This thesis concerns the historical relationship between the built environment and water in the Dutch delta area. The area is a region characterized by its proximity to water. This brings benefits like fishing, trade, and culture, but also comes with threats, like floods. The study addresses a gap in the literature on this topic related to the built environment. The research aims to determine what the built environment in the Dutch delta area can tell us about living with water.
The thesis goes over a historical analysis and three case studies: the Plompetoren in Koudekerke, the church of Simonshaven, and the town of Zuidland. The first is the only remnant of a drowned town, the second is a building that withstood multiple floods, and the third is a town showing variation in outcome between different streets as a result of the flood disaster of 1953.
From these studies, it can be determined that resilience against water is more important than protection from water. Elevation, material choice, and spatial planning are essential. When a form of protection fails, it is vital that it is possible to recover quickly.
As climate changes and the sea level rises, more and more coastal regions worldwide face similar threats. The lessons learned from this thesis are thus becoming increasingly important nowadays.