Shaping the Landscape
The Dutch landscape has been profoundly shaped by human interventions over the centuries. From redirecting rivers to draining polders, the battle against and coexistence with water is an integral part of Dutch history. These adaptations have not only protected us from floods but also created farmland and living space.
The growing population and the development of cities and villages have led to a constant transformation of the landscape. Alongside water management, numerous defensive structures were built, such as castles, forts, and waterlines, many of which are still visible in the landscape. These structures protected the land from enemies and stand as witnesses to turbulent times.
Although many of these interventions left clear marks, these traces are gradually disappearing due to changes and modernization. Old fortifications are being overgrown by forests, and former polders are transforming into urban areas. The Dutch landscape is dynamic and fleeting, with each adaptation adding a new chapter to a long history of human intervention.
The growing population and the development of cities and villages have led to a constant transformation of the landscape. Alongside water management, numerous defensive structures were built, such as castles, forts, and waterlines, many of which are still visible in the landscape. These structures protected the land from enemies and stand as witnesses to turbulent times.
Although many of these interventions left clear marks, these traces are gradually disappearing due to changes and modernization. Old fortifications are being overgrown by forests, and former polders are transforming into urban areas. The Dutch landscape is dynamic and fleeting, with each adaptation adding a new chapter to a long history of human intervention.
Legible Landscape
Restoring the value of old structures and landscapes helps make the past visible again. This can be achieved in various ways: by literally bringing historical elements back into the landscape or by repositioning existing remnants in plain sight. Additionally, a subtle, new layer can be added, offering an anecdotal reference to the past without merely copying it.
This interplay between old and new not only creates visual tension but also provides insight into the evolving nature of the landscape and our relationship with it. It highlights that our landscape is never static, constantly changing under the influence of time, nature, and human actions.
By integrating old structures into contemporary designs, the stories and memories of the past can be woven into daily life. This not only adds depth to the current landscape but also invites reflection on the interaction between humans and nature.
This interplay between old and new not only creates visual tension but also provides insight into the evolving nature of the landscape and our relationship with it. It highlights that our landscape is never static, constantly changing under the influence of time, nature, and human actions.
By integrating old structures into contemporary designs, the stories and memories of the past can be woven into daily life. This not only adds depth to the current landscape but also invites reflection on the interaction between humans and nature.
Exhibition
While restoring old structures and landscape elements is a valuable approach, it is not always possible. Sometimes traces from the past have vanished, or the stories are too rich and complex to be captured through a physical landscape intervention. Exhibitions and digital reconstructions offer alternatives when physical restoration is not feasible. By leveraging modern technology, historical layers and narratives can be visualized, making the deeper meaning of the landscape visible and experiential.
Physical reconstructions, subtle references, or modern presentation formats contribute to showcasing the ongoing interplay between humans and the landscape. This ensures that our heritage remains a living part of the future.
Physical reconstructions, subtle references, or modern presentation formats contribute to showcasing the ongoing interplay between humans and the landscape. This ensures that our heritage remains a living part of the future.
our efforts
projectLine of Unity
projectZuiderwaterlinie
The 'Zuiderwaterlinie' is a historical and design study into the history and potential future development of the Zuiderwaterlinie. The aim of the research was to investigate the historical context of the Zuiderwaterlinie and to develop a vision that would highlight its value once again. A key component of the design study involved analyzing the water and soil system of the historical line, leading to a future development vision for the area. The outcome of the design research is the book: ‘Zuiderwaterlinie Noord-Brabant, an open book,’ which was published by the province of North Brabant in an edition of 3,000 copies.
projectTrenches for Peace
The Dutch military is dedicated to serving peace. This paradox is perhaps nowhere more evident than on the Oirschot Heath, where spectacular military exercises take place above publicly accessible heathlands. The Oirschot Heath is one of the last wild terrains in the Netherlands and an example of the historic landscape of Brabant. The "Trench for Peace" emphasizes both the landscape and its military use by creating a cut in the ground in the shape of a peace symbol. From this trench, not only can military training be observed, but also the landscape and the unique podzol soil can be admired.
projectDeltarium
In the coming years, the area between Ravenstein and Lith will be transformed into a natural river landscape in which the river Meuse will be given the space to overflow its banks. In the new Deltarium to be realized, the story of this environment and the larger context of the Dutch Delta and its residents will be portrayed.
projectAviation Observation Bench
The landscape artwork is located precisely at the intersection of the Green Corridor and the approach route to Eindhoven Airport. This bench encourages reflection on our desire to travel far while reminding us of the beauty our own landscape offers. It also marks the entrance to the future BIC campus.
projectThe hidden fortress
As one of the first implementations of the Fortress Vision, "The Masterpiece of Menno van Coehoorn" has been realized beneath a recently completed residential area in Bergen op Zoom. Among the residents' foundation piles lies a significant portion of the remnants of the once-famous fortress city. And now it is accessible! The aim of the exhibition is to position the fortress past, both materially (the relics) and immaterially (the stories and history), as one of the leading themes to put Bergen op Zoom on the map as an attractive city for recreation.
