More new orders for architectural projects

After many years of decline, architects have received more new orders in 2010. The value of new orders for architectural projects received in 2010 grew by 4.6 percent relative to 2009.

Growth renovation and restoration projects

The positive trend is predominantly due to a sharp increase in orders for renovation and restoration projects in non-residential building. The market for renovation and restoration projects in the non-residential building sector revived in 2010. The value of new orders rocketed by 25 percent last year relative to 2009.

Orders for the construction of new non-residential buildings are rare as the vacancy rate in this sector is high. The value of these orders dropped by 1.1 percent in 2010 and is currently more than 60 percent down on the level of 2007.

Building sum new orders for architectural projects

Emphasis in residential building also on renovation and restoration projects

The increase in new orders in the sector residential building also mainly concern renovation and restoration projects. The value of these orders increased by more than 12 percent in 2010, as against a growth by only 3 percent for the construction of new residential units. The value of orders for the construction of new residential units received in 2010 was approximately 60 percent below the level of 2007.

Ron Duijkers