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E.A.J. Luiten
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1
Shifting Landscapes
A Rewilding Approach for the Dutch Wadden Sea Region
This research explores rewilding as a landscape architectural approach for the Dutch Wadden Sea region, a dynamic intertidal landscape increasingly pressured by sea-level rise, disrupted sediment dynamics, and the ecological degradation of saltmarshes. As one of the largest and most valuable dynamic coastal systems in the Netherlands, the Dutch Wadden Sea is shaped by the continuous interaction between tides, wind, sediment movement, vegetation succession and migratory species. However, historical interventions such as dikes and land reclamation, have limited the system’s natural dynamic and reduced its capacity to adapt to future climatic pressures.
The research investigates how rewilding can offer an alternative nature-based approach for coastal safety and ecological recovery, while accommodating low-impact ecotourism. Rather than understanding rewilding as a return to a former ecological state, the thesis defines it as a process-oriented approach that re-enables biotic and abiotic processes, allowing the landscape to become more self-sustaining over time. Through analysis, theoretical research, precedent studies and design exploration, a framework of action is developed around five strategic verbs: add, create, allow, remove, and adapt.
The proposed future landscape approach moves from a human-controlled landscape towards a self-sustaining system. Targeted human interventions act as a kick-start for natural processes, after which the landscape can gradually shift, adapt and evolve through its own dynamics. This approach is tested through strategic interventions across the Wadden Sea region and further elaborated in two design explorations: The Rottum Nature Reserve, where limited human access supports undisturbed ecological processes, and Griend, where rewilding is combined with a carefully managed visitor experience, research and education.
Ultimately, the thesis argues that rewilding can become more than an ecological strategy. It can operate as a spatial framework for climate adaptation, coastal safety, biodiversity recovery and to redefine human-nature relationship. ...
The research investigates how rewilding can offer an alternative nature-based approach for coastal safety and ecological recovery, while accommodating low-impact ecotourism. Rather than understanding rewilding as a return to a former ecological state, the thesis defines it as a process-oriented approach that re-enables biotic and abiotic processes, allowing the landscape to become more self-sustaining over time. Through analysis, theoretical research, precedent studies and design exploration, a framework of action is developed around five strategic verbs: add, create, allow, remove, and adapt.
The proposed future landscape approach moves from a human-controlled landscape towards a self-sustaining system. Targeted human interventions act as a kick-start for natural processes, after which the landscape can gradually shift, adapt and evolve through its own dynamics. This approach is tested through strategic interventions across the Wadden Sea region and further elaborated in two design explorations: The Rottum Nature Reserve, where limited human access supports undisturbed ecological processes, and Griend, where rewilding is combined with a carefully managed visitor experience, research and education.
Ultimately, the thesis argues that rewilding can become more than an ecological strategy. It can operate as a spatial framework for climate adaptation, coastal safety, biodiversity recovery and to redefine human-nature relationship. ...
This research explores rewilding as a landscape architectural approach for the Dutch Wadden Sea region, a dynamic intertidal landscape increasingly pressured by sea-level rise, disrupted sediment dynamics, and the ecological degradation of saltmarshes. As one of the largest and most valuable dynamic coastal systems in the Netherlands, the Dutch Wadden Sea is shaped by the continuous interaction between tides, wind, sediment movement, vegetation succession and migratory species. However, historical interventions such as dikes and land reclamation, have limited the system’s natural dynamic and reduced its capacity to adapt to future climatic pressures.
The research investigates how rewilding can offer an alternative nature-based approach for coastal safety and ecological recovery, while accommodating low-impact ecotourism. Rather than understanding rewilding as a return to a former ecological state, the thesis defines it as a process-oriented approach that re-enables biotic and abiotic processes, allowing the landscape to become more self-sustaining over time. Through analysis, theoretical research, precedent studies and design exploration, a framework of action is developed around five strategic verbs: add, create, allow, remove, and adapt.
