Industrialization and Innovation at MVRDV: an Interview with Sanne van der Burgh

Industrialization and Innovation at MVRDV: an Interview with Sanne van der Burgh by Alicja Grzegorczyk and Darya Zhukouskaya

AG: In a design world increasingly influenced by industrialization and offsite technologies, how do you balance pushing the boundaries of what's possible with the need for efficient, cost-effective, and often repeatable solutions?

S: Industrialization is often associated with affordability and repetition. On the other hand, innovation is considered exclusive and small-scale. A topic that combines them is scalability. For Tiffany, we’ve developed a 3D-printed facade made of plastic waste from the Ocean. It took us a huge effort to get this built and certified. We also have a completely glass brick facade in Amsterdam. Every industrialization starts with a small innovation, a pilot, a proof of concept, and an intention. Focus on something, and then that’ll lead to industrialization. Scale something up into bigger quantities, until people get bored of it and then they’ll innovate something else. There is feedback between the two, and one cannot exist without the other.

AG: How do you define innovation, and does it always necessitate new technologies, or can it encompass other crucial aspects like social engagement, materiality, and maybe it’s something completely different, like activism and those micro-actions that no one expects to happen?

S: Is innovation the same as sustainability; it could also mean anything, right? When is something innovative? It’s a good question! I’m not sure I have the answer. What I see is that innovation is associated very often with new technologies: software and tools. In the two towers in Brussels, we used timber floors: how innovative is that? I live in a 300-year-old house that has timber floors. It’s not that innovative but sometimes we forget things from the past that just make sense. A lot of sustainable things from the past came out of scarcity. That’s why we’ve developed certain techniques and methods in the past. And since we went through this blast of wealth through capitalism, we completely forgot how to do things that make sense. That’s why I think sometimes being innovative is not looking ahead but also looking at the past and even just following common sense. The most innovative right now is to trust ourselves and frame ourselves in a local context to see if we can find practical solutions; rather than chasing the technology.

DZ: How does MVRDV integrate sustainable strategies into your designs in ways that go beyond standard practices? Do you prioritize methods like life-cycle assessments (LCA) or material innovations to enhance environmental responsibility? How do you balance these efforts while ensuring your designs remain vibrant, engaging, and true to MVRDV’s bold aesthetic?

S: Defining sustainability is an ongoing quest—it’s a broad term. That’s why we’ve committed to the Paris Agreement and global agencies and pursued a carbon-conscious approach for the past five years—perhaps even a 'carbon crusade'—to make a real impact now.  

We still get things wrong and are always learning. We’re not perfect, but at least we see that, in the global discourse, we can do one thing: be honest.  We can share our insights instead of congratulating ourselves on how great we are. I think the world right now needs honesty, transparency, and collaboration, and by sharing our knowledge, platforms, and tools, we can help architects drive real change.

DZ: How does MVRDV navigate challenges with clients to balance innovative design, project identity, and client needs?

S: Don’t give up! Don’t lose hope, and try to understand—maybe through anecdotes. Clients often resist, sometimes with surprising objections. You can hear the strangest things, but the key is to look for the question behind the question. Beneath these comments usually lies a deeper concern—whether it’s cost, regulations, or uncertainty. Persistence and curiosity are essential. Try to uncover everyone’s agenda, understand their real motivations, and address their fears. Staying investigative helps us find solutions that align with both our vision and their needs.