Re-functionalization

An integrated functional regeneration through biophysical restructuring of landscape

Master thesis (2018)

Authors

W. Wang Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

Nico Tillie (mentor)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2018 Wentong Wang
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Published Date

08-11-2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

For this graduation project, the Dutch Wadden Sea Region is chosen as analysis context. It contains both the Wadden Sea and mainland near the Wadden Sea. For the coastal part, there are tidal mud flats, shoals, barrier islands and fertile marshlands. Besides, the coastal area is occupied by several villages and towns. By all of these elements, this region is known as a natural resource area and a tourism destination for the population of the urbanized areas in the interior (Otto, 2001).

The Wadden Sea Region also has rich cultural heritage, which gives evidence of interaction between human and nature. This resulted in a great diversity of geographical landscapes and a wealth of natural values (Otto, 2001). Besides, the region is important not only for nearby country, but also for few areas with comparable physical conditions, which means adaptive strategies developed here can be used as patterns and models for other development all over Europe and even the world.

Right now, this region is facing a set of environmental, social-economic and demographical problems, like: sea level rise, coastal erosion, hydrological changes, weak economic potential (less competitive and less high skilled), unemployment, population decline and survival of typical landscape elements as well as some other legacy (Wim, 2013, Britas et al., 2010, Heike et al., 2005, Otto,2001).

In conclusion, tidal movements, extreme weather conditions and processes of erosion, sedimentation make the Wadden Sea Region very dynamic. Besides, the cultural heritage is rich and diverse. No matter nature or culture in the Wadden Sea Region, they are both characterized by continuous interaction of traditional and current needs. This region will be constantly challenged by urban innovations, economic conjunctions and political realities (Otto, 2001).