The proposed future landscape approach moves from a human-controlled landscape towards a self-sustaining system. Targeted human interventions act as a kick-start for natural processes, after which the landscape can gradually shift, adapt and evolve through its own dynamics. This approach is tested through strategic interventions across the Wadden Sea region and further elaborated in two design explorations: The Rottum Nature Reserve, where limited human access supports undisturbed ecological processes, and Griend, where rewilding is combined with a carefully managed visitor experience, research and education.
Ultimately, the thesis argues that rewilding can become more than an ecological strategy. It can operate as a spatial framework for climate adaptation, coastal safety, biodiversity recovery and to redefine human-nature relationship.
The research investigates how rewilding can offer an alternative nature-based approach for coastal safety and ecological recovery, while accommodating low-impact ecotourism. Rather than understanding rewilding as a return to a former ecological state, the thesis defines it as a process-oriented approach that re-enables biotic and abiotic processes, allowing the landscape to become more self-sustaining over time. Through analysis, theoretical research, precedent studies and design exploration, a framework of action is developed around five strategic verbs: add, create, allow, remove, and adapt.
The proposed future landscape approach moves from a human-controlled landscape towards a self-sustaining system. Targeted human interventions act as a kick-start for natural processes, after which the landscape can gradually shift, adapt and evolve through its own dynamics. This approach is tested through strategic interventions across the Wadden Sea region and further elaborated in two design explorations: The Rottum Nature Reserve, where limited human access supports undisturbed ecological processes, and Griend, where rewilding is combined with a carefully managed visitor experience, research and education.
Ultimately, the thesis argues that rewilding can become more than an ecological strategy. It can operate as a spatial framework for climate adaptation, coastal safety, biodiversity recovery and to redefine human-nature relationship.
Rewilding the NLDelta
Giving more space to natural processes to achieve a future-proof delta
In this thesis, the NLDelta in the Netherlands was analysed and transformed into a self-regulating natural delta ecosystem. This was done with the ecological approach of rewilding as a guiding tool.
At this moment, the Dutch delta is a rigid system due to human influence. This has resulted in a loss of important tidal nature in the NLDelta, and because of fast-changing climate conditions nature, water safety and living conditions in this area are under threat.
When looking at the history of the NLDelta and the Biesbosch in particular, it is evident that the Biesbosch played an important role in the water safety in the area. During huge floods, like the flood in 1953, the Biesbosch acted as a water buffer keeping the island of Dordrecht safe from drowning. There also used to be a better integration of nature and agriculture, in which both factors complemented each other. To react to current issues concerning climate change and biodiversity loss, it becomes evident that we have to give more room back to nature.
The ambition of giving more room back to nature resulted in a masterplan for the whole NLDelta. In this masterplan, three different plans (Plan Sturgeon, Plan Otter and Plan Moose) each contribute in a different way to give more room to natural processes and make the entire system more robust and biodiverse. Plan Sturgeon focuses on the return of tidal influence, with the opening of the Haringvliet sluices, the increase of water safety by the realisation of a double dyke system, and the restoration of the disturbed sediment deposition. In Plan Otter, the connection between nature areas is the main focus point. The plan looks at the Natuurnetwerk Nederland and improves the connections by widening the tidal creeks that currently are no more than a ditch between agricultural fields. This way, nature areas become more intertwined, making them more robust and biodiverse. Lastly, Plan Moose looks at the former boundaries of the Biesbosch and restores them. By reintroducing moose (Alces alces) in the Biesbosch, the trophic complexity of the area will be increased, and moose will contribute to a new landscape of a half-open forest with their behaviour and browsing.
To conclude: the approach of rewilding is a great inspiring tool for landscape architects while trying to design a self-sustainable NLDelta. By combining rewilding theory with historical literature and current problems in the Dutch delta, the ambition to give more room to natural processes can be put into a spatial context, resulting in a masterplan where the NLDelta would be more robust, has more biodiversity, and is future-proof and adaptable to climate-related changes. ...
