New York City is one of the most densely populated megacities in the world and specifically Manhattan one of the metropolitan areas with a constantly rocketing population growth. The delirious urbanization is mainly the result of mass migration both internal and international thus forming a society of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. As climate change emerges, Manhattan constitutes one of the areas with great flood vulnerability due to coastal flooding and storm surge. According to IPCC statistics, New York will experience a sea level rise of about one meter by 2100. The metropolitan area itself is the epicenter of patterns, from the Grid to the skyscraper. External forces such as the impending housing crisis, social segregation and the emergent flood risk will reconfigure the pattern image of the city in the future. The region has been altered extensively during the years by significant drivers which turned the primitive green paradise into an artificial world of skyscrapers. Natural elements of the past have been covered due to the increasing demand of building industry forming a compact environment. The Grid offered the fast and effective organization of the metropolitan area, however it did not take into account in a great extent the natural landscape. The graduation thesis explores the possibilities of the Grid into the mitigation of Flood vulnerability while bolstering the Social Inclusion in an aim to reconfigure the pattern image of the city in the future through the unraveling of important elements of Palimpsest Landscape. The flood adaptation of the Grid will question the impact on housing densification strategies for the future of the island. The identity as well as the resilience of the metropolitan area will be reinforced and people will come closer to nature.

The urgent need to decarbonize the energy sector marks the beginning of a post-fossil fuel era, leading among others to a significant decrease in coal production and a corresponding shift towards energy from renewables. This transition will bring changes spatially but also socio-economically and will affect primarily coal mining communities as their primary economic driver gradually declines. This thesis sets out to investigate the coal phase-out as happening in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland - Europe’s ‘coal heartland’. It focuses on the spatial aspect of it, a twofold challenge, that stems from the two contradictory conditions: the abundance of vacant land (land supply) that results from the coal phase-out and depopulating-shrinking trends in these coal regions and the spatial pressure (land demand) that the emerging deployment of renewables triggers in combination with possible unregulated land takeovers. The thesis conceives the coal regions as a systemic zone and proposes a shift to another form of the carbon economy, one based on forestry. It builds upon a timeline of actions starting from the phase-out of coal and shapes a narrative for a transition to a more sustainable and lower-carbon-intensive economy in the affected areas. The project approach this with a multiscalar perspective, zooming gradually to Lusatia, a historic region marked by many years of intensive lignite mining, an area in which four lignite extraction sites are still operating, and proposes a systemic approach to how another form of use in this cluster of mines could affect the ongoing depopulation in the area and care for the damaged and exhausted environment by fostering economic growth through sustainable timber harvesting and the creation of valuable ecosystem services that will trigger biodiversity growth. Last it looks at the area around Cottbus, where a former mine, and a currently active one, Jänschwalde mine, have shaped a unique landscape, surrounded by the characteristic pine forests of the region, and small scattered settlements. Spatial elements and their synergies are unraveled that facilitate sustainable wood production, the energy transition, and the care of natural ecosystems. The project works with a timeline spanning from 2025 until 2090, during which the area transforms as forests take over and grow while at the same time, several settlements and infrastructures decommission, depopulate, shrink and retreat. The final outcome inspires an alternative understanding of the coal regions, one described by a ‘spatial growth-retreat dynamic’ that builds upon the shrinking built environment and expresses itself with constant fluxes of carbon storage and carbon releases.

Due to global warming causing climate change, extreme conditions like droughts and floods are increasingly happening. Currently buildings in the Netherlands are experiencing the consequences of these extreme conditions, which they are not build for. Especially the foundations are a big problem. Therefore this paper is aiming to find a foundation typology for a family home in a flood prone area which is able to resist the dynamics of this location. Interviewing experts about foundation typologies and floodplain dynamics, analyzing data about the river and soil compositions and using literature to put the paper in context with existing information and academic content, provided information as to what type of foundation this problem needed. Though it would be logical, the technical solution is not the best when also taking into account the social, political and environmental factors. Therefore a combination of typologies is proposed.

