D. Cannatella
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Grounded Resilience
A Rainwater Simulation Framework for Improving Building Flood Resilience through Blue-Green Infrastructure Design Strategies
As populations continue to grow, cities also continue to densify and expand. In this process, natural surfaces are increasingly replaced by impervious surfaces, which reduce the ability of rainwater to infiltrate into the ground. This increases pluvial flood risk and shows the need to rethink how urban areas are built. One way to do this is by making room for more natural areas within the urban fabric. However, in dense cities where space is limited, these areas also need to perform multiple functions. Blue-Green Infrastructure offers this form of spatial adaptation by combining rainwater regulation with other urban benefits. While some BGI strategies are applied at the building scale, this research focuses on ground-based BGI adaptation: strategies applied to open spaces and ground surfaces at the urban scale.
Ground-based BGI adaptation is often evaluated through its ability to reduce flood hazard in general. However, when adaptation resources and available urban space are limited, it becomes important to ask where adaptation can create the most meaningful improvement. This is why a more targeted receptor-based perspective matters. Among the many urban receptors affected by flooding, this research focuses on buildings and examines how building flood-resilience improvement can be understood through an urban adaptation lens. Reflecting the idea of Grounded Resilience, the research explores how building-level flood-resilience assessment can be used to ground the spatial design of ground-based BGI adaptation strategies. To do this, the research develops a Grasshopper-based rainwater simulation workflow that links BGI adaptation with building-level flood-resilience assessment. The workflow connects particle-based runoff simulation, BGI absorption logic, flood-depth estimation, and building-level resilience scoring within one design environment.
The workflow is tested in the Lijnbaan area in Rotterdam using terrain data, 3D building geometry, building attributes, rainfall input, and selected BGI scenarios. The results show that BGI effectiveness is not determined by storage capacity or adapted area alone, but also by its position in relation to runoff pathways, accumulation areas, and affected buildings. Therefore, BGI adaptation should not only be evaluated through general flood-depth reduction, but also through its ability to reduce flood impact where building resilience is most affected. The workflow enables scenario comparison through absorbed volume, flood-depth changes, resilience-score differences, movement-path visualisation, and indicative implementation cost.
The research shows that the developed workflow is most useful as an early-stage comparative design-support framework, rather than as a fully calibrated hydraulic or damage-prediction model. Its value lies in connecting site runoff behaviour with building resilience outcomes, helping designers identify where BGI adaptation may create meaningful local improvement and where adaptation is most needed. ...
Ground-based BGI adaptation is often evaluated through its ability to reduce flood hazard in general. However, when adaptation resources and available urban space are limited, it becomes important to ask where adaptation can create the most meaningful improvement. This is why a more targeted receptor-based perspective matters. Among the many urban receptors affected by flooding, this research focuses on buildings and examines how building flood-resilience improvement can be understood through an urban adaptation lens. Reflecting the idea of Grounded Resilience, the research explores how building-level flood-resilience assessment can be used to ground the spatial design of ground-based BGI adaptation strategies. To do this, the research develops a Grasshopper-based rainwater simulation workflow that links BGI adaptation with building-level flood-resilience assessment. The workflow connects particle-based runoff simulation, BGI absorption logic, flood-depth estimation, and building-level resilience scoring within one design environment.
The workflow is tested in the Lijnbaan area in Rotterdam using terrain data, 3D building geometry, building attributes, rainfall input, and selected BGI scenarios. The results show that BGI effectiveness is not determined by storage capacity or adapted area alone, but also by its position in relation to runoff pathways, accumulation areas, and affected buildings. Therefore, BGI adaptation should not only be evaluated through general flood-depth reduction, but also through its ability to reduce flood impact where building resilience is most affected. The workflow enables scenario comparison through absorbed volume, flood-depth changes, resilience-score differences, movement-path visualisation, and indicative implementation cost.
The research shows that the developed workflow is most useful as an early-stage comparative design-support framework, rather than as a fully calibrated hydraulic or damage-prediction model. Its value lies in connecting site runoff behaviour with building resilience outcomes, helping designers identify where BGI adaptation may create meaningful local improvement and where adaptation is most needed. ...
As populations continue to grow, cities also continue to densify and expand. In this process, natural surfaces are increasingly replaced by impervious surfaces, which reduce the ability of rainwater to infiltrate into the ground. This increases pluvial flood risk and shows the need to rethink how urban areas are built. One way to do this is by making room for more natural areas within the urban fabric. However, in dense cities where space is limited, these areas also need to perform multiple functions. Blue-Green Infrastructure offers this form of spatial adaptation by combining rainwater regulation with other urban benefits. While some BGI strategies are applied at the building scale, this research focuses on ground-based BGI adaptation: strategies applied to open spaces and ground surfaces at the urban scale.
Ground-based BGI adaptation is often evaluated through its ability to reduce flood hazard in general. However, when adaptation resources and available urban space are limited, it becomes important to ask where adaptation can create the most meaningful improvement. This is why a more targeted receptor-based perspective matters. Among the many urban receptors affected by flooding, this research focuses on buildings and examines how building flood-resilience improvement can be understood through an urban adaptation lens. Reflecting the idea of Grounded Resilience, the research explores how building-level flood-resilience assessment can be used to ground the spatial design of ground-based BGI adaptation strategies. To do this, the research develops a Grasshopper-based rainwater simulation workflow that links BGI adaptation with building-level flood-resilience assessment. The workflow connects particle-based runoff simulation, BGI absorption logic, flood-depth estimation, and building-level resilience scoring within one design environment.
The workflow is tested in the Lijnbaan area in Rotterdam using terrain data, 3D building geometry, building attributes, rainfall input, and selected BGI scenarios. The results show that BGI effectiveness is not determined by storage capacity or adapted area alone, but also by its position in relation to runoff pathways, accumulation areas, and affected buildings. Therefore, BGI adaptation should not only be evaluated through general flood-depth reduction, but also through its ability to reduce flood impact where building resilience is most affected. The workflow enables scenario comparison through absorbed volume, flood-depth changes, resilience-score differences, movement-path visualisation, and indicative implementation cost.
The research shows that the developed workflow is most useful as an early-stage comparative design-support framework, rather than as a fully calibrated hydraulic or damage-prediction model. Its value lies in connecting site runoff behaviour with building resilience outcomes, helping designers identify where BGI adaptation may create meaningful local improvement and where adaptation is most needed.
Ground-based BGI adaptation is often evaluated through its ability to reduce flood hazard in general. However, when adaptation resources and available urban space are limited, it becomes important to ask where adaptation can create the most meaningful improvement. This is why a more targeted receptor-based perspective matters. Among the many urban receptors affected by flooding, this research focuses on buildings and examines how building flood-resilience improvement can be understood through an urban adaptation lens. Reflecting the idea of Grounded Resilience, the research explores how building-level flood-resilience assessment can be used to ground the spatial design of ground-based BGI adaptation strategies. To do this, the research develops a Grasshopper-based rainwater simulation workflow that links BGI adaptation with building-level flood-resilience assessment. The workflow connects particle-based runoff simulation, BGI absorption logic, flood-depth estimation, and building-level resilience scoring within one design environment.
The workflow is tested in the Lijnbaan area in Rotterdam using terrain data, 3D building geometry, building attributes, rainfall input, and selected BGI scenarios. The results show that BGI effectiveness is not determined by storage capacity or adapted area alone, but also by its position in relation to runoff pathways, accumulation areas, and affected buildings. Therefore, BGI adaptation should not only be evaluated through general flood-depth reduction, but also through its ability to reduce flood impact where building resilience is most affected. The workflow enables scenario comparison through absorbed volume, flood-depth changes, resilience-score differences, movement-path visualisation, and indicative implementation cost.
The research shows that the developed workflow is most useful as an early-stage comparative design-support framework, rather than as a fully calibrated hydraulic or damage-prediction model. Its value lies in connecting site runoff behaviour with building resilience outcomes, helping designers identify where BGI adaptation may create meaningful local improvement and where adaptation is most needed.
Towards a Resilient Port-Cityscape
Identifying Waterfront Transformation Potential in Industrial Inland Port Cities in Transition in the Hinterland of Port of Rotterdam
Over the past three decades, the regionalization of the Port of Rotterdam has decentralized functional logistics upstream, driving significant industrial waterfront expansion across inland industrial port cities (IIPCs) in the Netherlands. Concurrently, these host municipalities have experienced pronounced residential growth, precipitating acute spatial conflicts along the port-city waterfront interface. In the contemporary post-expansion era, this spatial friction necessitates an urgent re-evaluation of waterfront adaptive reuse. This thesis investigates how waterfront zones within IIPCs can be spatially optimized to cultivate a resilient port-cityscape, balancing multi-dimensional urban performance with structural adaptability toward future transitions.
Conceptually rooted in port-city interface literature and urban resilience theory, this study deploys quantitative urban morphology as its primary analytical approach, translating spatial and functional characteristics into measurable parametric indices. Executed through a multi-scalar context–assessment–design framework, port-cities are studied both as nodes on the inland waterway network at the macro-scale, and further divided into spatial units at the meso- and micro-scale, where urban waterfronts are delineated into river corridor segments. At the macro- and meso-scale, transformation potential is identified based on the development model adapted from Anyport model by Bird (1963). At the micro-scale, a typology of distinct morphological identities is established, and the types exhibiting high transformative potential are then subjected to a diagnostic urban performance framework to uncover latent structural imbalances and generate data-informed spatial strategies. Finally, these strategies are translated and demonstrated through site-specific urban design interventions.
By bridging the gap between spatial data analytics and urban design, this research establishes a structured, reproducible methodological framework. Ultimately, it contributes actionable design strategies for cultivating coherent, adaptive, and resilient port-cityscapes in post-expansion inland port territories. ...
Conceptually rooted in port-city interface literature and urban resilience theory, this study deploys quantitative urban morphology as its primary analytical approach, translating spatial and functional characteristics into measurable parametric indices. Executed through a multi-scalar context–assessment–design framework, port-cities are studied both as nodes on the inland waterway network at the macro-scale, and further divided into spatial units at the meso- and micro-scale, where urban waterfronts are delineated into river corridor segments. At the macro- and meso-scale, transformation potential is identified based on the development model adapted from Anyport model by Bird (1963). At the micro-scale, a typology of distinct morphological identities is established, and the types exhibiting high transformative potential are then subjected to a diagnostic urban performance framework to uncover latent structural imbalances and generate data-informed spatial strategies. Finally, these strategies are translated and demonstrated through site-specific urban design interventions.
By bridging the gap between spatial data analytics and urban design, this research establishes a structured, reproducible methodological framework. Ultimately, it contributes actionable design strategies for cultivating coherent, adaptive, and resilient port-cityscapes in post-expansion inland port territories. ...
Over the past three decades, the regionalization of the Port of Rotterdam has decentralized functional logistics upstream, driving significant industrial waterfront expansion across inland industrial port cities (IIPCs) in the Netherlands. Concurrently, these host municipalities have experienced pronounced residential growth, precipitating acute spatial conflicts along the port-city waterfront interface. In the contemporary post-expansion era, this spatial friction necessitates an urgent re-evaluation of waterfront adaptive reuse. This thesis investigates how waterfront zones within IIPCs can be spatially optimized to cultivate a resilient port-cityscape, balancing multi-dimensional urban performance with structural adaptability toward future transitions.