At this moment, the Dutch delta is a rigid system due to human influence. This has resulted in a loss of important tidal nature in the NLDelta, and because of fast-changing climate conditions nature, water safety and living conditions in this area are under threat.
When looking at the history of the NLDelta and the Biesbosch in particular, it is evident that the Biesbosch played an important role in the water safety in the area. During huge floods, like the flood in 1953, the Biesbosch acted as a water buffer keeping the island of Dordrecht safe from drowning. There also used to be a better integration of nature and agriculture, in which both factors complemented each other. To react to current issues concerning climate change and biodiversity loss, it becomes evident that we have to give more room back to nature.
The ambition of giving more room back to nature resulted in a masterplan for the whole NLDelta. In this masterplan, three different plans (Plan Sturgeon, Plan Otter and Plan Moose) each contribute in a different way to give more room to natural processes and make the entire system more robust and biodiverse. Plan Sturgeon focuses on the return of tidal influence, with the opening of the Haringvliet sluices, the increase of water safety by the realisation of a double dyke system, and the restoration of the disturbed sediment deposition. In Plan Otter, the connection between nature areas is the main focus point. The plan looks at the Natuurnetwerk Nederland and improves the connections by widening the tidal creeks that currently are no more than a ditch between agricultural fields. This way, nature areas become more intertwined, making them more robust and biodiverse. Lastly, Plan Moose looks at the former boundaries of the Biesbosch and restores them. By reintroducing moose (Alces alces) in the Biesbosch, the trophic complexity of the area will be increased, and moose will contribute to a new landscape of a half-open forest with their behaviour and browsing.
To conclude: the approach of rewilding is a great inspiring tool for landscape architects while trying to design a self-sustainable NLDelta. By combining rewilding theory with historical literature and current problems in the Dutch delta, the ambition to give more room to natural processes can be put into a spatial context, resulting in a masterplan where the NLDelta would be more robust, has more biodiversity, and is future-proof and adaptable to climate-related changes. ...
In this thesis, the NLDelta in the Netherlands was analysed and transformed into a self-regulating natural delta ecosystem. This was done with the ecological approach of rewilding as a guiding tool.
At this moment, the Dutch delta is a rigid system due to human influence. This has resulted in a loss of important tidal nature in the NLDelta, and because of fast-changing climate conditions nature, water safety and living conditions in this area are under threat.
When looking at the history of the NLDelta and the Biesbosch in particular, it is evident that the Biesbosch played an important role in the water safety in the area. During huge floods, like the flood in 1953, the Biesbosch acted as a water buffer keeping the island of Dordrecht safe from drowning. There also used to be a better integration of nature and agriculture, in which both factors complemented each other. To react to current issues concerning climate change and biodiversity loss, it becomes evident that we have to give more room back to nature.
The ambition of giving more room back to nature resulted in a masterplan for the whole NLDelta. In this masterplan, three different plans (Plan Sturgeon, Plan Otter and Plan Moose) each contribute in a different way to give more room to natural processes and make the entire system more robust and biodiverse. Plan Sturgeon focuses on the return of tidal influence, with the opening of the Haringvliet sluices, the increase of water safety by the realisation of a double dyke system, and the restoration of the disturbed sediment deposition. In Plan Otter, the connection between nature areas is the main focus point. The plan looks at the Natuurnetwerk Nederland and improves the connections by widening the tidal creeks that currently are no more than a ditch between agricultural fields. This way, nature areas become more intertwined, making them more robust and biodiverse. Lastly, Plan Moose looks at the former boundaries of the Biesbosch and restores them. By reintroducing moose (Alces alces) in the Biesbosch, the trophic complexity of the area will be increased, and moose will contribute to a new landscape of a half-open forest with their behaviour and browsing.
To conclude: the approach of rewilding is a great inspiring tool for landscape architects while trying to design a self-sustainable NLDelta. By combining rewilding theory with historical literature and current problems in the Dutch delta, the ambition to give more room to natural processes can be put into a spatial context, resulting in a masterplan where the NLDelta would be more robust, has more biodiversity, and is future-proof and adaptable to climate-related changes.