As the capital of Peru and one of the largest metropolises in South America, Lima's rapid development has attracted worldwide attention. In recent years, the water crisis has become a pressing problem as people flock to Lima with a thirst for opportunity. Lima is located in a coastal desert area on the Pacific coast, backed by the Andes Mountains, a unique natural condition that has resulted in the formation of this 'city without rain'. The 1,2 million residents of the city obtain their daily water supply from water trucks and water tanks. However, seasonal flooding accompanies the dearth of water. The abundance of water in the Andes does not appear to alleviate Lima's water crisis; rather, the three principal rivers that originate in the Andes, Chillón, Rímac and Lurín, are always accompanied by flooding as summer approaches. At the same time, along with the unequal distribution of water resources and water pollution, residents in large cities have developed a very negative attitude towards water. In contrast, Huamantanga, located in the Andean highlands, still relies on natural groundwater recharge systems and traditional man-made water systems. However, these systems have suffered damage due to climate change and mismanagement. At the same time, for the town's residents, a single mode of production has caused population loss and the devaluation of traditional water-related practices. The graduation project proposes landscape interventions as a means of water system restoration. From the Andean highlands to the lower Chillón River, Huamantanga and Lima have the opportunity to be connected through the restoration of the water system, thus helping to alleviate Lima's water crisis. The different communities through which the water system flows are also viewed as stakeholders in sustainable water management, and the project will provide multiple environmental, social, and spiritual improvements to their water-related lives. The design framework focuses on the restoration of water systems at different scales, utilizing water as a central element. Through an in-depth study of spatial and landscape identity, the project highlights the role of the landscape in facilitating water system restoration and the consequent positive changes in people's water-related practices. The analysis zooms in on two specific sites: Huamantanga town and the floodplain located in the lower Chillón River, offering a concrete understanding of how the landscape can contribute to water system restoration and shape people's water-related lives.

As a result of climate change, there has been a shift in the global weather pattern. The hydrological regime in river basins across the world is subjected to unprecedented extreme weather conditions. In the Thames Basin, the narratives about resilience against sudden floods and extended droughts have focussed on sustaining London through large, expensive infrastructural projects. As such extremities become common over time across the basin, the relationship between the megacity and its ecological hinterlands is turning increasingly strained. The increasing intensity of water-related disasters like droughts and floods across the basin are a sign of disruptions in the flows of the water cycle, and the disproportionate degree of responses to addressing them signifies the biases within the power structures that control the supply, distribution, and treatment of water. The thesis seeks to examine these imbalances of power within integrated river basin management through the lens of urban political ecology to address the inequalities in how citizens in different settlements across the basin are exposed to water risks in terms of compromised quantity and quality of water. In addition to seasonal flooding risks, the entire basin is subjected to threats to water security as a result of population growth, changes in rainfall patterns, and high levels of pollution. This threat to water security is affecting the countryside’s ability to sustain its agricultural practices in the face of declining national food security. The project further seeks to adopt a site-sensitive approach to water risk management that acknowledges the water needs of the countryside. Moreover, with its position upstream of the basin, the actions towards water management taken here to slow the river and increase groundwater infiltration could help reduce the intensity of fluvial flooding downstream and work towards recharging fresh water supplies.

Churches have always been the centre of Dutch society to gather under one roof (De Kruijf & De Roest, 2010). Due to the secularization of the Netherlands, church vacancy is increasing. Currently, churches still fulfill a central function within a city, village or neighborhood (Kerkmagazine, 2022). The Grote- of Mariakerk is one of them, and the vacancy of buildings in such prominent areas of the city will detract from social and physical quality of these areas (De Kruijf & De Roest, 2010). The church should not withdraw from the public domain (Kennedy, J. C. K., 2010). A transformation towards a public interior could avoid this. Kloos (1993) describes public interiors as buildings in which the city’s public space is continued. The social and functional diversity of urban buildings is reflected in their façades (Jürgenhake, 2014), especially around their interior and exterior; the ‘transition zone’ (Gehl, 2011). Therefore this paper focuses on the role of the transition zone when transforming the Grote- of Mariakerk towards a public interior, whilst maintaining its heritage values. By combining literature research , case studies, and field research, the role of the transition zone in public interiors is clarified. By analysing the existing transition zones of the Grote- of Mariakerk and linking them with the criteria of a public interior, opportunities and challenges for the transformation towards a public interior result in design approaches regarding the transition zone.

