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In retrospect, Delft's Faculty of Architecture of the 1930s is perceived as a dark and introvert period of time when the conservatism of the Delftse School movement inhibited the progressive thinking of earlier years. However, the circumstances are more nuanced; at that time an enthusiastic group of students, who later became known as De Groep (The Group), instigated and provoked discussion about the state of architecture. As well as Granpré Moliere – later considered the leader of the Delftse School – other key figures of 'new architecture' also took part, such as: Gropius, Breuer, Le Corbusier, Lurçat, Duiker, Rietveld, Oud and Van Eesteren. Some of the members of De Groep have led a remarkable life. After graduating they began their careers by working with eminent architects such as Oud, Van Tijen and Rietveld. However, the economic crisis, followed by World War II, badly affected their promising careers as self employed architects / urban planners. The members who survived the war returned to play their part in the post-war reconstruction, but until now there has been very little attention paid to their role. It is justified to say that they have paved the way for subsequent generations of architects and urban developers, like Van den Broek, Bakema, Van Eyck and Hertzberger, who have become internationally prominent because of their reverence for Modernity. Some members of De Groep have asserted their influence in other parts of the world, like Jan Albarda, Huibert van Doorninck and Kees Bakker, who emigrated to Canada.

Please note: This book is only available in Dutch.