electronic and amplified sounds, and acoustic sonic events. Feel free to dance!

Let´s Play!
Let’s dive into the creative chaos at the Alphabetum during the Cherish or Destroy festival with our boards, cards, puzzles and blocks game Bonanza! We'll embark on an artistic odyssey, blending strategy and imagination in a whirlwind of architectural and arts-themed fun.

Let´s Show!
All participants of the Cherish or Destroy Festival have access to ongoing exhibitions in West Den Haag. Furthermore, in connection with the Cherish or Destroy festival, TU Delft master’s students are showcasing their work in ‘Rethinking the Embassy III’. The third run of a redevelopment exercise, assigned by the Heritage & Architecture section at the Faculty of Architecture. The projects showcase remarkable designs for the transformation of the current embassy building.
The former American Embassy was designed by Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer and completed in 1959. The national monument has a unique architectural and substantive meaning. It became a symbol of the Cold War and the terrorist threat after 9/11. Still, the building was initially constructed as a place from which bridges could be built between diplomacy and culture, the working person and the public. With a diplomatic and a public wing, the embassy would reach out a hand to the world citizen. Now that the building has been sold back to the city of The Hague, this concept could be revitalized.
‘Rethinking the Embassy III’ embodies this vision through its designs for a new paradigm of museum — one that is dynamic and flexible, facilitating collaboration across diverse institutions and programs. In this instance, it proposes an innovative crossover between the works of Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) and the contemporary art program of West Den Haag. This transformation transcends the traditional role of museums as static containers for art, evolving into dynamic networks capable of adapting to the evolving needs of society.


Let´s Walk!
Embark on a guided tour through the architecturally interesting Museumkwartier in The Hague under the expert guidance of architectural historian Marcel Teunissen and artist Jan van der Ploeg. As authorities in their respective fields, they will offer profound insights into the iconic architecture and artistic landscape surrounding the former embassy. Beyond the obvious landmarks, Marcel and Jan will shed light on lesser-known sights, historical and artistic details that often go unnoticed.
This curated walk provides a unique opportunity to delve into The Hague's rich history and discover architectural gems that would otherwise escape your attention. It's a chance to explore the city in a new light, enriching your understanding of its architectural heritage and artistic character. So, join us as we uncover the secrets of The Hague’s Museumkwartier.

Let´s See!
‘Radical Landscapes’, a documentary crafted by Elettra Fiumi, delves into the avant-garde architectural collective known as Gruppo 9999, originating from Florence and co-founded by her father, Fabrizio Fiumi.
In the landscape of 1960s Florence, Fabrizio Fiumi spearheaded the radical design movement with Gruppo 9999, exploring architectural frontiers alongside utopian visions, theatrical experimentation, and musical endeavors. Their endeavors not only pushed the boundaries of architecture but also challenged societal connections and our relationship with nature. Notably, the groundbreaking Space Electronic Nightclub served as a hub for global musicians and theater artists, pioneering the integration of film within performances and presentations.
Through an intimate lens, Elletra Fiumi embarks on a journey upon inheriting her father's archives, unveiling the brilliance of Fabrizio Fiumi. Spanning from the 1960s to his passing in 2014, the film weaves together archival footage, interviews with Gruppo 9999 members, historical imagery, collages created by the collective, and Elettra's personal reflections. Fiumi is on a quest to uncover her father's legacy, leveraging his extensive film archive to portray an era marked by optimism, radicalism, and critical inquiry. She paints a vivid portrait of an era defined by enthusiasm, innovation, and exemplary artistic expression.