What long ago started as a small fishing village, seeking refuge from the Romans, slowly evolved into the city of Venice that we know today. With its unique location came unique problems, most of which were related to the interplay between Venice and its lagoon. By severe measures in the past it has continued to withstand the test of time. In the decades to come, Venice, once again, has found itself in a difficult situation. Like has been done in the past, drastic measures are required to deal with the current and upcoming difficulties threatening the survival of Venice. These difficulties range from over-tourism to sea-level rise and the subsiding of the city. Acting like the Magistrato alle Acque acted in the past, extreme visions where laid out as possible solutions to these threats. A workshop week with focus on interdisciplinary design formed the basis for two extreme visions which are laid out in this report. With the aim of answering the main research question: How do flood defense systems influence the spatial aspects of the territory in the context of a high dynamic landscape in the Anthropocene? The plan for the Perfect Lagoon is one of these, which has focuses on tackling all of the current and upcoming problems were the emphasis lies on preserving and perfecting the lagoon using the building with nature philosophy, while also saving the city from drowning. Preservation is done by solving the sediment budget problems. Due to the constantly eroding system, salt marshes and land is slowly disappearing. In this plan, drastic actions will be taken to counteract the constant erosion as well as the effect that sea level rise will have on this unique estuary. Drastic measures like redirecting rivers and re-purposing the MOSE contribute towards this goal. After preservation comes restoration as one of the goals is to restore and increase ecological value, restoration of salt marshes and removal of negative influences like pollution. As a second vision, the plan of the Symbiotic System deals with the same problems but here the emphasis lies on interconnectedness of Veneto. More attention is paid to mass tourism. The plan aims to turn Venice into a modern interconnected metropolitan area. The city and the lagoon will be treated as two separated system where the focus lies completely on the city of Venice. The lagoon will be left to its own devices in order to find a new, still unknown, equilibrium. These visions are then further worked out and explained, and for both visions, technical design are made to, step-by-step, bring these visions closer to reality. From these visions along with their technical design we can conclude that flood defence systems have a major influence in the spacial aspects of the territory. Not only in its primary function, but more importantly in the secondary functions. Both primary and secondary functions can be used to create a paradigm shift for the territory. Using the multidisciplinary approach, an integral design can be made for the flood defence, in which the opportunities in a territory can be maximized.

The report tackles Galveston's flooding challenges, which are currently in development with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) ring barrier. However, the current design, predominantly addressing coastal flooding, falls short in dealing with pluvial flooding, relying heavily on pumps. This top-down approach neglects environmental and stakeholder considerations, resulting in a decoupled response to compound flooding, lacking adaptability, and overlooking the impact of chronic flooding on local businesses. The central research question revolves around reshaping the Galveston ring barrier in The Strand area for enhanced functionality against both coastal and pluvial flooding, sustainable management of catastrophic and chronic flooding, and improved public space value. The methodology consist of a literature review, fieldwork in 'The Strand,' stakeholder engagement in Texas, the design of multiple alternatives that deal with the issue at hand and evaluation through a Multi-Criteria Analysis. Two alternative designs, sensitive to identified issues, are presented for the Strand area. The outcome emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach incorporating the knowledge of the different academic backgrounds of the team, with designs adaptable for broader implementation in Galveston. The design alternatives centres on measures to counteract flooding, specifically cloudburst roads, retention areas, and a promenade. Caution is advised in interpreting results, emphasizing the need for further investigation into hydraulic conditions. Climate change effects are underscored, considering sea level rise, precipitation rates, and increased hurricanes. The project area, focusing on a 1 km stretch, offers local adaptation measures, with potential extension to larger areas to explore system behaviour on a larger scale. The study notes the uncommon implementation of sustainable drainage systems in the United States, highlighting the importance of addressing common failure causes such as incomplete knowledge and poor communication. While two measures for pluvial flooding are examined, the report suggests a more detailed design should consider additional factors like green roofs and their impact on runoff speed and drainage capacity.

