Friend and foe
The Dutch delta is a constantly changing landscape and symbolizes dynamism and transition. This marshy area, shaped by the interaction between rivers and the sea, is both fertile and challenging. The Dutch built cities in this largest marsh in Europe, drawn by the favorable water connections that brought trade and prosperity. At the same time, living in the delta requires an ongoing battle against water, which threatens from the sea, rivers, the air, and the soil. With iconic solutions such as polders, windmills, and the Delta Works, the Netherlands has become globally known for its innovative water management. Water here is both friend and foe.
Broken down watersystem
The Dutch water system is increasingly under pressure due to the effects of climate change. Rising water levels in the sea and rivers, combined with sinking soil and heavy rainfall, create new challenges such as flooding and drought. While half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and is protected by dikes and dunes, the question arises of how long this protection will suffice. Is the Netherlands on the brink of a major migration to higher areas, or is there a future in which we allow water to enter in a controlled manner and adapt to the changing conditions?
Is the Netherlands facing a major migration to higher areas, or is there a future in which we allow water to enter in a controlled manner and adapt to the changing conditions?
Water and soil as guiding principles
To prepare the Netherlands for the future, a new approach is needed, with water and soil playing a central role. This idea is as old as the Netherlands itself: our ancestors instinctively knew where to farm and where it was safe to live. However, with the arrival of pumps and artificial fertilizers, even less fertile land became usable, and people could settle in wet polders, increasing the sense of control. Prosperity and technology gave us the illusion that the delta had been tamed. Climate change, however, shows that this is not the case. Fortunately, the ability to adapt to changing conditions is in our nature.
Moving with the water
If we start moving more in harmony with the water, the Netherlands could look radically different in the future. If we give the rivers the space they need, the Netherlands could transform into a large amphibious landscape, with varying water levels and a transition from freshwater to saltwater. Salt marshes, mudflats, and tidal areas could then form a robust, connected nature reserve with rich biodiversity, where people live in innovative ways: floating, amphibious, or on artificial mounds. This would create a unique new Dutch landscape that not only serves as a water buffer but also offers adventurous recreation and nature.
Climate change could thus also be an opportunity to make the Netherlands more beautiful and livable. The choices we need to make now revolve around rethinking our relationship with water and space. Should we continue to resist the water, or can we better anticipate natural dynamics by, for example, relocating dikes, giving rivers more space, and developing amphibious cities and villages? The answers to these questions will determine whether the Netherlands becomes the delta that moves with the water in harmony with nature once again.
Climate change could thus also be an opportunity to make the Netherlands more beautiful and livable. The choices we need to make now revolve around rethinking our relationship with water and space. Should we continue to resist the water, or can we better anticipate natural dynamics by, for example, relocating dikes, giving rivers more space, and developing amphibious cities and villages? The answers to these questions will determine whether the Netherlands becomes the delta that moves with the water in harmony with nature once again.
our efforts
projectIABR–Drought in the Delta
In the IABR Atelier Drought in the Delta, Studio Marco Vermeulen presents building blocks for a robust freshwater strategy. The use of the surface and subsurface of the Dutch Delta landscape is becoming increasingly intensive, with new transitions such as renewable energy, sustainable food production and an increased urbanization adding to this space scarcity. A robust fresh water strategy will need to react to these transitions, an integrated approach of different functions is essential. The results of this research by design project have been visualized in the form of two cross-sections of the Dutch delta , the delta in 2020 and in 2050 , explaining the interdependence above and below the surface and the benefits that arise when design with both of them.
projectWater Squares
During heavy downpours, the sewer systems in many cities in the Netherlands are unable to drain all the water in time. As a result, the sewers overflow, causing numerous problems. This leads to large puddles on the streets, making it difficult for pedestrians to keep their feet dry as they navigate the city. Additionally, it causes damage to flooded basements and ground floors of homes, shops, and restaurants. Most importantly, it results in significant odor and health issues due to the sewage water being discharged into canals and rivers.
projectRotterdam Water City 2035
Rotterdam is an exceptional city with its low location at the mouth of a river, in a delta, close to the sea. The presence of this water is barely perceptible, however, in large parts of the city. Rotterdam is currently not a riverside city, but rather an unusual city trying to be as usual as possible. In the coming century the water will pose an increasing threat to the city from four directions: the sea, the river, the sky and the land. In this design study the water threat is seized upon to examine a number of other pressing topics in the city. five future perspectives not only sketch solutions for the water problem they also put forward opportunities for a more attractive city.
projectBezuiden Sluis
Bezuiden Sluis is an urban planning project for a climate-adaptive neighborhood located along the Hoge Maasdijk in Woudrichem. The area is situated outside the dikes and experiences fluctuating water levels. Its unique location presents an exceptional opportunity to create a distinctive, dynamic residential community with housing types that respond to the movement of water. This alternative approach to construction allows for safe living in the floodplains while providing ample space for the river. By incorporating unique housing typologies such as dike houses, amphibious homes, and floating houses, the neighborhood can adapt to the changing water levels.