With a father in IT, Hidde was interested in computer technology from an early age. At nine he made pixel art and collaborated on the creation of images for computer games. Would he become a professional game designer? He also had a growing interest in mathematics and physics. Design and science come together in architecture, he reasoned, so he chose architecture.

‘Because of my computing background, I soon became interested in the possibilities of parametric design. After my HBO it seemed a logical step to delve further into the subject at TU Delft, in the Robotic Buildings department.'

He describes his graduation project, with a broad smile, as extreme. For the Bauhaus, which was celebrating its centenary at the time, he designed a contemporary university building made entirely of wood. How would the ideals of architecture and education find suitable accommodation if design, structure and construction were to benefit as much as possible from digital techniques, ranging from parametric design to robotics?

The application period after his studies coincided with the first lockdown in the year of Covid. An alienating period followed, although it has since been forgotten as he has worked in an atmosphere he describes as open, curious and challenging. The architecture has not been driven by image and ego but based on a relevant idea.

‘At the moment I’m interested in writing programs to improve the design process, such as the sustainability test that I’m setting up together with Malika. It would be great if we could integrate these kinds of instruments earlier in the design process'

Until the age of eighteen Hidde was a top-level judoka. Nowadays tennis and running satisfy his love of sports. He has a Polish girlfriend, so he’s learning Polish in his spare time, and with the time that’s left he enjoys a beer with his friends.