Conceptually rooted in port-city interface literature and urban resilience theory, this study deploys quantitative urban morphology as its primary analytical approach, translating spatial and functional characteristics into measurable parametric indices. Executed through a multi-scalar context–assessment–design framework, port-cities are studied both as nodes on the inland waterway network at the macro-scale, and further divided into spatial units at the meso- and micro-scale, where urban waterfronts are delineated into river corridor segments. At the macro- and meso-scale, transformation potential is identified based on the development model adapted from Anyport model by Bird (1963). At the micro-scale, a typology of distinct morphological identities is established, and the types exhibiting high transformative potential are then subjected to a diagnostic urban performance framework to uncover latent structural imbalances and generate data-informed spatial strategies. Finally, these strategies are translated and demonstrated through site-specific urban design interventions.
By bridging the gap between spatial data analytics and urban design, this research establishes a structured, reproducible methodological framework. Ultimately, it contributes actionable design strategies for cultivating coherent, adaptive, and resilient port-cityscapes in post-expansion inland port territories.
Conceptually rooted in port-city interface literature and urban resilience theory, this study deploys quantitative urban morphology as its primary analytical approach, translating spatial and functional characteristics into measurable parametric indices. Executed through a multi-scalar context–assessment–design framework, port-cities are studied both as nodes on the inland waterway network at the macro-scale, and further divided into spatial units at the meso- and micro-scale, where urban waterfronts are delineated into river corridor segments. At the macro- and meso-scale, transformation potential is identified based on the development model adapted from Anyport model by Bird (1963). At the micro-scale, a typology of distinct morphological identities is established, and the types exhibiting high transformative potential are then subjected to a diagnostic urban performance framework to uncover latent structural imbalances and generate data-informed spatial strategies. Finally, these strategies are translated and demonstrated through site-specific urban design interventions.
By bridging the gap between spatial data analytics and urban design, this research establishes a structured, reproducible methodological framework. Ultimately, it contributes actionable design strategies for cultivating coherent, adaptive, and resilient port-cityscapes in post-expansion inland port territories.
From Lost Streams to Living Landscapes
Investigating landscape-based infrastructural futures for flood adaptation in Boston
‘From Lost Streams to Living Landscapes’ investigates landscape-based infrastructural futures for flood adaptation by diving into American flood management and critiquing the dependence on centralized infrastructural systems that create complex patterns of vulnerability within the Metropolitan Area of Boston.
This thesis approaches landscape as a form of infrastructural ecology, an active system that organizes flows of water, energy, and life. The objective of this thesis is to explore how such a perspective can balance environmental pressures with everyday urban life by integrating ecological processes into the logic of urban systems. This approach aims to strengthen the embedding of the city within its landscape and to explore how hydrology, flood risk, and landscape can generate new urban futures.
The main question: How can landscape, understood as infrastructure, guide future scenarios of flood adaptation that strengthen the spatial and ecological relationship between water and urban life in Metropolitan Boston? is answered through critical cartography, ethnographic fieldwork, scenario building, and research-by-design through the following research questions:
- What is the current condition of Boston’s water and landscape infrastructures?
- What are the (spatial) implications of extreme water scenarios, caused by climate change, in Metropolitan Boston?
- How do socio-economic vulnerabilities intersect within Boston’s flood-prone areas?
- What future scenarios can be developed to explore how landscape-based infrastructures could mediate between flood dynamics and urban development?
- How can these scenarios be spatially translated into design strategies that reconnect urban form with its underlying land- and waterscapes?
Through a systematic sectional exploration, the integration of the urban and environmental system is translated into design strategies by combining historical hydrology, soil conditions, water flow patterns, and urban form into a coherent spatial logic. The result is a set of landscape-based strategies that reconnect the city to its underlying land and waterscapes, not by replicating historical conditions, but by using them to guide new forms of flood-resilient urbanism.
By acknowledging the correlation between the urban and environmental (sub)systems, in combination with a flood accommodating approach, landscape-based infrastructures can transform (storm)water from a hazard into a driver that enables the co-evolution of landscape, ecology, and urban life. ...
This thesis approaches landscape as a form of infrastructural ecology, an active system that organizes flows of water, energy, and life. The objective of this thesis is to explore how such a perspective can balance environmental pressures with everyday urban life by integrating ecological processes into the logic of urban systems. This approach aims to strengthen the embedding of the city within its landscape and to explore how hydrology, flood risk, and landscape can generate new urban futures.
The main question: How can landscape, understood as infrastructure, guide future scenarios of flood adaptation that strengthen the spatial and ecological relationship between water and urban life in Metropolitan Boston? is answered through critical cartography, ethnographic fieldwork, scenario building, and research-by-design through the following research questions:
- What is the current condition of Boston’s water and landscape infrastructures?
- What are the (spatial) implications of extreme water scenarios, caused by climate change, in Metropolitan Boston?
- How do socio-economic vulnerabilities intersect within Boston’s flood-prone areas?
- What future scenarios can be developed to explore how landscape-based infrastructures could mediate between flood dynamics and urban development?
- How can these scenarios be spatially translated into design strategies that reconnect urban form with its underlying land- and waterscapes?
Through a systematic sectional exploration, the integration of the urban and environmental system is translated into design strategies by combining historical hydrology, soil conditions, water flow patterns, and urban form into a coherent spatial logic. The result is a set of landscape-based strategies that reconnect the city to its underlying land and waterscapes, not by replicating historical conditions, but by using them to guide new forms of flood-resilient urbanism.
By acknowledging the correlation between the urban and environmental (sub)systems, in combination with a flood accommodating approach, landscape-based infrastructures can transform (storm)water from a hazard into a driver that enables the co-evolution of landscape, ecology, and urban life. ...
‘From Lost Streams to Living Landscapes’ investigates landscape-based infrastructural futures for flood adaptation by diving into American flood management and critiquing the dependence on centralized infrastructural systems that create complex patterns of vulnerability within the Metropolitan Area of Boston.
This thesis approaches landscape as a form of infrastructural ecology, an active system that organizes flows of water, energy, and life. The objective of this thesis is to explore how such a perspective can balance environmental pressures with everyday urban life by integrating ecological processes into the logic of urban systems. This approach aims to strengthen the embedding of the city within its landscape and to explore how hydrology, flood risk, and landscape can generate new urban futures.
The main question: How can landscape, understood as infrastructure, guide future scenarios of flood adaptation that strengthen the spatial and ecological relationship between water and urban life in Metropolitan Boston? is answered through critical cartography, ethnographic fieldwork, scenario building, and research-by-design through the following research questions:
- What is the current condition of Boston’s water and landscape infrastructures?
- What are the (spatial) implications of extreme water scenarios, caused by climate change, in Metropolitan Boston?
- How do socio-economic vulnerabilities intersect within Boston’s flood-prone areas?
- What future scenarios can be developed to explore how landscape-based infrastructures could mediate between flood dynamics and urban development?
- How can these scenarios be spatially translated into design strategies that reconnect urban form with its underlying land- and waterscapes?
Through a systematic sectional exploration, the integration of the urban and environmental system is translated into design strategies by combining historical hydrology, soil conditions, water flow patterns, and urban form into a coherent spatial logic. The result is a set of landscape-based strategies that reconnect the city to its underlying land and waterscapes, not by replicating historical conditions, but by using them to guide new forms of flood-resilient urbanism.
By acknowledging the correlation between the urban and environmental (sub)systems, in combination with a flood accommodating approach, landscape-based infrastructures can transform (storm)water from a hazard into a driver that enables the co-evolution of landscape, ecology, and urban life.
This thesis approaches landscape as a form of infrastructural ecology, an active system that organizes flows of water, energy, and life. The objective of this thesis is to explore how such a perspective can balance environmental pressures with everyday urban life by integrating ecological processes into the logic of urban systems. This approach aims to strengthen the embedding of the city within its landscape and to explore how hydrology, flood risk, and landscape can generate new urban futures.
The main question: How can landscape, understood as infrastructure, guide future scenarios of flood adaptation that strengthen the spatial and ecological relationship between water and urban life in Metropolitan Boston? is answered through critical cartography, ethnographic fieldwork, scenario building, and research-by-design through the following research questions:
- What is the current condition of Boston’s water and landscape infrastructures?
- What are the (spatial) implications of extreme water scenarios, caused by climate change, in Metropolitan Boston?
- How do socio-economic vulnerabilities intersect within Boston’s flood-prone areas?
- What future scenarios can be developed to explore how landscape-based infrastructures could mediate between flood dynamics and urban development?
- How can these scenarios be spatially translated into design strategies that reconnect urban form with its underlying land- and waterscapes?
Through a systematic sectional exploration, the integration of the urban and environmental system is translated into design strategies by combining historical hydrology, soil conditions, water flow patterns, and urban form into a coherent spatial logic. The result is a set of landscape-based strategies that reconnect the city to its underlying land and waterscapes, not by replicating historical conditions, but by using them to guide new forms of flood-resilient urbanism.
By acknowledging the correlation between the urban and environmental (sub)systems, in combination with a flood accommodating approach, landscape-based infrastructures can transform (storm)water from a hazard into a driver that enables the co-evolution of landscape, ecology, and urban life.
From Glass to Grove
Exploring Westland’s Socio-Ecological Vision through Wooded Commons
As part of the Urban Forestry – Wooded Commons graduation lab, this thesis project focuses on the relationship between wooded public spaces and social interaction. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is becoming evident that many environmental issues are, in fact, manifestations of deeper social problems. To address these challenges, it is not sufficient to rely solely on ecological or technical solutions; instead, we must uncover the underlying issues within the socio-ecological system. This research explores forests as crucial ecosystems for maintaining biodiversity and spaces that carry social connections and cultural meanings, and offer opportunities for sustainable economic development.
The region of Westland is used as a location to investigate in this research. In Westland, an economically driven region, the disappearance of green public spaces exacerbates pressure on both social and ecological systems. The area faces social-ecological challenges, including a lack of green space, cultural decline, environmental degradation, and social isolation. These complex and interrelated issues demand an integrated socio-ecological systems (SES) approach to create equitable, resilient solutions rooted in Westland's unique context. However, Westland has a long-standing history of horticultural practices, where groves used for production and recreation form part of its cultural DNA. This landscape legacy plays a vital role in shaping Westland's future.
This has led to the main research question: How to improve landscape quality and foster a resilient social-ecological system in an economic-driven region like Westland through redesigning wooded commons?
The findings from the literature study on social-ecological systems provide angles to understand the site issues through the perspectives of key actors and their interrelationships. Additionally, the study of the adaptive cycle, combined with the ecosystem services approach and spatial analysis of the site, helped derive the design's spatial and temporal concepts.
The outcome of this thesis is, firstly, a spatial and temporal vision for Westland, illustrating spatial strategies for each phase in the transformation from glass to grove. This is followed by the design of a regional park that connects Naaldwijk, Monster, and the Natura 2000 area. The park not only enhances ecological diversity by introducing woodlands but also fosters cultural identity, strengthens social connections, and creates opportunities for a more diverse economy.
...
The region of Westland is used as a location to investigate in this research. In Westland, an economically driven region, the disappearance of green public spaces exacerbates pressure on both social and ecological systems. The area faces social-ecological challenges, including a lack of green space, cultural decline, environmental degradation, and social isolation. These complex and interrelated issues demand an integrated socio-ecological systems (SES) approach to create equitable, resilient solutions rooted in Westland's unique context. However, Westland has a long-standing history of horticultural practices, where groves used for production and recreation form part of its cultural DNA. This landscape legacy plays a vital role in shaping Westland's future.