At this moment, the Dutch delta is a rigid system due to human influence. This has resulted in a loss of important tidal nature in the NLDelta, and because of fast-changing climate conditions nature, water safety and living conditions in this area are under threat.
When looking at the history of the NLDelta and the Biesbosch in particular, it is evident that the Biesbosch played an important role in the water safety in the area. During huge floods, like the flood in 1953, the Biesbosch acted as a water buffer keeping the island of Dordrecht safe from drowning. There also used to be a better integration of nature and agriculture, in which both factors complemented each other. To react to current issues concerning climate change and biodiversity loss, it becomes evident that we have to give more room back to nature.
The ambition of giving more room back to nature resulted in a masterplan for the whole NLDelta. In this masterplan, three different plans (Plan Sturgeon, Plan Otter and Plan Moose) each contribute in a different way to give more room to natural processes and make the entire system more robust and biodiverse. Plan Sturgeon focuses on the return of tidal influence, with the opening of the Haringvliet sluices, the increase of water safety by the realisation of a double dyke system, and the restoration of the disturbed sediment deposition. In Plan Otter, the connection between nature areas is the main focus point. The plan looks at the Natuurnetwerk Nederland and improves the connections by widening the tidal creeks that currently are no more than a ditch between agricultural fields. This way, nature areas become more intertwined, making them more robust and biodiverse. Lastly, Plan Moose looks at the former boundaries of the Biesbosch and restores them. By reintroducing moose (Alces alces) in the Biesbosch, the trophic complexity of the area will be increased, and moose will contribute to a new landscape of a half-open forest with their behaviour and browsing.
To conclude: the approach of rewilding is a great inspiring tool for landscape architects while trying to design a self-sustainable NLDelta. By combining rewilding theory with historical literature and current problems in the Dutch delta, the ambition to give more room to natural processes can be put into a spatial context, resulting in a masterplan where the NLDelta would be more robust, has more biodiversity, and is future-proof and adaptable to climate-related changes.
Mountains in Symphony
Rewilding the Summer Pasture Mosaic for Cohabitation in the Pyrenees
Rewilding in this project is understood as a method of ecological restoration and land management that cultivates wildness within the inhabited pastoral
landscape of the Pyrenees. It reconfigures the open mountain pasture system toward negotiated cohabitation among humans, livestock, wildlife, and self-willed ecological processes. The open mountain pasture(OMP) mosaic is understood as a cultural-ecological system historically sustained by the interaction between cultural legacies and ecological processes: pastoral rhythms, paths, grazing, and maintenance provided disturbance, while the resulting mosaic in turn became the ground these practices depended on. As pastoral presence weakens, this continuity is disrupted. By reorganizing disturbance, succession, movement, access, and perception, the project proposes a spatial framework through which the mosaic can continue in a transformed state, allowing ecological processes and cultural legacies to support each other again. The project develops this framework through three levels. A dynamic zoning of
Use, Negotiating, and Letting-go modes redistributes disturbance and succession across the OMP mosaic; a set of graded coexistence interfaces reorganizes
where human use and bear activity meet; and actor-based interventions give shepherds, wildlife protectors, and visitors routes through which cohabitation
becomes legible, usable, and meaningful. Rewilding in a cultural landscape is thus shown as a designed condition of negotiated cohabitation. ...
