In this report, fruitful combinations in solving livability problems and rain water nuisances are explored for the case study of the Schilderswijk. The importance of this combination is found in the importance of the two of them seperately. Climate proofing neighbourhoods is necessary when considering climate change which will only increase rain water nuisances. Improving livability is important as it has an influence on people’s and especially children’s future prospects. Combining both measures in a fruitful way provides more financial means, is more sustainable and is more pleasant for inhabitants.
The Schilderswijk is and represents a multicultural, low income, low livability neighbourhood that is densly built and well located. Furthermore it has a reputaion bigger than itself that had to be dealt with. These place specific characteristics are researched by mapping, literature and observations.
Livability is researched in a broad sense relying on a framework based on ecology in which three types of livabililty are distinguished: perceived livability, apparent livability and presumed livability. Within these three types the following aspects are considered to measure livability: 1) Health and security/safety 2) Material prosperity, income inequality, inequality in happiness 3) Social relationships 4) Control on amount of social interaction and control on physical environment 5) Contact with nature. Livability is researched by looking at data and statistics, performing fieldwork in which behavior was observed, mapping, literature and with the help of interviews.
Rain water nuisances are researched by looking at data, literature, mapping as well as fieldwork in observing how they occur.

It was found that the following solutions have a positive effect or provide opportunities in creating positive effects on both livability and rain water nuisances in the Schilderswijk:
Kitchen gardens in combination with rain barrels,
Water squares in combination with sports or playgrounds,
Delftse stoep with the boundary condition of partly replacing paved surfaces by (semi)-permeable ones,
Car free streets where one can make space for greenery and activities such as playing or relaxing,
Built-in trampolines in playgrounds, the space underneath can act as a temporary water buffer,
Fountains can give identity to a place, create a more pleasurable microclimate and can partly be temporary water buffers,
Water playgrounds provide a socializing place for children and parents, while at the same time the height differences can be temporary water buffers and educate children on water issues,
Sport fields with infiltration boxes underneath,
Nature playgrounds, and finally
Parks with added functions and zoning in terms of height differences.
Specifically for the Schilderswijk, the reputation is one of the major issues. Solutions can be found in connecting the Schilderswijk more to the city center and train station, making a quality out of the unique retail offer by making themed shopping streets and giving a new swing to the name of the neighbourhood by introducing street arts. Especially street art can also have an added positive effect on livability in a multicultural neighbourhoods as it allows inhabitants to show off their culture and create places to be proud of.
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Currently, the agricultural system of South Holland causes many externalities including subsidence, increased flood risks by poor water management, a loss of biodiversity, air pollution and economic problems due to the nitrogen tax. Given these problems, the following research question is chosen: can improving ecological conditions and livability in South Holland be accomplished by creating a circular agricultural system where livestock farming is severely limited? The goal of this project is to respect and work with the underlying landscape system to con-struct a new circular agricultural system which is beneficial for the ecological system and livability in South Holland. This will be achieved by reducing livestock farming by over 90%, which will still leave us with the right number of animals needed for sufficient manure production. On the remaining land, new types of protein rich, eco-friendly agriculture will be introduced. Furthermore, ground remediation will be done, in peat areas the ground water level is increased to battle subsidence and double dikes will be realized to limit the long-term flood risk in a natural way while producing seaweed at the same time. To create a stronger economy, knowledge on the new forms of farming and producing meat replacements in the newly introduced meat replacement hub will be created and exported. Lastly an ecological network will be created to strengthen the ecosystem and increase biodiversity. By these interventions, a stronger ecosystem is created that will be integrated into people’s lives. To make these interventions happen, scientists need to work together with policy makers and designers to discuss the details of the projects. They will initiate the processes, and then give nature time to heal and achieve the sought-after ecological results. Overall, the following recommendations are given to the province of South Holland: •Initiate natural changes that will lead to a stronger ecology and underlying landscape •Give strong incentives for entrepreneurs to be circular: facilitate, stimulate but also regulate. •Take externalities into account when making economic calculations, then a sustainable way is likely to also be the most profitable way. This report is interesting for policy makers and spatial planners at a national, regional and city scale level looking for spatial solutions to problems with a linear agricultural system as well as policy makers wanting to improve the subsoil conditions. The report is specifically interesting when one is interested in south holland but can also be applied broader to the Netherlands and countries with similar climates, soil types and ecosystems. ... Read more