In 2024 the management department of the municipality Rotterdam asked Delft University of Technology researchers for a durable and future-proof decision-making method for tree maintenance in parks and plantations, based on Tree Language. Tree language is a typology of urban tree structures, which characterizes the spatial relationship the grammar between tree species, configurations and plantations (vocabulary, syntax and structure) and their specific situation. It provides a neutral framework for decision-making; the socio-cultural, economic, physical and ecological dimension provide the content. Urban tree structures derive their logic from the anchoring in the longue durée of their development, and from a scale continuity in which the different dimensions play out. Therefore, the method starts from understanding the existing mosaic of plantations, tree types and configurations in relation to each other as the basis for future transformations. To make the tree language operational for management we studied three cases of different sizes and complexity: Buizenpark is small and part of a neighbourhood plantation structure, Valkeniersweide is a clearly defined urban park and Drechterweide is a large forest plantation. We used the case studies to define different steps: determine 1) type of plantation; 2) tree types; 3) configurations; 4) groups of configurations; 5) Proposal for strengthening existing groups and configurations, with a basic and maximum version as a tool for discussion with different actors. This provides a solid starting point for the next two steps, to be conducted in collaboration with the municipal departments: 6) Compare to ongoing plans; 7) Differentiate in time. This asks for two transitions in management paradigms: 1) Spatial dimension as basis; 2) Configuration instead of forest plantation or individual tree as management unit. Merging a landscape architectural and a maintenance perspective, we might speculatively call this method a ‘creative management strategy’.

The environmental crisis demands for an interdisciplinary design of urban infrastructure to increase resilience to climate change. Interdisciplinary design is about integration of data, concepts, ambitions and goals by bridging instrumental differences between engineering and spatial design. This paper presents the results of an interdisciplinary design study that deals with persistent flood issues in the Venice lagoon (Italy). The study illustrates how the differences in languages, methods and tools of the disciplines can be overcome by interdisciplinary collaboration directed towards the designing of spatial and technical solutions. Two design proposals are instrumentally described through the lens of the Casco and the Open Building concepts; both advocate the creation of an overarching frame as the basic condition for adaptive design. The paper gives insights on how to cooperate in interdisciplinary design settings in educational environments and builds knowledge on the collaboration between fields that might be relevant also for professional figures.