This has led to the main research question: How to improve landscape quality and foster a resilient social-ecological system in an economic-driven region like Westland through redesigning wooded commons?
The findings from the literature study on social-ecological systems provide angles to understand the site issues through the perspectives of key actors and their interrelationships. Additionally, the study of the adaptive cycle, combined with the ecosystem services approach and spatial analysis of the site, helped derive the design's spatial and temporal concepts.
The outcome of this thesis is, firstly, a spatial and temporal vision for Westland, illustrating spatial strategies for each phase in the transformation from glass to grove. This is followed by the design of a regional park that connects Naaldwijk, Monster, and the Natura 2000 area. The park not only enhances ecological diversity by introducing woodlands but also fosters cultural identity, strengthens social connections, and creates opportunities for a more diverse economy.
...
As part of the Urban Forestry – Wooded Commons graduation lab, this thesis project focuses on the relationship between wooded public spaces and social interaction. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is becoming evident that many environmental issues are, in fact, manifestations of deeper social problems. To address these challenges, it is not sufficient to rely solely on ecological or technical solutions; instead, we must uncover the underlying issues within the socio-ecological system. This research explores forests as crucial ecosystems for maintaining biodiversity and spaces that carry social connections and cultural meanings, and offer opportunities for sustainable economic development.
The region of Westland is used as a location to investigate in this research. In Westland, an economically driven region, the disappearance of green public spaces exacerbates pressure on both social and ecological systems. The area faces social-ecological challenges, including a lack of green space, cultural decline, environmental degradation, and social isolation. These complex and interrelated issues demand an integrated socio-ecological systems (SES) approach to create equitable, resilient solutions rooted in Westland's unique context. However, Westland has a long-standing history of horticultural practices, where groves used for production and recreation form part of its cultural DNA. This landscape legacy plays a vital role in shaping Westland's future.
This has led to the main research question: How to improve landscape quality and foster a resilient social-ecological system in an economic-driven region like Westland through redesigning wooded commons?
The findings from the literature study on social-ecological systems provide angles to understand the site issues through the perspectives of key actors and their interrelationships. Additionally, the study of the adaptive cycle, combined with the ecosystem services approach and spatial analysis of the site, helped derive the design's spatial and temporal concepts.
The outcome of this thesis is, firstly, a spatial and temporal vision for Westland, illustrating spatial strategies for each phase in the transformation from glass to grove. This is followed by the design of a regional park that connects Naaldwijk, Monster, and the Natura 2000 area. The park not only enhances ecological diversity by introducing woodlands but also fosters cultural identity, strengthens social connections, and creates opportunities for a more diverse economy.
The region of Westland is used as a location to investigate in this research. In Westland, an economically driven region, the disappearance of green public spaces exacerbates pressure on both social and ecological systems. The area faces social-ecological challenges, including a lack of green space, cultural decline, environmental degradation, and social isolation. These complex and interrelated issues demand an integrated socio-ecological systems (SES) approach to create equitable, resilient solutions rooted in Westland's unique context. However, Westland has a long-standing history of horticultural practices, where groves used for production and recreation form part of its cultural DNA. This landscape legacy plays a vital role in shaping Westland's future.
This has led to the main research question: How to improve landscape quality and foster a resilient social-ecological system in an economic-driven region like Westland through redesigning wooded commons?
The findings from the literature study on social-ecological systems provide angles to understand the site issues through the perspectives of key actors and their interrelationships. Additionally, the study of the adaptive cycle, combined with the ecosystem services approach and spatial analysis of the site, helped derive the design's spatial and temporal concepts.
The outcome of this thesis is, firstly, a spatial and temporal vision for Westland, illustrating spatial strategies for each phase in the transformation from glass to grove. This is followed by the design of a regional park that connects Naaldwijk, Monster, and the Natura 2000 area. The park not only enhances ecological diversity by introducing woodlands but also fosters cultural identity, strengthens social connections, and creates opportunities for a more diverse economy.
Vertical Blue
Designing the Subterranean Water System of Naples as a Landscape Infrastructure for Socio-Ecological and Climate-Adaptive Public Spaces
The historic center of Naples, recognized and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces pressing climatical and social challenges, including urban heat islands, desertification processes, tourism challenges and a lack of public space. Beneath its vibrant streets lies a network of underground tuff stone excavations that evolved from building the city above with its underground material. Its forgotten subterranean water landscape of aquifers, aqueducts, cisterns and channels serves as a continuous structure within the layeredness of the subterranean world and bares untapped potential for urban resilience and landscape-based urban development. This system was dug out by hand and therefore consists of human-scale underground spaces. This setting provides conditions that lead to the potential of redefining the understanding of public space in Naples: It is about connecting the surface with the underground public spaces through the water system. As the water still flows beneath the city, this thesis explores how these underground water structures can reactivate the system it runs through as well as the city’s surface public spaces, as a landscape infrastructure that creates better conditions alongside its reach. By connecting subterranean public spaces, aqueducts and cisterns through landscape-based design interventions to surface-level public spaces, the project envisions a socio-ecologically inclusive and climate-adaptive public space network that mitigates the city’s vulnerabilities while fostering creating identity and a common sense of belonging to the former water city Naples. The research maps the existing subterranean infrastructure and its spatial and functional relationships to the public spaces above it. Case studies, fieldwork and photogrammetry data inform strategies for transforming Naples from a two-dimensional into a three-dimensional heritage and climate-adaptive city. The project includes design explorations at multiple scales, combining architectural, ecological, and cultural elements to create surface- and subsurfacelevel public spaces that cool the city and people, enhance social interaction, a sense of belonging, and celebrate Naples’ water heritage again. This work contributes to the discourse on how heritage cities can adapt to future challenges by utilizing landscape-based urbanism approaches that prioritize the vertical logic of the landscape, resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.
...
The historic center of Naples, recognized and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces pressing climatical and social challenges, including urban heat islands, desertification processes, tourism challenges and a lack of public space. Beneath its vibrant streets lies a network of underground tuff stone excavations that evolved from building the city above with its underground material. Its forgotten subterranean water landscape of aquifers, aqueducts, cisterns and channels serves as a continuous structure within the layeredness of the subterranean world and bares untapped potential for urban resilience and landscape-based urban development. This system was dug out by hand and therefore consists of human-scale underground spaces. This setting provides conditions that lead to the potential of redefining the understanding of public space in Naples: It is about connecting the surface with the underground public spaces through the water system. As the water still flows beneath the city, this thesis explores how these underground water structures can reactivate the system it runs through as well as the city’s surface public spaces, as a landscape infrastructure that creates better conditions alongside its reach. By connecting subterranean public spaces, aqueducts and cisterns through landscape-based design interventions to surface-level public spaces, the project envisions a socio-ecologically inclusive and climate-adaptive public space network that mitigates the city’s vulnerabilities while fostering creating identity and a common sense of belonging to the former water city Naples. The research maps the existing subterranean infrastructure and its spatial and functional relationships to the public spaces above it. Case studies, fieldwork and photogrammetry data inform strategies for transforming Naples from a two-dimensional into a three-dimensional heritage and climate-adaptive city. The project includes design explorations at multiple scales, combining architectural, ecological, and cultural elements to create surface- and subsurfacelevel public spaces that cool the city and people, enhance social interaction, a sense of belonging, and celebrate Naples’ water heritage again. This work contributes to the discourse on how heritage cities can adapt to future challenges by utilizing landscape-based urbanism approaches that prioritize the vertical logic of the landscape, resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Cultivating Commons
Reclaiming the Dike-fishponds for People and Ecology in Pearl river delta area
The traditional Dike–fish pond system in the Pearl River Delta represents a historically integrated model of agriculture, aquaculture, and community-based water management. This system not only maintained ecological balance through the integration of farming and fishing (Chen, 1995), but also fostered daily interaction between people and water, supporting the socio-economic fabric of water-based communities (Hou, Li, & Sun, 2023). However, with rapid urbanization and the expansion of the monoculture-based fishing industry, this balanced model is facing severe disruption. Traditional fishponds have been largely replaced or modified, dikes once used for cultivation have disappeared, and the spatial and ecological integrity of the system has been lost (Tian, 2019). Moreover, locally organized water management practices have been replaced by top-down, profit-driven aquaculture, eroding the social connections between people and water.
Drawing from the sociology of water, this project views the current crisis as not merely ecological, but deeply social. As Bakker (2012) emphasizes, water is inherently political and biopolitical—it is shaped by governance, culture, and community relationships. The reduction of water to a purely economic or productive resource neglects its vital social functions and undermines cultural identity, emotional connections, and communal agency. The case of Sangyuanwei, a once-thriving mulberry–dike–fish–pond system in the central Pearl River Delta, exemplifies this transformation, where spatial disintegration reflects broader shifts in the relationship between humans and water.
In response, this project proposes a landscape infrastructure design framework that re-centers the social nature of water. Through multi-scalar strategies, it aims to regenerate ecological function, restore local livelihoods, and reestablish cultural practices. At the regional level, it restructures water systems and production zones to form a network of blue-green infrastructure supporting both ecological and economic resilience. At the medium scale, it rebalances the dike-to-pond ratio to revive the multifunctionality of the system. At the local scale, it creates participatory water spaces that reconnect daily life with water through tourism, education, and community use.
Ultimately, this project raises a critical question for contemporary landscape practice: How can a landscape approach mitigate the negative impacts of the fish industry, enhance local livelihoods, and create a healthier, more sustainable, and visually attractive landscape through local participation? By reinterpreting water, water systems, and agricultural production as interconnected media carrying ecological, economic, social, and cultural value, the project offers an integrated approach that links spatial transformation with community agency, ecological resilience, and cultural renewal.
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Drawing from the sociology of water, this project views the current crisis as not merely ecological, but deeply social. As Bakker (2012) emphasizes, water is inherently political and biopolitical—it is shaped by governance, culture, and community relationships. The reduction of water to a purely economic or productive resource neglects its vital social functions and undermines cultural identity, emotional connections, and communal agency. The case of Sangyuanwei, a once-thriving mulberry–dike–fish–pond system in the central Pearl River Delta, exemplifies this transformation, where spatial disintegration reflects broader shifts in the relationship between humans and water.
In response, this project proposes a landscape infrastructure design framework that re-centers the social nature of water. Through multi-scalar strategies, it aims to regenerate ecological function, restore local livelihoods, and reestablish cultural practices. At the regional level, it restructures water systems and production zones to form a network of blue-green infrastructure supporting both ecological and economic resilience. At the medium scale, it rebalances the dike-to-pond ratio to revive the multifunctionality of the system. At the local scale, it creates participatory water spaces that reconnect daily life with water through tourism, education, and community use.
Ultimately, this project raises a critical question for contemporary landscape practice: How can a landscape approach mitigate the negative impacts of the fish industry, enhance local livelihoods, and create a healthier, more sustainable, and visually attractive landscape through local participation? By reinterpreting water, water systems, and agricultural production as interconnected media carrying ecological, economic, social, and cultural value, the project offers an integrated approach that links spatial transformation with community agency, ecological resilience, and cultural renewal.
