Water as a carrier for futuure values

Abstract

Living in the deep polders in the deltaic landscape of the Netherlands poses large-scale challenges. Biodiversity decline, weather extremes, sea level rise, salination, the housing crisis, and subsidence affect large parts of the Netherlands. These challenges should be tackled together through the integral question of ‘what does the area need?’ instead of the more contemporary idea of adding one aspect and the rest will follow. This thesis argues that the territory-oriented approach in relation to current functions and natural and cultural value support urban development to create value in low-lying Dutch polders. In this project, a design for the Benthuizer Noordpolder is created with the use of the territory-oriented approach that regards several aspects of the project, such as urban development, water management, agriculture, and recreation. Through the investment in time, cultural and natural values, integral design, and adaption a design is created that takes a proactive stance toward the current climatic and societal challenges.

This is achieved by using water as a carrier. The hypothesis of a new waterway functions as the backbone of the transition of the area. This transition allows for the reconstruction of a landscape that is related to the natural cultural landscape. Through several steps towards 2100, the vision creates a new type of urban ecosystem that has a beneficial relationship with the landscape. Infrastructure, housing, and open spaces are reconfigured to enhance the system. Through the addition of floodable housing typologies and infrastructure, a new perspective is given on the relationship with the delta which argues for a shift from extreme water management to the creation of boundaries in which the water is allowed its natural rhythm. Through the territory-oriented approach and the use of the physical conditions of the site, the landscape is transformed from barren agricultural landscape to a multifunctional landscape in which there is space for agriculture, living, and recreation. With this design, the argument is made that it is possible to propose urban development in the low-lying polders.

The project’s progression from today until 2100 is not without limitations. Questions have been put about the justness, the involvement of stakeholders, and water management specifications. This design for the area of the Benthuizer Noordpolder conveys that future value can be created by reimagining infrastructure, housing, and open spaces through long-term investment.