Despite how different the fields of design, fashion and architecture and their applications may seem, what they have in common is their aim to improve the quality and user-friendliness of our day-to-day surroundings. Despite their seeming differences, design, fashion and architecture in the Netherlands also share a common source: the Bauhaus tradition of the 1920s, which formed the basis for Dutch design education, nourished by related movements like De Stijl and Russian Constructivism.

A culture of enlightened commissioning has stimulated the development of the design sectors from the early twentieth century onwards. National companies like the Dutch Mail services and the Dutch Bank acknowledged the social and industrial importance of aesthetics and functionality. Social housing corporations, city councillors and the Office of the State Architect (which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2006) all stimulated the quality of social housing and urban planning in the Netherlands.

Through the establishment of funding bodies and umbrella organisations the Dutch government launched a focused policy for architecture and design in the 1980s. Especially in the architecture sector, a well-balanced network of institutions, local architecture centres, funds, prizes and stimulating regulations emerged, which is unparalleled. Important here was the collaboration between different ministries. Meanwhile, new funds, sector organisations, prizes and manifestations for design and fashion also had a stimulating effect. The strength of this support network has without a doubt contributed to the development and international success of Dutch architecture, design and fashion.