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The traditional Dike–fish pond system in the Pearl River Delta represents a historically integrated model of agriculture, aquaculture, and community-based water management. This system not only maintained ecological balance through the integration of farming and fishing (Chen, 1995), but also fostered daily interaction between people and water, supporting the socio-economic fabric of water-based communities (Hou, Li, & Sun, 2023). However, with rapid urbanization and the expansion of the monoculture-based fishing industry, this balanced model is facing severe disruption. Traditional fishponds have been largely replaced or modified, dikes once used for cultivation have disappeared, and the spatial and ecological integrity of the system has been lost (Tian, 2019). Moreover, locally organized water management practices have been replaced by top-down, profit-driven aquaculture, eroding the social connections between people and water.
Drawing from the sociology of water, this project views the current crisis as not merely ecological, but deeply social. As Bakker (2012) emphasizes, water is inherently political and biopolitical—it is shaped by governance, culture, and community relationships. The reduction of water to a purely economic or productive resource neglects its vital social functions and undermines cultural identity, emotional connections, and communal agency. The case of Sangyuanwei, a once-thriving mulberry–dike–fish–pond system in the central Pearl River Delta, exemplifies this transformation, where spatial disintegration reflects broader shifts in the relationship between humans and water.
In response, this project proposes a landscape infrastructure design framework that re-centers the social nature of water. Through multi-scalar strategies, it aims to regenerate ecological function, restore local livelihoods, and reestablish cultural practices. At the regional level, it restructures water systems and production zones to form a network of blue-green infrastructure supporting both ecological and economic resilience. At the medium scale, it rebalances the dike-to-pond ratio to revive the multifunctionality of the system. At the local scale, it creates participatory water spaces that reconnect daily life with water through tourism, education, and community use.
Ultimately, this project raises a critical question for contemporary landscape practice: How can a landscape approach mitigate the negative impacts of the fish industry, enhance local livelihoods, and create a healthier, more sustainable, and visually attractive landscape through local participation? By reinterpreting water, water systems, and agricultural production as interconnected media carrying ecological, economic, social, and cultural value, the project offers an integrated approach that links spatial transformation with community agency, ecological resilience, and cultural renewal.
Drawing from the sociology of water, this project views the current crisis as not merely ecological, but deeply social. As Bakker (2012) emphasizes, water is inherently political and biopolitical—it is shaped by governance, culture, and community relationships. The reduction of water to a purely economic or productive resource neglects its vital social functions and undermines cultural identity, emotional connections, and communal agency. The case of Sangyuanwei, a once-thriving mulberry–dike–fish–pond system in the central Pearl River Delta, exemplifies this transformation, where spatial disintegration reflects broader shifts in the relationship between humans and water.
In response, this project proposes a landscape infrastructure design framework that re-centers the social nature of water. Through multi-scalar strategies, it aims to regenerate ecological function, restore local livelihoods, and reestablish cultural practices. At the regional level, it restructures water systems and production zones to form a network of blue-green infrastructure supporting both ecological and economic resilience. At the medium scale, it rebalances the dike-to-pond ratio to revive the multifunctionality of the system. At the local scale, it creates participatory water spaces that reconnect daily life with water through tourism, education, and community use.
Ultimately, this project raises a critical question for contemporary landscape practice: How can a landscape approach mitigate the negative impacts of the fish industry, enhance local livelihoods, and create a healthier, more sustainable, and visually attractive landscape through local participation? By reinterpreting water, water systems, and agricultural production as interconnected media carrying ecological, economic, social, and cultural value, the project offers an integrated approach that links spatial transformation with community agency, ecological resilience, and cultural renewal.
Urban resilience is an evergrowing issue as cities face environmental, social and infrastructural challenges. Green infrastructure is currently being used as one of the main approaches in achieving urban resilience by providing multifunctional benefits, such as improving microclimate, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing accessibility to nature. However, through this process the evaluation and optimisation of green infrastructure at the street level remains a methodological challenge, particularly in the case of integrating multi dimensional indicators into predictive models using nature based solutions.
This study develops a machine learning based framework in order to assess and optimise green infrastructure in urban areas at a street level scale. Through the use of publicly available spatial datasets on environmental, biodiversity and morphological factors, the project constructs a comprehensive dataset incorporating factors such as urban heat islands, green infrastructure distribution, and green space accessibility.
Modelling techniques such as gradient boosting regression and random forest regression are employed as a regression technique to predict urban resilience related targets. These will provide insights into how resilient different areas of Rotterdam can be. By focusing on the study at a street level approach, this study aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of green infrastructure effectiveness at a high resolution, providing urban planners with data driven recommendations for optimising and implementing green infrastructure solutions to areas in need.
The findings of this research aim to contribute by bridging gaps in green infrastructure assessment by integrating geospatial data, network based spatial analysis, with machine learning, to assist in decision making to make urban areas more resilient. ...
This study develops a machine learning based framework in order to assess and optimise green infrastructure in urban areas at a street level scale. Through the use of publicly available spatial datasets on environmental, biodiversity and morphological factors, the project constructs a comprehensive dataset incorporating factors such as urban heat islands, green infrastructure distribution, and green space accessibility.
Modelling techniques such as gradient boosting regression and random forest regression are employed as a regression technique to predict urban resilience related targets. These will provide insights into how resilient different areas of Rotterdam can be. By focusing on the study at a street level approach, this study aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of green infrastructure effectiveness at a high resolution, providing urban planners with data driven recommendations for optimising and implementing green infrastructure solutions to areas in need.
The findings of this research aim to contribute by bridging gaps in green infrastructure assessment by integrating geospatial data, network based spatial analysis, with machine learning, to assist in decision making to make urban areas more resilient. ...
Urban resilience is an evergrowing issue as cities face environmental, social and infrastructural challenges. Green infrastructure is currently being used as one of the main approaches in achieving urban resilience by providing multifunctional benefits, such as improving microclimate, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing accessibility to nature. However, through this process the evaluation and optimisation of green infrastructure at the street level remains a methodological challenge, particularly in the case of integrating multi dimensional indicators into predictive models using nature based solutions.
This study develops a machine learning based framework in order to assess and optimise green infrastructure in urban areas at a street level scale. Through the use of publicly available spatial datasets on environmental, biodiversity and morphological factors, the project constructs a comprehensive dataset incorporating factors such as urban heat islands, green infrastructure distribution, and green space accessibility.
Modelling techniques such as gradient boosting regression and random forest regression are employed as a regression technique to predict urban resilience related targets. These will provide insights into how resilient different areas of Rotterdam can be. By focusing on the study at a street level approach, this study aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of green infrastructure effectiveness at a high resolution, providing urban planners with data driven recommendations for optimising and implementing green infrastructure solutions to areas in need.
The findings of this research aim to contribute by bridging gaps in green infrastructure assessment by integrating geospatial data, network based spatial analysis, with machine learning, to assist in decision making to make urban areas more resilient.
This study develops a machine learning based framework in order to assess and optimise green infrastructure in urban areas at a street level scale. Through the use of publicly available spatial datasets on environmental, biodiversity and morphological factors, the project constructs a comprehensive dataset incorporating factors such as urban heat islands, green infrastructure distribution, and green space accessibility.
Modelling techniques such as gradient boosting regression and random forest regression are employed as a regression technique to predict urban resilience related targets. These will provide insights into how resilient different areas of Rotterdam can be. By focusing on the study at a street level approach, this study aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of green infrastructure effectiveness at a high resolution, providing urban planners with data driven recommendations for optimising and implementing green infrastructure solutions to areas in need.
The findings of this research aim to contribute by bridging gaps in green infrastructure assessment by integrating geospatial data, network based spatial analysis, with machine learning, to assist in decision making to make urban areas more resilient.
Semantic urban river space delineation and typology
Defining and analyzing the space around the urban river in the Netherlands
The urban river space is the area in the city surrounding a river, distinguishing itself from other parts of the city by this relationship with the water. Urban river spaces around the world are increasingly under development and being regenerated. Urban planning solutions necessitate a comprehensive overview of this space, their boundaries and their characteristics. However, the concept of the urban river space is ambiguously defined, with varying definitions across studies. This thesis addresses the need for a standardized approach through semantic urban river space delineation to facilitate cross-case analysis. Three delineation methods are proposed and applied to urban areas in the Netherlands: the first building line based on visible building nodes, the visible space derived from viewshed analysis, and the floodable area, based on 100-year flood depth data. As urban river spaces are often represented as cross-sectional segments in research, this segment is used as unit to develop a typology of urban river spaces in the Netherlands. Properties of the segment, such as elevation, landuse, vegetation, flood risk, and visibility are quantified and used as input for the k-means clustering algorithm. 10 clusters are derived, each representing a semantic type of river space, resulting in a data-driven typology that enhances the understanding of urban river spaces in the Netherlands.
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The urban river space is the area in the city surrounding a river, distinguishing itself from other parts of the city by this relationship with the water. Urban river spaces around the world are increasingly under development and being regenerated. Urban planning solutions necessitate a comprehensive overview of this space, their boundaries and their characteristics. However, the concept of the urban river space is ambiguously defined, with varying definitions across studies. This thesis addresses the need for a standardized approach through semantic urban river space delineation to facilitate cross-case analysis. Three delineation methods are proposed and applied to urban areas in the Netherlands: the first building line based on visible building nodes, the visible space derived from viewshed analysis, and the floodable area, based on 100-year flood depth data. As urban river spaces are often represented as cross-sectional segments in research, this segment is used as unit to develop a typology of urban river spaces in the Netherlands. Properties of the segment, such as elevation, landuse, vegetation, flood risk, and visibility are quantified and used as input for the k-means clustering algorithm. 10 clusters are derived, each representing a semantic type of river space, resulting in a data-driven typology that enhances the understanding of urban river spaces in the Netherlands.
Water resilient mosaic
Envisioning a co-evolutionary transformation of territories-in-between in the BTH metropolitan region
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) Metropolitan Region faces significant challenges, including drought, severe precipitation, floods, subsidence, societal disparities, air pollution, and an aging population. Fragmented spatial and institutional frameworks hinder effective responses, perpetuating vulnerabilities. This study focuses on enhancing water resilience with an emphasis on environmental justice in vulnerable areas between major cities. The proposed low-density development approach aims to balance economic productivity with ecological sensitivity, creating a decentralized, self-reliant, and resilient region.
The strategy integrates ecosystem-based adaptation, integrated water resources management, and water-sensitive village reorganization. A shift from a profit-centric model to one prioritizing water risk reduction in vulnerable areas is crucial for achieving environmental justice. The research employs pattern languages and the dynamic adaptive pathway method to organize potential measures, integrating future objectives, intervention patterns, and scenarios to feasibly implement actions by 2060.
Ultimately, the research envisions self-resilient units contributing crucial ecosystem services to urban centers and receiving support through knowledge exchange and economic assistance. This transformation will turn these units from sacrificial entities into integral components of sustainable development in the BTH region. Validated by both quantitative and qualitative assessments, this shift is anticipated to strengthen the water resilience of individual units and enhance the overall resilience of the metropolitan area. ...
The strategy integrates ecosystem-based adaptation, integrated water resources management, and water-sensitive village reorganization. A shift from a profit-centric model to one prioritizing water risk reduction in vulnerable areas is crucial for achieving environmental justice. The research employs pattern languages and the dynamic adaptive pathway method to organize potential measures, integrating future objectives, intervention patterns, and scenarios to feasibly implement actions by 2060.
