The frequency of flooding events is estimated to increase in the Rhine Basin. Cities are becoming increasingly sensitive to climate change, and urban sprawl and urban population growth are bringing more and more people and areas into the risk. The thesis project is about the flooding resilience future in the lower Rhine River basin. The lack of systematic and scientific spatial planning and flood management tools has resulted in the mega region not having complex flooding issues. In addition, the natural landscape is fragmented by the urban sprawl in the past few years, and the connection of nature landscape and the value of the ecosystems needs to be utilized and demonstrated in future flood management in the face of the new paradigm. In the cross sections and different levels and countries of governance, it is important to investigate the local capacity of adaptation and transformation towards flood resilience. Nature- based solutions are thus chosen as which not only recognize the dynamics of the bio-physical systems but also activate the capacity of local conditions. Nature- based solutions not only enhance the green and blue infrastructure, but also creating added values of social benefits. By investigating the opportunity, suitability, availability and applicability of applying the nature- based solutions, the thesis try to explore a systematic approach to accelerate the transformation towards a flood resilience future in the ABC mega region by the local adaptations. ... Read more

At the moment, 23,5% of total waste production in the Netherlands comes from the construction sector. Therefore, in view of international agreements and the developing climate crisis, by 2050 this construction- and demolition sector should be transformed into a circular system that limits CO2 severely. It is important to bear in mind that current waste collection and waste treatment in the Netherlands are often separated and that it is a system that does not integrate social and spatial aspects, such as education or embeddedness in the urban fabric. These processes lack in optimal use of existing spatial systems in order to stimulate a sustainable circular flow of materials. In order to tackle this problem, we envision to integrate several systems of existing waste collection stations and treatment facilities and involve citizens in the waste system rejuvenation. In order to achieve this, we build upon the existing network of waste collection stations, by transforming it into a multi-functional system. Adding social values to the existing systems such as educational facilities and maker spaces improves their spatial quality and contributes to more public awareness about these systems. In order to achieve this, we propose to integrate systems into the urban fabric and improve the dialogue with the cities in the South Holland region. However, the unique identity of each location requires a multi-layered approach, consisting of central hubs and local- and flexible spokes. The central hubs emphasize logistical optimization of circular material processes, while the local and flexible spokes focus more on public awareness creation. The local spokes do so through integration with the city and the flexible spokes with a more adaptable character by being related to construction sites. To determine the functions and characteristics of each site, the regional strategy will take into account all individual spatial, environmental, social, and technical characteristics in order to achieve the best interaction between them. The multi-scale integration and rejuvenation of the system improve the efficiency and the sustainability of waste collection, with an impact on the spatial qualities of the waste collection stations. In turn, this leads to added social values and crucial society-wide awareness for the transition and active engagement of citizens in the circular economy. ... Read more