landscape of the Pyrenees. It reconfigures the open mountain pasture system toward negotiated cohabitation among humans, livestock, wildlife, and self-willed ecological processes. The open mountain pasture(OMP) mosaic is understood as a cultural-ecological system historically sustained by the interaction between cultural legacies and ecological processes: pastoral rhythms, paths, grazing, and maintenance provided disturbance, while the resulting mosaic in turn became the ground these practices depended on. As pastoral presence weakens, this continuity is disrupted. By reorganizing disturbance, succession, movement, access, and perception, the project proposes a spatial framework through which the mosaic can continue in a transformed state, allowing ecological processes and cultural legacies to support each other again. The project develops this framework through three levels. A dynamic zoning of
Use, Negotiating, and Letting-go modes redistributes disturbance and succession across the OMP mosaic; a set of graded coexistence interfaces reorganizes
where human use and bear activity meet; and actor-based interventions give shepherds, wildlife protectors, and visitors routes through which cohabitation
becomes legible, usable, and meaningful. Rewilding in a cultural landscape is thus shown as a designed condition of negotiated cohabitation. ...
Rewilding in this project is understood as a method of ecological restoration and land management that cultivates wildness within the inhabited pastoral
landscape of the Pyrenees. It reconfigures the open mountain pasture system toward negotiated cohabitation among humans, livestock, wildlife, and self-willed ecological processes. The open mountain pasture(OMP) mosaic is understood as a cultural-ecological system historically sustained by the interaction between cultural legacies and ecological processes: pastoral rhythms, paths, grazing, and maintenance provided disturbance, while the resulting mosaic in turn became the ground these practices depended on. As pastoral presence weakens, this continuity is disrupted. By reorganizing disturbance, succession, movement, access, and perception, the project proposes a spatial framework through which the mosaic can continue in a transformed state, allowing ecological processes and cultural legacies to support each other again. The project develops this framework through three levels. A dynamic zoning of
Use, Negotiating, and Letting-go modes redistributes disturbance and succession across the OMP mosaic; a set of graded coexistence interfaces reorganizes
where human use and bear activity meet; and actor-based interventions give shepherds, wildlife protectors, and visitors routes through which cohabitation
becomes legible, usable, and meaningful. Rewilding in a cultural landscape is thus shown as a designed condition of negotiated cohabitation.
landscape of the Pyrenees. It reconfigures the open mountain pasture system toward negotiated cohabitation among humans, livestock, wildlife, and self-willed ecological processes. The open mountain pasture(OMP) mosaic is understood as a cultural-ecological system historically sustained by the interaction between cultural legacies and ecological processes: pastoral rhythms, paths, grazing, and maintenance provided disturbance, while the resulting mosaic in turn became the ground these practices depended on. As pastoral presence weakens, this continuity is disrupted. By reorganizing disturbance, succession, movement, access, and perception, the project proposes a spatial framework through which the mosaic can continue in a transformed state, allowing ecological processes and cultural legacies to support each other again. The project develops this framework through three levels. A dynamic zoning of
Use, Negotiating, and Letting-go modes redistributes disturbance and succession across the OMP mosaic; a set of graded coexistence interfaces reorganizes
where human use and bear activity meet; and actor-based interventions give shepherds, wildlife protectors, and visitors routes through which cohabitation
becomes legible, usable, and meaningful. Rewilding in a cultural landscape is thus shown as a designed condition of negotiated cohabitation.
Fallow
A vision of a wilder future for the Veluwe
This thesis explores the ways in which landscape architectural interventions can aid in restoring degraded ecosystems, while keeping human presence on the landscape visible and beneficial to this restoration. The design site is the Veluwe, the largest
terrestrial Natura 2000 area in the Netherlands, that has a complex history of both natural and man-made processes. The design and research process went through different iterations to figure out how these processes can be integrated into a design, incorporating knowledge from the realms of ecological restoration, rewilding and landscape heritage. The final design combined habitat restoration on a regional scale, with localised intervention aimed to raise ecological and cultural awareness to visitors. ...
terrestrial Natura 2000 area in the Netherlands, that has a complex history of both natural and man-made processes. The design and research process went through different iterations to figure out how these processes can be integrated into a design, incorporating knowledge from the realms of ecological restoration, rewilding and landscape heritage. The final design combined habitat restoration on a regional scale, with localised intervention aimed to raise ecological and cultural awareness to visitors. ...