Ultimately, the research envisions self-resilient units contributing crucial ecosystem services to urban centers and receiving support through knowledge exchange and economic assistance. This transformation will turn these units from sacrificial entities into integral components of sustainable development in the BTH region. Validated by both quantitative and qualitative assessments, this shift is anticipated to strengthen the water resilience of individual units and enhance the overall resilience of the metropolitan area. ...
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) Metropolitan Region faces significant challenges, including drought, severe precipitation, floods, subsidence, societal disparities, air pollution, and an aging population. Fragmented spatial and institutional frameworks hinder effective responses, perpetuating vulnerabilities. This study focuses on enhancing water resilience with an emphasis on environmental justice in vulnerable areas between major cities. The proposed low-density development approach aims to balance economic productivity with ecological sensitivity, creating a decentralized, self-reliant, and resilient region.
The strategy integrates ecosystem-based adaptation, integrated water resources management, and water-sensitive village reorganization. A shift from a profit-centric model to one prioritizing water risk reduction in vulnerable areas is crucial for achieving environmental justice. The research employs pattern languages and the dynamic adaptive pathway method to organize potential measures, integrating future objectives, intervention patterns, and scenarios to feasibly implement actions by 2060.
Ultimately, the research envisions self-resilient units contributing crucial ecosystem services to urban centers and receiving support through knowledge exchange and economic assistance. This transformation will turn these units from sacrificial entities into integral components of sustainable development in the BTH region. Validated by both quantitative and qualitative assessments, this shift is anticipated to strengthen the water resilience of individual units and enhance the overall resilience of the metropolitan area.
The strategy integrates ecosystem-based adaptation, integrated water resources management, and water-sensitive village reorganization. A shift from a profit-centric model to one prioritizing water risk reduction in vulnerable areas is crucial for achieving environmental justice. The research employs pattern languages and the dynamic adaptive pathway method to organize potential measures, integrating future objectives, intervention patterns, and scenarios to feasibly implement actions by 2060.
Ultimately, the research envisions self-resilient units contributing crucial ecosystem services to urban centers and receiving support through knowledge exchange and economic assistance. This transformation will turn these units from sacrificial entities into integral components of sustainable development in the BTH region. Validated by both quantitative and qualitative assessments, this shift is anticipated to strengthen the water resilience of individual units and enhance the overall resilience of the metropolitan area.
RICE | Reimagining the Integration of Cultivation and Ecosystems
Climate adaptation strategies for the rice production landscape of Northern Italy: the context of the Ticino, Sesia and Po rivers
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.
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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.
Clean Corridors
A Data-Driven Design for Multi-Scale Green Infrastructure Design
Global trends in urbanization, industrialization, and intensive agriculture are harming our (local) environment. These activities require significant mounts of resources, energy, and transportation, whilst creating increased waste streams. Poor management of these sites has led to severe soil, water, and air contamination. Currently, Europe has 2.8 million potentially soil-contaminated sites, with around 340,000 in direct need of remediation. Additionally, these activities cause land cover changes, shrinking and fragmenting the natural landscape. The decreased ecosystem connectivity is harmful to ecological processes and biodiversity. Phytoremediation and green infrastructure (GI) planning offer robust nature-based solutions to these problems. Integrating these solutions holds the potential to utilize the same vegetation for both solutions. However, integration of these solutions is challenging due to the scalar gap between the locality of phytotechnologies and the regional scale that is used for GI planning.
This thesis presents a systematic approach to integrating small-scale phytoremediation interventions within regional-scale GI planning. Using a multi-scalar, data-driven framework, this research uses computational simulations, calculations, and assessments to identify optimal design solutions, including traditional GIS mapping, graph-theoretic networks, and neural networks. This integrated approach aims to enhance environmental remediation and ecosystem connectivity and provides a comprehensive strategy for sustainable regional planning. ...
This thesis presents a systematic approach to integrating small-scale phytoremediation interventions within regional-scale GI planning. Using a multi-scalar, data-driven framework, this research uses computational simulations, calculations, and assessments to identify optimal design solutions, including traditional GIS mapping, graph-theoretic networks, and neural networks. This integrated approach aims to enhance environmental remediation and ecosystem connectivity and provides a comprehensive strategy for sustainable regional planning. ...
Global trends in urbanization, industrialization, and intensive agriculture are harming our (local) environment. These activities require significant mounts of resources, energy, and transportation, whilst creating increased waste streams. Poor management of these sites has led to severe soil, water, and air contamination. Currently, Europe has 2.8 million potentially soil-contaminated sites, with around 340,000 in direct need of remediation. Additionally, these activities cause land cover changes, shrinking and fragmenting the natural landscape. The decreased ecosystem connectivity is harmful to ecological processes and biodiversity. Phytoremediation and green infrastructure (GI) planning offer robust nature-based solutions to these problems. Integrating these solutions holds the potential to utilize the same vegetation for both solutions. However, integration of these solutions is challenging due to the scalar gap between the locality of phytotechnologies and the regional scale that is used for GI planning.
This thesis presents a systematic approach to integrating small-scale phytoremediation interventions within regional-scale GI planning. Using a multi-scalar, data-driven framework, this research uses computational simulations, calculations, and assessments to identify optimal design solutions, including traditional GIS mapping, graph-theoretic networks, and neural networks. This integrated approach aims to enhance environmental remediation and ecosystem connectivity and provides a comprehensive strategy for sustainable regional planning.
This thesis presents a systematic approach to integrating small-scale phytoremediation interventions within regional-scale GI planning. Using a multi-scalar, data-driven framework, this research uses computational simulations, calculations, and assessments to identify optimal design solutions, including traditional GIS mapping, graph-theoretic networks, and neural networks. This integrated approach aims to enhance environmental remediation and ecosystem connectivity and provides a comprehensive strategy for sustainable regional planning.
From the water
Towards an adaptive landscape framework for sustainable development of agricultural area on the west side of PRD
The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is currently one of the world's fastest-growing city clusters. However, it has been a low-lying area with scarce land resources throughout history due to its dense population and frequent water-related hazards. The traditional agricultural system in the region was a response to these contradictions, serving as a multifunctional system that sustained the land and shaped the local society and culture over centuries.
However, with China's reform and opening up in 1978, a significant amount of agricultural land was converted into urban construction and intensive agriculture, the disappearing traditional agricultural system has led to arising social and environmental issues such as increased flood risks, environmental degradation, landscape homogenization, and the loss of cultural heritage.
This thesis focuses on the development of the remaining agricultural areas on the west side of the PRD. It emphasizes the urgent need for diverse ecosystem services to support the growing population in the face of climate extremes. In this case, an economy-dominated or monofunctional planning approach alone is insufficient to ensure sustainability. Therefore, building upon the region's agriculture-based background, the study adopts an adaptive landscape framework as an adaptation of the traditional agricultural system. By integrating the theories of landscape-based urbanism, social-ecological resilience, and ecosystem service, the landscape framework aims to facilitate sustainable development of this area in terms of production, ecology, water resilience, and living environment.
The study considers agricultural development in the PRD as a long-term process and recognizes the agricultural system as a social-ecological system. Through the learning of the development process, the agricultural area on the west side of the PRD could be divided into two main typologies: dikedfield and sandfield, and further subdivided into four landscape typologies. Together, they compose the landscape structure of the region. By analyzing and evaluating the challenge and potential associated with each typology, an overarching regional vision is proposed. Principles derived of the traditional agricultural system will serve as design guidelines, while the design exploration in Gulao Town, as a typical area representing one of the landscape typologies, will be conducted to showcase part of the regional vision and tangible social and environmental value brought to the local area. ...
However, with China's reform and opening up in 1978, a significant amount of agricultural land was converted into urban construction and intensive agriculture, the disappearing traditional agricultural system has led to arising social and environmental issues such as increased flood risks, environmental degradation, landscape homogenization, and the loss of cultural heritage.
This thesis focuses on the development of the remaining agricultural areas on the west side of the PRD. It emphasizes the urgent need for diverse ecosystem services to support the growing population in the face of climate extremes. In this case, an economy-dominated or monofunctional planning approach alone is insufficient to ensure sustainability. Therefore, building upon the region's agriculture-based background, the study adopts an adaptive landscape framework as an adaptation of the traditional agricultural system. By integrating the theories of landscape-based urbanism, social-ecological resilience, and ecosystem service, the landscape framework aims to facilitate sustainable development of this area in terms of production, ecology, water resilience, and living environment.
The study considers agricultural development in the PRD as a long-term process and recognizes the agricultural system as a social-ecological system. Through the learning of the development process, the agricultural area on the west side of the PRD could be divided into two main typologies: dikedfield and sandfield, and further subdivided into four landscape typologies. Together, they compose the landscape structure of the region. By analyzing and evaluating the challenge and potential associated with each typology, an overarching regional vision is proposed. Principles derived of the traditional agricultural system will serve as design guidelines, while the design exploration in Gulao Town, as a typical area representing one of the landscape typologies, will be conducted to showcase part of the regional vision and tangible social and environmental value brought to the local area. ...
The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is currently one of the world's fastest-growing city clusters. However, it has been a low-lying area with scarce land resources throughout history due to its dense population and frequent water-related hazards. The traditional agricultural system in the region was a response to these contradictions, serving as a multifunctional system that sustained the land and shaped the local society and culture over centuries.
However, with China's reform and opening up in 1978, a significant amount of agricultural land was converted into urban construction and intensive agriculture, the disappearing traditional agricultural system has led to arising social and environmental issues such as increased flood risks, environmental degradation, landscape homogenization, and the loss of cultural heritage.
This thesis focuses on the development of the remaining agricultural areas on the west side of the PRD. It emphasizes the urgent need for diverse ecosystem services to support the growing population in the face of climate extremes. In this case, an economy-dominated or monofunctional planning approach alone is insufficient to ensure sustainability. Therefore, building upon the region's agriculture-based background, the study adopts an adaptive landscape framework as an adaptation of the traditional agricultural system. By integrating the theories of landscape-based urbanism, social-ecological resilience, and ecosystem service, the landscape framework aims to facilitate sustainable development of this area in terms of production, ecology, water resilience, and living environment.
The study considers agricultural development in the PRD as a long-term process and recognizes the agricultural system as a social-ecological system. Through the learning of the development process, the agricultural area on the west side of the PRD could be divided into two main typologies: dikedfield and sandfield, and further subdivided into four landscape typologies. Together, they compose the landscape structure of the region. By analyzing and evaluating the challenge and potential associated with each typology, an overarching regional vision is proposed. Principles derived of the traditional agricultural system will serve as design guidelines, while the design exploration in Gulao Town, as a typical area representing one of the landscape typologies, will be conducted to showcase part of the regional vision and tangible social and environmental value brought to the local area.
However, with China's reform and opening up in 1978, a significant amount of agricultural land was converted into urban construction and intensive agriculture, the disappearing traditional agricultural system has led to arising social and environmental issues such as increased flood risks, environmental degradation, landscape homogenization, and the loss of cultural heritage.
This thesis focuses on the development of the remaining agricultural areas on the west side of the PRD. It emphasizes the urgent need for diverse ecosystem services to support the growing population in the face of climate extremes. In this case, an economy-dominated or monofunctional planning approach alone is insufficient to ensure sustainability. Therefore, building upon the region's agriculture-based background, the study adopts an adaptive landscape framework as an adaptation of the traditional agricultural system. By integrating the theories of landscape-based urbanism, social-ecological resilience, and ecosystem service, the landscape framework aims to facilitate sustainable development of this area in terms of production, ecology, water resilience, and living environment.
