After Gas

After Gas: Exploring a Design Framework for the future of new perspective in Groningen after the closure of gas field

Zhang, Junhui (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment)

Luiten, E.A.J. (mentor)
Schoonderbeek, M.G.H. (mentor)
Groetelaers, D.A. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Landscape Architecture

2024-06-17

This research focuses on the transformation of the Groningen gas field region, which has transitioned from a symbol of national pride due to its vast natural gas reserves to a region grappling with the significant impacts of gas extraction. With the permanent closure of gas production, the region faces ongoing challenges such as land subsidence, earthquakes, and socio-economic shifts. This study aims to explore sustainable and commemorative landscape-based transformation strategies to address these issues and redefine the identity of Groningen.

The research identifies two primary areas of concern: the existing gas extraction sites and the broader landscape affected by environmental changes and social disruptions. By analyzing the current state and potential of these sites, the study proposes design interventions that integrate industrial heritage into public spaces and enhance regional resilience.

Three representative sites—Slochteren, Ten Post, and Noordbroek—are selected as case studies. Slochteren, the first gas extraction site, is considered for its potential to become an open-air museum, akin to the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park in Germany. Ten Post, located in the most seismically active and subsidence-prone area, and Noordbroek, one of the first sites undergoing cleanup, offer insights into how design can mitigate environmental impacts and foster a sense of place.

The theoretical framework incorporates principles of landscape architecture, the concept of guilty landscapes, and post-industrial landscape transformation. These theories provide a systematic approach to understanding and addressing the multifaceted issues associated with the Groningen gas field. The goal is to create a cohesive strategy that connects these sites to their surrounding landscapes and communities, turning them into meaningful public spaces that reflect the region's history and identity while
promoting sustainability and resilience.

This research contributes to the broader discourse on post-industrial landscape transformation by demonstrating how integrated design approaches can address environmental, social, and historical challenges. The findings aim to offer a replicable model for other regions facing similar transitions from industrial heritage to sustainable future landscapes.

Groningen Gas Field
Industiral Landsacpe Transformation
Landscaoe Architecture

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e2c81b1e-a464-4fe5-948a-ff162b4e53b3

53.191862, 6.754515

Student theses

master thesis

© 2024 Junhui Zhang