The acceleration of the sea level rise will have an immediate global impact, especially on the Delta works. This projection increases the challenge for flood protection strategies and the existing flood barriers that currently lack adaptation for the higher water level. As an opportunity from the negative outcome of climate change and the most extensive maintenance period of the Delta works. This design research initiates by considering the further innovative stage of the flood defense system in Zeeland. Either way of strengthening the hydraulic systems, removing the flood barriers for environmental respect, or adapting both directions with the surrounding and biodiversity concerns. This paper studies three crucial phasing investigations about the Delta works: the principle and life cycle, the alteration of the biodiversity, and multi-functionality. The research indicated two sides of the outcomes, leading to the methodology of the integration between the typology and methods of dam, locks, and storm surge barriers to create diversity in the specific context of Oosterscheldekering. Together with the multi-functionality of the new architecture, that could be a solution for the future adaptation of existing flood barriers.

This research explores the spatial implications of climate change and sea level rise on the Dutch Delta’s productive landscapes, focusing on integrating spatial design and water management within a risk framework. The transition from adaptive planning to planned adaptation is highlighted as crucial for addressing the unpredictability of climate change impacts, advocating for a shift in strategy from a reactive to a proactive approach in delta management. Design experiments play a central role in this research, employing critical cartography and sectional drawings as tools to analyse and synthesise localised adaptation strategies to the vulnerabilities posed by sea level rise. These design tools facilitate the exploration of innovative spatial responses that accommodate climatic uncertainties, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the landscapes. Designing with uncertainties underpins the research methodology, embracing the unpredictability of future climate conditions as a foundation for developing adaptive spatial strategies. This approach entails a paradigm shift towards accommodation and planned adaptation, emphasising the need for flexible, integrated planning that can evolve over time. The research underscores the potential of nature-based solutions to synergise productive and protective systems, enhancing ecological, social, and economic resilience in the face of climate change and sea level rise. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and design experiments, the research presents a forward-thinking vision for the Dutch Delta. It proposes a methodological approach to landscape and urban planning that navigates the complexities of climate adaptation, demonstrating how productive landscapes can be reimagined to thrive in an uncertain future.

In 2022, Europe experienced severe drought, notably affecting Northern Italy’s Po region, renowned for its industrial and agricultural significance. Consequently, the region’s food production sector encountered severe challenges in water management, struggling to meet its water requirements. Rice production, leading in the demand for water resources, is especially vulnerable to the evolving rainfall dynamics. Through research by design, this Master’s thesis addresses improving water security for rice production while nurturing a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. The research identifies conflicts arising from widely adopted dry-seeding techniques in rice farming and the abandonment of traditional water retention practices, exacerbated by climate change and leading to diminished water availability. The proposed design interventions seek to retain water in the landscape, replenishing aquifers, and prioritizing habitat restoration. This thesis suggests a paradigm shift in water management and agricultural perspectives, emphasizing the intrinsic link between water, human well-being, and ecological health. By integrating traditional flooded practices and ecological restoration into agricultural systems, it presents a holistic approach to water management. Additionally, the strategy stresses the importance of fostering awareness and active engagement with the natural environment to strengthen the human-nature connection. The insights gained from this study can inform future policies and practices, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the rice production landscapes of northern Italy and beyond.

In recent decades, China's rapid urbanization and economic growth have caused significant ecological damage, especially in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). Jiaxing, at the heart of the YRD, exemplifies these challenges. Historically, Jiaxing's identity and prosperity were intertwined with water, supporting agriculture, trade, and cultural activities. However, modern urban development has drastically reduced water areas, altering the landscape and detaching residents from their water-centric lifestyle. This shift has led to ecological, economic, and social issues, eroding the city's identity. This paper aims to restore Jiaxing's identity as a water city, ensuring a sustainable future by following Cheshmehzangi's (2015) theory. At the regional scale, it will analyze the interplay between the city and its water elements using Mačiukėnaitė and Povilaitienė's (2013) framework, focusing on infrastructure, ecology, society, and symbolic roles to revitalize urban identity and city vitality. At the environmental scale, the study will examine the relationship between citizens and their urban environment, emphasizing forms, activities, and impressions. Using the Holistic Urban Landscape theory, it will propose strategies to maintain spatial atmosphere and improve urban space quality. The paper will conclude with the design of urban nodes to demonstrate the feasibility of these strategies.