The study considers agricultural development in the PRD as a long-term process and recognizes the agricultural system as a social-ecological system. Through the learning of the development process, the agricultural area on the west side of the PRD could be divided into two main typologies: dikedfield and sandfield, and further subdivided into four landscape typologies. Together, they compose the landscape structure of the region. By analyzing and evaluating the challenge and potential associated with each typology, an overarching regional vision is proposed. Principles derived of the traditional agricultural system will serve as design guidelines, while the design exploration in Gulao Town, as a typical area representing one of the landscape typologies, will be conducted to showcase part of the regional vision and tangible social and environmental value brought to the local area.
Toward Wildfire Alternatives
Mitigating Wildfire Risk Through Landscape-Based Resilience
Wildfires are widely viewed as key evolving inputs of Mediterranean ecosystem. But anthropogenic climate changes and other socioecological recessions have transformed normal wildfire into megafire, especially under the intensifying challenges posed by agricultural abandonment and the rapid growth of tourism. So that the paradigm shift is needed since the suppression capacity has been increasingly overcome from the fire department. This research is aiming to integrate diverse landscape dynamics and fire regimes, to interpret the interactions between them and identify a series of heterogeneous fire typologies in the Mediterranean region (EU part) in order to support the application of landscape-based approaches. By classifying the land system dynamics into meteorologic, physiographic, biological and anthropogenic indicators (in relation with wildfire ignition and propagation), geographic information system based approaches and statistic analysis are applied to create diagnostic mappings.
The output of this analysis reveals several fire-landscape typologies and their spatial distribution in the Mediterranean, which improves the understanding of land system with natural crisis and is a basis for assessment of future changes under the regional climate, land use and land cover change and changes in management intensity. It also provides a evaluation and decision support tool in some specific locations for fire management, biodiversity protection and conservation of landscape values.
Thus, the downscale works of analysis are still needed for bridging the disconnection between the gap between Mediterranean research and landscape design practice. The prospective use cases must additionally account for the geopolitical and socio-cultural context of the region in question, as a means of establishing an integrated framework for fire management.
To advance the design perspective for mitigating the risks posed by wildfires, several key steps must be taken. Firstly, a toolkit must be developed based on defined fire-landscape typologies. These typologies represent landscape-based approaches that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each type of landscape. The toolkit will provide a range of strategies and design solutions for mitigating the risks of wildfires across different landscapes.
To apply these strategies in real-world scenarios, two key locations have been selected in the Iberian peninsula, namely northern Coimbra District (Portugal) and Marina Alta (a coastal comarca of the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain). These locations are identified as an interface with agricultural abandonment, and a dense littoralised tourism place, respectively, and are all typical fire-prone areas. By integrating the local context of each location with the selected approaches from the toolkit, resilient and adaptive scenarios for wildfire risk can be created. The design actions taken in these representative areas can subsequently be expanded and reproduced across a broad Mediterranean region. This approach allows for a comprehensive and effective mitigation of wildfire risks across a large geographic area while considering the unique characteristics and challenges of each landscape. The combination of landscape-based approaches with cultural and political context facilitates the development and implementation of effective strategies to mitigate the risks of wildfires and protect communities and ecosystems.
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The output of this analysis reveals several fire-landscape typologies and their spatial distribution in the Mediterranean, which improves the understanding of land system with natural crisis and is a basis for assessment of future changes under the regional climate, land use and land cover change and changes in management intensity. It also provides a evaluation and decision support tool in some specific locations for fire management, biodiversity protection and conservation of landscape values.
Thus, the downscale works of analysis are still needed for bridging the disconnection between the gap between Mediterranean research and landscape design practice. The prospective use cases must additionally account for the geopolitical and socio-cultural context of the region in question, as a means of establishing an integrated framework for fire management.
To advance the design perspective for mitigating the risks posed by wildfires, several key steps must be taken. Firstly, a toolkit must be developed based on defined fire-landscape typologies. These typologies represent landscape-based approaches that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each type of landscape. The toolkit will provide a range of strategies and design solutions for mitigating the risks of wildfires across different landscapes.
To apply these strategies in real-world scenarios, two key locations have been selected in the Iberian peninsula, namely northern Coimbra District (Portugal) and Marina Alta (a coastal comarca of the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain). These locations are identified as an interface with agricultural abandonment, and a dense littoralised tourism place, respectively, and are all typical fire-prone areas. By integrating the local context of each location with the selected approaches from the toolkit, resilient and adaptive scenarios for wildfire risk can be created. The design actions taken in these representative areas can subsequently be expanded and reproduced across a broad Mediterranean region. This approach allows for a comprehensive and effective mitigation of wildfire risks across a large geographic area while considering the unique characteristics and challenges of each landscape. The combination of landscape-based approaches with cultural and political context facilitates the development and implementation of effective strategies to mitigate the risks of wildfires and protect communities and ecosystems.
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Wildfires are widely viewed as key evolving inputs of Mediterranean ecosystem. But anthropogenic climate changes and other socioecological recessions have transformed normal wildfire into megafire, especially under the intensifying challenges posed by agricultural abandonment and the rapid growth of tourism. So that the paradigm shift is needed since the suppression capacity has been increasingly overcome from the fire department. This research is aiming to integrate diverse landscape dynamics and fire regimes, to interpret the interactions between them and identify a series of heterogeneous fire typologies in the Mediterranean region (EU part) in order to support the application of landscape-based approaches. By classifying the land system dynamics into meteorologic, physiographic, biological and anthropogenic indicators (in relation with wildfire ignition and propagation), geographic information system based approaches and statistic analysis are applied to create diagnostic mappings.
The output of this analysis reveals several fire-landscape typologies and their spatial distribution in the Mediterranean, which improves the understanding of land system with natural crisis and is a basis for assessment of future changes under the regional climate, land use and land cover change and changes in management intensity. It also provides a evaluation and decision support tool in some specific locations for fire management, biodiversity protection and conservation of landscape values.
Thus, the downscale works of analysis are still needed for bridging the disconnection between the gap between Mediterranean research and landscape design practice. The prospective use cases must additionally account for the geopolitical and socio-cultural context of the region in question, as a means of establishing an integrated framework for fire management.
To advance the design perspective for mitigating the risks posed by wildfires, several key steps must be taken. Firstly, a toolkit must be developed based on defined fire-landscape typologies. These typologies represent landscape-based approaches that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each type of landscape. The toolkit will provide a range of strategies and design solutions for mitigating the risks of wildfires across different landscapes.
To apply these strategies in real-world scenarios, two key locations have been selected in the Iberian peninsula, namely northern Coimbra District (Portugal) and Marina Alta (a coastal comarca of the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain). These locations are identified as an interface with agricultural abandonment, and a dense littoralised tourism place, respectively, and are all typical fire-prone areas. By integrating the local context of each location with the selected approaches from the toolkit, resilient and adaptive scenarios for wildfire risk can be created. The design actions taken in these representative areas can subsequently be expanded and reproduced across a broad Mediterranean region. This approach allows for a comprehensive and effective mitigation of wildfire risks across a large geographic area while considering the unique characteristics and challenges of each landscape. The combination of landscape-based approaches with cultural and political context facilitates the development and implementation of effective strategies to mitigate the risks of wildfires and protect communities and ecosystems.
The output of this analysis reveals several fire-landscape typologies and their spatial distribution in the Mediterranean, which improves the understanding of land system with natural crisis and is a basis for assessment of future changes under the regional climate, land use and land cover change and changes in management intensity. It also provides a evaluation and decision support tool in some specific locations for fire management, biodiversity protection and conservation of landscape values.
Thus, the downscale works of analysis are still needed for bridging the disconnection between the gap between Mediterranean research and landscape design practice. The prospective use cases must additionally account for the geopolitical and socio-cultural context of the region in question, as a means of establishing an integrated framework for fire management.
To advance the design perspective for mitigating the risks posed by wildfires, several key steps must be taken. Firstly, a toolkit must be developed based on defined fire-landscape typologies. These typologies represent landscape-based approaches that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each type of landscape. The toolkit will provide a range of strategies and design solutions for mitigating the risks of wildfires across different landscapes.
To apply these strategies in real-world scenarios, two key locations have been selected in the Iberian peninsula, namely northern Coimbra District (Portugal) and Marina Alta (a coastal comarca of the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain). These locations are identified as an interface with agricultural abandonment, and a dense littoralised tourism place, respectively, and are all typical fire-prone areas. By integrating the local context of each location with the selected approaches from the toolkit, resilient and adaptive scenarios for wildfire risk can be created. The design actions taken in these representative areas can subsequently be expanded and reproduced across a broad Mediterranean region. This approach allows for a comprehensive and effective mitigation of wildfire risks across a large geographic area while considering the unique characteristics and challenges of each landscape. The combination of landscape-based approaches with cultural and political context facilitates the development and implementation of effective strategies to mitigate the risks of wildfires and protect communities and ecosystems.
Hybrid Morphologies
An Interdisciplinary Model for Waterfront Architecture - The Case of Zwijndrecht
Today we are facing an unpredictable future due to our climate change, which is causing an acceleration in sea-level rise and consequently flooding. Coastlines, docks, ports, deltas are at greater risk of flooding and damage, they are vulnerable to the escaping water and wetness, which leaves behind sorrow and grief. This thesis focuses on developing an interdisciplinary approach to design in waterfront areas prone to flooding, case study Zwiijndrecht. The project proposes a programmatic and spatial re - programming of an industrial area outside of the dike, by introducing a public program. The site is redeveloped through a landscape, architectural and infrastructural strategy where the site filtrates, buffers and transforms itself through the fluctuating water levels. Furthermore, the different programs, an ecological center and sports center, invite different audiences to experience the waterfront area providing a new perception.
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Today we are facing an unpredictable future due to our climate change, which is causing an acceleration in sea-level rise and consequently flooding. Coastlines, docks, ports, deltas are at greater risk of flooding and damage, they are vulnerable to the escaping water and wetness, which leaves behind sorrow and grief. This thesis focuses on developing an interdisciplinary approach to design in waterfront areas prone to flooding, case study Zwiijndrecht. The project proposes a programmatic and spatial re - programming of an industrial area outside of the dike, by introducing a public program. The site is redeveloped through a landscape, architectural and infrastructural strategy where the site filtrates, buffers and transforms itself through the fluctuating water levels. Furthermore, the different programs, an ecological center and sports center, invite different audiences to experience the waterfront area providing a new perception.
An exploration of Landscape Identity and Flood Safety, a delta dilemma?
On the reconciliation of the anthropogenic and natural flux in the peat pasture delta landscape through Building with Nature
A sectoral flood safety approach has been the critical condition for Delta Urbanization in the Netherlands until now. But does this have to be the case for future urbanization as well? In the Dutch approach to flood safety, a dilemma appears to exist between (sectoral) flood safety on the one hand and biodiversity and flood resilience on the other. Where pursuit of flood safety, especially in a context of extreme climate scenario’s, might continue at the cost of biodiversity and resilience.
The thesis is on the reconciliation of the anthropogenic and natural systems of the Dutch Delta. It proposes a re-positioning of the relationship between peopel and nature. The concept and understanding of landscape identity is an expression of this relationship. In the case of the Dutch delta, landscape and flood safety are inevitably intertwined, and a certain relationship of human mastery over nature becomes apparent of this intertwining. The Dutch landscape is historically shaped through hydrology, geology, air and climate, however, contemporary landscapes represent severe anthropogenic intervening, enclosing and directing the dynamics of hydrology, geology, air and climate.
