Flowing Through Time

Uncovering The Hague’s Water Heritage for Awareness and Contemporary Resilience

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

H. Spiertz Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

G.A Verschuure Landscape Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Fransje Hooimeijer Environmental Technology and Design - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
F.L. Hooimeijer Environmental Technology and Design - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
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Published Date

24-06-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

Dutch water management has undergone a significant transition, evolving from early adaptations that allowed coexistence with water to more extensive interventions aimed at active control. However, recent insights have revealed the unsustainability of these practices. Persistent measures, such as the continuous lowering of groundwater levels for construction and intensive agriculture, combined with the impacts of climate change, have led to significant consequences. Notable events like the Maas floodings in 2021 underscore the lack of preparedness and low water awareness among the Dutch population.

In response to these challenges, there is a growing emphasis on revisiting and revitalizing water management heritage. This research aims to contribute to this shift by proposing strategic design interventions focused on The Hague, Netherlands. The designs are informed by a comprehensive historical analysis of the city’s water systems and aim to integrate heritage with modern water management practices. These interventions seek to enhance urban resilience, raise public awareness of water-related challenges, and reestablish the community’s connection to its historical relationship with water.