This thesis aims to understand the relationship between people and nature, through landscape Identity, the mutual relationship between people and landscape, shaped by and shaping landscape characteristics and individual and collective identity. Subsequently, proposing and testing a method for altering this relationship, based on the following hypothesis: Shifting the technocratic understanding of flood safety to align [again] with the trajectories of hydrology, geology, air and climate, which are both fundamentally shaping the landscape, allows the transition towards a biodiverse and flood resilient delta. Rethinking the relationship between people and nature, through landscape, is therefore essential. The concept of Building with Nature is tested as an approach to align the understanding of flood safety with the dynamics of air, water and soil. Proposing this re-alignment as the new critical condition for delta urbanization in transition towards a biodiverse and resilient delta. Ultimately, proving this apparent dilemma between flood safety on the one hand and biodiversity and resilience on the other, to be void. ...
The thesis is on the reconciliation of the anthropogenic and natural systems of the Dutch Delta. It proposes a re-positioning of the relationship between peopel and nature. The concept and understanding of landscape identity is an expression of this relationship. In the case of the Dutch delta, landscape and flood safety are inevitably intertwined, and a certain relationship of human mastery over nature becomes apparent of this intertwining. The Dutch landscape is historically shaped through hydrology, geology, air and climate, however, contemporary landscapes represent severe anthropogenic intervening, enclosing and directing the dynamics of hydrology, geology, air and climate.
This thesis aims to understand the relationship between people and nature, through landscape Identity, the mutual relationship between people and landscape, shaped by and shaping landscape characteristics and individual and collective identity. Subsequently, proposing and testing a method for altering this relationship, based on the following hypothesis: Shifting the technocratic understanding of flood safety to align [again] with the trajectories of hydrology, geology, air and climate, which are both fundamentally shaping the landscape, allows the transition towards a biodiverse and flood resilient delta. Rethinking the relationship between people and nature, through landscape, is therefore essential. The concept of Building with Nature is tested as an approach to align the understanding of flood safety with the dynamics of air, water and soil. Proposing this re-alignment as the new critical condition for delta urbanization in transition towards a biodiverse and resilient delta. Ultimately, proving this apparent dilemma between flood safety on the one hand and biodiversity and resilience on the other, to be void. ...
A sectoral flood safety approach has been the critical condition for Delta Urbanization in the Netherlands until now. But does this have to be the case for future urbanization as well? In the Dutch approach to flood safety, a dilemma appears to exist between (sectoral) flood safety on the one hand and biodiversity and flood resilience on the other. Where pursuit of flood safety, especially in a context of extreme climate scenario’s, might continue at the cost of biodiversity and resilience.
The thesis is on the reconciliation of the anthropogenic and natural systems of the Dutch Delta. It proposes a re-positioning of the relationship between peopel and nature. The concept and understanding of landscape identity is an expression of this relationship. In the case of the Dutch delta, landscape and flood safety are inevitably intertwined, and a certain relationship of human mastery over nature becomes apparent of this intertwining. The Dutch landscape is historically shaped through hydrology, geology, air and climate, however, contemporary landscapes represent severe anthropogenic intervening, enclosing and directing the dynamics of hydrology, geology, air and climate.
This thesis aims to understand the relationship between people and nature, through landscape Identity, the mutual relationship between people and landscape, shaped by and shaping landscape characteristics and individual and collective identity. Subsequently, proposing and testing a method for altering this relationship, based on the following hypothesis: Shifting the technocratic understanding of flood safety to align [again] with the trajectories of hydrology, geology, air and climate, which are both fundamentally shaping the landscape, allows the transition towards a biodiverse and flood resilient delta. Rethinking the relationship between people and nature, through landscape, is therefore essential. The concept of Building with Nature is tested as an approach to align the understanding of flood safety with the dynamics of air, water and soil. Proposing this re-alignment as the new critical condition for delta urbanization in transition towards a biodiverse and resilient delta. Ultimately, proving this apparent dilemma between flood safety on the one hand and biodiversity and resilience on the other, to be void.
The thesis is on the reconciliation of the anthropogenic and natural systems of the Dutch Delta. It proposes a re-positioning of the relationship between peopel and nature. The concept and understanding of landscape identity is an expression of this relationship. In the case of the Dutch delta, landscape and flood safety are inevitably intertwined, and a certain relationship of human mastery over nature becomes apparent of this intertwining. The Dutch landscape is historically shaped through hydrology, geology, air and climate, however, contemporary landscapes represent severe anthropogenic intervening, enclosing and directing the dynamics of hydrology, geology, air and climate.
This thesis aims to understand the relationship between people and nature, through landscape Identity, the mutual relationship between people and landscape, shaped by and shaping landscape characteristics and individual and collective identity. Subsequently, proposing and testing a method for altering this relationship, based on the following hypothesis: Shifting the technocratic understanding of flood safety to align [again] with the trajectories of hydrology, geology, air and climate, which are both fundamentally shaping the landscape, allows the transition towards a biodiverse and flood resilient delta. Rethinking the relationship between people and nature, through landscape, is therefore essential. The concept of Building with Nature is tested as an approach to align the understanding of flood safety with the dynamics of air, water and soil. Proposing this re-alignment as the new critical condition for delta urbanization in transition towards a biodiverse and resilient delta. Ultimately, proving this apparent dilemma between flood safety on the one hand and biodiversity and resilience on the other, to be void.
Edges in transition
Spatial strategies for a regeneration of socio-ecological systems along the Vistula River
The proximity of rivers stimulated the development of the economy and culture of civilizations throughout the ages. Consequently, the advancements in technology allowed people to influence the riverine systems. In riparian areas, such as the Vistula River Delta, the river was regulated and the land was reclaimed to accommodate agriculture, urbanization and industries. Besides the spatial changes, the anthropogenic alterations have also environmental consequences, namely increased risk of flooding and limited water and sediment retention capacity of the delta. Lowered ecological performance of the riverine edges lead to a higher amount of contaminants being discharged to the Vistula River and subsequently to the Baltic Sea. The pollution caused by human activities as well as severe changes in the climate profoundly affect the state of ecosystems and human health.
Designing for regeneration of socio-ecological systems along the Vistula River is based on understanding the relationships between the pollution flows, flooding and the performance of the riverine edges. The project suggests a systemic transition towards more regenerative riverine landscapes with a focus on the redefinition of the edge space by remodeling landscape topography and the use of specific vegetation. The landscape design provides ecosystem services, including improvement of water quality, flood management, biodiversity and recreation.
The proposal illustrates possible changes in the three exemplary riverine edges, namely an agricultural edge and an underutilized and post-industrial edge in the city of Gdansk. The choice of these types of edges was based on the fact that agriculture is the biggest factor that contributes to the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM, 2015), while the post-industrial edges in Gdansk face environmental and spatial challenges that might become potentialities for future changes.
The design and its possible expansion intend to enhance the ecological, social and economic performance of the Vistula River edges. Higher ecological performance is achieved through the implementation of remediation practices and creating space for flood accommodation. Whereas, social and economic performance is enhanced by new functions and an increase of accessibility and connectedness of the edges. The proposal might act as a model for transitions of the Vistula river tributaries as well as other riverine systems facing similar issues. That is thanks to the set of design principles established in the project. The ambition of the thesis is to contribute to the promotion of ecological awareness and advocacy in Poland. ...
Designing for regeneration of socio-ecological systems along the Vistula River is based on understanding the relationships between the pollution flows, flooding and the performance of the riverine edges. The project suggests a systemic transition towards more regenerative riverine landscapes with a focus on the redefinition of the edge space by remodeling landscape topography and the use of specific vegetation. The landscape design provides ecosystem services, including improvement of water quality, flood management, biodiversity and recreation.
The proposal illustrates possible changes in the three exemplary riverine edges, namely an agricultural edge and an underutilized and post-industrial edge in the city of Gdansk. The choice of these types of edges was based on the fact that agriculture is the biggest factor that contributes to the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM, 2015), while the post-industrial edges in Gdansk face environmental and spatial challenges that might become potentialities for future changes.
The design and its possible expansion intend to enhance the ecological, social and economic performance of the Vistula River edges. Higher ecological performance is achieved through the implementation of remediation practices and creating space for flood accommodation. Whereas, social and economic performance is enhanced by new functions and an increase of accessibility and connectedness of the edges. The proposal might act as a model for transitions of the Vistula river tributaries as well as other riverine systems facing similar issues. That is thanks to the set of design principles established in the project. The ambition of the thesis is to contribute to the promotion of ecological awareness and advocacy in Poland. ...
The proximity of rivers stimulated the development of the economy and culture of civilizations throughout the ages. Consequently, the advancements in technology allowed people to influence the riverine systems. In riparian areas, such as the Vistula River Delta, the river was regulated and the land was reclaimed to accommodate agriculture, urbanization and industries. Besides the spatial changes, the anthropogenic alterations have also environmental consequences, namely increased risk of flooding and limited water and sediment retention capacity of the delta. Lowered ecological performance of the riverine edges lead to a higher amount of contaminants being discharged to the Vistula River and subsequently to the Baltic Sea. The pollution caused by human activities as well as severe changes in the climate profoundly affect the state of ecosystems and human health.
Designing for regeneration of socio-ecological systems along the Vistula River is based on understanding the relationships between the pollution flows, flooding and the performance of the riverine edges. The project suggests a systemic transition towards more regenerative riverine landscapes with a focus on the redefinition of the edge space by remodeling landscape topography and the use of specific vegetation. The landscape design provides ecosystem services, including improvement of water quality, flood management, biodiversity and recreation.
The proposal illustrates possible changes in the three exemplary riverine edges, namely an agricultural edge and an underutilized and post-industrial edge in the city of Gdansk. The choice of these types of edges was based on the fact that agriculture is the biggest factor that contributes to the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM, 2015), while the post-industrial edges in Gdansk face environmental and spatial challenges that might become potentialities for future changes.
The design and its possible expansion intend to enhance the ecological, social and economic performance of the Vistula River edges. Higher ecological performance is achieved through the implementation of remediation practices and creating space for flood accommodation. Whereas, social and economic performance is enhanced by new functions and an increase of accessibility and connectedness of the edges. The proposal might act as a model for transitions of the Vistula river tributaries as well as other riverine systems facing similar issues. That is thanks to the set of design principles established in the project. The ambition of the thesis is to contribute to the promotion of ecological awareness and advocacy in Poland.
Designing for regeneration of socio-ecological systems along the Vistula River is based on understanding the relationships between the pollution flows, flooding and the performance of the riverine edges. The project suggests a systemic transition towards more regenerative riverine landscapes with a focus on the redefinition of the edge space by remodeling landscape topography and the use of specific vegetation. The landscape design provides ecosystem services, including improvement of water quality, flood management, biodiversity and recreation.
The proposal illustrates possible changes in the three exemplary riverine edges, namely an agricultural edge and an underutilized and post-industrial edge in the city of Gdansk. The choice of these types of edges was based on the fact that agriculture is the biggest factor that contributes to the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM, 2015), while the post-industrial edges in Gdansk face environmental and spatial challenges that might become potentialities for future changes.
The design and its possible expansion intend to enhance the ecological, social and economic performance of the Vistula River edges. Higher ecological performance is achieved through the implementation of remediation practices and creating space for flood accommodation. Whereas, social and economic performance is enhanced by new functions and an increase of accessibility and connectedness of the edges. The proposal might act as a model for transitions of the Vistula river tributaries as well as other riverine systems facing similar issues. That is thanks to the set of design principles established in the project. The ambition of the thesis is to contribute to the promotion of ecological awareness and advocacy in Poland.
Synergy through water, land and forestry systems
Towards evolutionary socio-ecological resilience in Red River Delta, Vietnam
The formation of this triangular land and lasting cultivation upon it has transformed the Red River Delta into a highly anthropocentric rice-based delta. The delta area is affected by climate change variability as externalities, a fast and persistent urban expansion and environmental degradation presenting an increasing socio-ecological vulnerabilities, involving- biodiversity loss, water stress (mainly pollution and flooding), and social spatial fragmentation. These phenomena increase future uncertainty and local informality. The project calls for an acknowledge and awareness of the presented systems complexity of this typical monsoon Asian country under such risks.
The proposed project focuses mainly on the potential synergy between topos and habitat- flux, translations, and diversity. It is composed of a cycle of reviewing, reorganizing, and resonating, with recasting existing vernacular adaptation strategies. A combination of methods- sections, multi-scalar approach, evaluation frameworks, and dynamic pathways- is used to explore systemic thinking of water consumption, urban occupation, local culture and land cultivation in the area. The possibilities proposed by the project are constructed in order to facilitate an integrated resource co-management through adaptive governance, as to understand evolutionary systems of water, land, and forestry within. By exploring systemic interdependencies in and across systems and stakeholders, the exploratory cycle from local to regional scales by landscape transformation and socio-ecological evaluation reveals a revised relationship with the ground towards socio-ecological resilience.
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The proposed project focuses mainly on the potential synergy between topos and habitat- flux, translations, and diversity. It is composed of a cycle of reviewing, reorganizing, and resonating, with recasting existing vernacular adaptation strategies. A combination of methods- sections, multi-scalar approach, evaluation frameworks, and dynamic pathways- is used to explore systemic thinking of water consumption, urban occupation, local culture and land cultivation in the area. The possibilities proposed by the project are constructed in order to facilitate an integrated resource co-management through adaptive governance, as to understand evolutionary systems of water, land, and forestry within. By exploring systemic interdependencies in and across systems and stakeholders, the exploratory cycle from local to regional scales by landscape transformation and socio-ecological evaluation reveals a revised relationship with the ground towards socio-ecological resilience.
...
The formation of this triangular land and lasting cultivation upon it has transformed the Red River Delta into a highly anthropocentric rice-based delta. The delta area is affected by climate change variability as externalities, a fast and persistent urban expansion and environmental degradation presenting an increasing socio-ecological vulnerabilities, involving- biodiversity loss, water stress (mainly pollution and flooding), and social spatial fragmentation. These phenomena increase future uncertainty and local informality. The project calls for an acknowledge and awareness of the presented systems complexity of this typical monsoon Asian country under such risks.
The proposed project focuses mainly on the potential synergy between topos and habitat- flux, translations, and diversity. It is composed of a cycle of reviewing, reorganizing, and resonating, with recasting existing vernacular adaptation strategies. A combination of methods- sections, multi-scalar approach, evaluation frameworks, and dynamic pathways- is used to explore systemic thinking of water consumption, urban occupation, local culture and land cultivation in the area. The possibilities proposed by the project are constructed in order to facilitate an integrated resource co-management through adaptive governance, as to understand evolutionary systems of water, land, and forestry within. By exploring systemic interdependencies in and across systems and stakeholders, the exploratory cycle from local to regional scales by landscape transformation and socio-ecological evaluation reveals a revised relationship with the ground towards socio-ecological resilience.
The proposed project focuses mainly on the potential synergy between topos and habitat- flux, translations, and diversity. It is composed of a cycle of reviewing, reorganizing, and resonating, with recasting existing vernacular adaptation strategies. A combination of methods- sections, multi-scalar approach, evaluation frameworks, and dynamic pathways- is used to explore systemic thinking of water consumption, urban occupation, local culture and land cultivation in the area. The possibilities proposed by the project are constructed in order to facilitate an integrated resource co-management through adaptive governance, as to understand evolutionary systems of water, land, and forestry within. By exploring systemic interdependencies in and across systems and stakeholders, the exploratory cycle from local to regional scales by landscape transformation and socio-ecological evaluation reveals a revised relationship with the ground towards socio-ecological resilience.
Petro-free mobility
A regional strategy to facilitate the mobility transition in the Province of South-Holland
Student report
(2021)
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J.S. Brouwer, M.E. van Eck, J. Hermans, T.W. Louwen, C.F. Rensman, R.M. Rooij, N. Katsikis, D. Cannatella
Human driven pollution is causing irreversible damage to the habitability of our planet. Due to these environmental concerns, it has become imperative to move away from petrochemical dependency as this industry contributes significant greenhouse gases causing air, soil and water pollution. About 85% of the petrochemical industry that travels through the port of Rotterdam goes towards fuels for mobility, this is a critical bottleneck that requires careful consideration. To ensure a sustainable province in terms of both a liveable province as well as economic prosperity policy is set up by means of communicative rationality between all actors (commercial stakeholders, residents, consumers, etc.). In 2060 all our vehicles will run on electricity from sustainable production sources, such as solar and wind. We will travel less and more efficiently in part by improving spatial proximity to (social) functions. To aid this mobility transition, biofuel potentials will be optimized to phase out the existing infrastructural dependencies by 2040. After which a complete build down from all polluting mobility fuels will be put into action. This phase allows different actors to cultivate and experiment with sustainable waste–to– value connections between stakeholders by optimizing biofuel potentials from regional waste. To make this transition succeed, the mobility and fuel transition is brought on through the three pillars: 1. sustainable connections, 2. waste to value and 3. consumer patterns. Allowing for an integrative transition in line with the global move towards a circular economy and a more healthy and liveable environment. As a result of this transition the petroleum–industry leaves waste spaces that require transformation. By creating a toolkit to assess different typological waste spaces, petrol stations, terminals and refineries will be transformed into residential, office, cultural, green and other functions after the soil is properly remediated.
...
Human driven pollution is causing irreversible damage to the habitability of our planet. Due to these environmental concerns, it has become imperative to move away from petrochemical dependency as this industry contributes significant greenhouse gases causing air, soil and water pollution. About 85% of the petrochemical industry that travels through the port of Rotterdam goes towards fuels for mobility, this is a critical bottleneck that requires careful consideration. To ensure a sustainable province in terms of both a liveable province as well as economic prosperity policy is set up by means of communicative rationality between all actors (commercial stakeholders, residents, consumers, etc.). In 2060 all our vehicles will run on electricity from sustainable production sources, such as solar and wind. We will travel less and more efficiently in part by improving spatial proximity to (social) functions. To aid this mobility transition, biofuel potentials will be optimized to phase out the existing infrastructural dependencies by 2040. After which a complete build down from all polluting mobility fuels will be put into action. This phase allows different actors to cultivate and experiment with sustainable waste–to– value connections between stakeholders by optimizing biofuel potentials from regional waste. To make this transition succeed, the mobility and fuel transition is brought on through the three pillars: 1. sustainable connections, 2. waste to value and 3. consumer patterns. Allowing for an integrative transition in line with the global move towards a circular economy and a more healthy and liveable environment. As a result of this transition the petroleum–industry leaves waste spaces that require transformation. By creating a toolkit to assess different typological waste spaces, petrol stations, terminals and refineries will be transformed into residential, office, cultural, green and other functions after the soil is properly remediated.
South Holland's petroleum(e)scape
A vision and strategy towards a mutualist energy landscape in 2050
Student report
(2021)
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J.M. Stolk, K.A. Nguyen, D.C. Douma, J. Hofman, B. van der Drift, R.M. Rooij, N. Katsikis, D. Cannatella
In the past decades, the port of Rotterdam has been considered as one of the main engines of the Dutch national economy, since it is the largest hub for fossil fuels in Europe. The province of South-Holland and the Port of Rotterdam hereby form the heart of the economic centre of the Netherlands, contributing to 21% of the national GDP. However, the economic growth and prosperity of the region is inevitably linked to CO2 emissions and pollution. On the local level, the petroleumscape produces an invasive effect on the livability of its direct environment, exposing the local population to the burdens of the financial gains of the petrochemical industries. Also, we urgently need to transition towards a more sustainable energy system due to growing risks as a result of climate change. This poses a challenge to the region, since the main driver of the current industry is based on a highly centralized energy system. Such systems are not fit to make use of locally perceived potential of renewable energy sources. In the transition towards a distributed energy system, ecologic, social and economic challenges with strong spatial components arise in the region of South-Holland. Therefore, this strategy aims for an approach for giving shape and meaning to the energy transition in the province of South-Holland. Our team explores the way in which decentralization of certain building blocks in the mechanisms of energy production, conversion and storage could deliver a more democratic, self-sufficient and resilient system. Simultaneously, it should empower the local economy. By rearranging and reimagining the configuration of space in the port region, new spatial layers come to existence, which are oriented towards improving social and ecological structures. Once the polluting industries transform into cleaner industries, new spaces and opportunities open up for sustainable redevelopment of the waterfront. Space for recreation, flora and fauna will bring about a more gradual transition from port to city to hinterland. The sum of all interventions will contribute to the global objective of mitigating climate change, while reintroducing spatial justice and creating meaningful connections between industrial, rural and urban landscapes in the region.
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In the past decades, the port of Rotterdam has been considered as one of the main engines of the Dutch national economy, since it is the largest hub for fossil fuels in Europe. The province of South-Holland and the Port of Rotterdam hereby form the heart of the economic centre of the Netherlands, contributing to 21% of the national GDP. However, the economic growth and prosperity of the region is inevitably linked to CO2 emissions and pollution. On the local level, the petroleumscape produces an invasive effect on the livability of its direct environment, exposing the local population to the burdens of the financial gains of the petrochemical industries. Also, we urgently need to transition towards a more sustainable energy system due to growing risks as a result of climate change. This poses a challenge to the region, since the main driver of the current industry is based on a highly centralized energy system. Such systems are not fit to make use of locally perceived potential of renewable energy sources. In the transition towards a distributed energy system, ecologic, social and economic challenges with strong spatial components arise in the region of South-Holland. Therefore, this strategy aims for an approach for giving shape and meaning to the energy transition in the province of South-Holland. Our team explores the way in which decentralization of certain building blocks in the mechanisms of energy production, conversion and storage could deliver a more democratic, self-sufficient and resilient system. Simultaneously, it should empower the local economy. By rearranging and reimagining the configuration of space in the port region, new spatial layers come to existence, which are oriented towards improving social and ecological structures. Once the polluting industries transform into cleaner industries, new spaces and opportunities open up for sustainable redevelopment of the waterfront. Space for recreation, flora and fauna will bring about a more gradual transition from port to city to hinterland. The sum of all interventions will contribute to the global objective of mitigating climate change, while reintroducing spatial justice and creating meaningful connections between industrial, rural and urban landscapes in the region.
Waste system rejuvenation
Configuring the dialogue between waste collection stations and cities in the South Holland region
Student report
(2021)
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J.E. Vellinga, M. Jiang, P. Tziourrou, Y.Y. Rijff, Z. Agbaria, R.M. Rooij, N. Katsikis, D. Cannatella
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.
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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.