This thesis explores the ways in which landscape architectural interventions can aid in restoring degraded ecosystems, while keeping human presence on the landscape visible and beneficial to this restoration. The design site is the Veluwe, the largest
terrestrial Natura 2000 area in the Netherlands, that has a complex history of both natural and man-made processes. The design and research process went through different iterations to figure out how these processes can be integrated into a design, incorporating knowledge from the realms of ecological restoration, rewilding and landscape heritage. The final design combined habitat restoration on a regional scale, with localised intervention aimed to raise ecological and cultural awareness to visitors.
terrestrial Natura 2000 area in the Netherlands, that has a complex history of both natural and man-made processes. The design and research process went through different iterations to figure out how these processes can be integrated into a design, incorporating knowledge from the realms of ecological restoration, rewilding and landscape heritage. The final design combined habitat restoration on a regional scale, with localised intervention aimed to raise ecological and cultural awareness to visitors.
Tracing Scars Through History
Reimagining Walcheren’s Military Landscape as a Memoryscape for the Future
Walcheren, a reclaimed polder region in the southwest of the Netherlands, has long served as a site of both military defense and hydraulic engineering. Its landscape bears the imprint of centuries of human intervention, where inundation creek systems, fortification remains, and polder structures intersect. Particularly in the southern area around Fort Rammekens and De Nolle Bos, the remnants of wartime defenses coexist with coastal wetlands and modern urbanization. These overlapping layers make the region an exemplary case of a military palimpsest—a landscape where past narratives remain physically and spatially embedded in the terrain.
Today, Walcheren faces multi-layered challenges: increasing vulnerability to flooding and salinization, ecological degradation of sensitive wetlands, and conflicts between heritage preservation and spatial development. Tourism and infrastructure upgrades place further pressure on historically and ecologically valuable zones, risking the erosion of landscape identity. These tensions are especially evident where fortress remains are fragmented or obscured within urban and agricultural areas. In this context, the thesis poses the question: How can the historical layers of Walcheren’s military landscape be revealed through design to create a public space that preserves its historical significance and transforms into a socially vital and resilient landscape?
The research draws on theories of historical palimpsest, landscape biography, and memoryscape to guide the interpretation and transformation of the site. Methodologically, it employs palimpsest mapping, historical analysis, spatial reading of military remnants, and case studies of military landscape re-use.
These approaches inform a design framework that seeks not only to preserve layered heritage but also to spatially narrate it—allowing ecological recovery, public engagement, and resilient identity-building to emerge through landscape design. ...
Today, Walcheren faces multi-layered challenges: increasing vulnerability to flooding and salinization, ecological degradation of sensitive wetlands, and conflicts between heritage preservation and spatial development. Tourism and infrastructure upgrades place further pressure on historically and ecologically valuable zones, risking the erosion of landscape identity. These tensions are especially evident where fortress remains are fragmented or obscured within urban and agricultural areas. In this context, the thesis poses the question: How can the historical layers of Walcheren’s military landscape be revealed through design to create a public space that preserves its historical significance and transforms into a socially vital and resilient landscape?
The research draws on theories of historical palimpsest, landscape biography, and memoryscape to guide the interpretation and transformation of the site. Methodologically, it employs palimpsest mapping, historical analysis, spatial reading of military remnants, and case studies of military landscape re-use.
These approaches inform a design framework that seeks not only to preserve layered heritage but also to spatially narrate it—allowing ecological recovery, public engagement, and resilient identity-building to emerge through landscape design. ...
Walcheren, a reclaimed polder region in the southwest of the Netherlands, has long served as a site of both military defense and hydraulic engineering. Its landscape bears the imprint of centuries of human intervention, where inundation creek systems, fortification remains, and polder structures intersect. Particularly in the southern area around Fort Rammekens and De Nolle Bos, the remnants of wartime defenses coexist with coastal wetlands and modern urbanization. These overlapping layers make the region an exemplary case of a military palimpsest—a landscape where past narratives remain physically and spatially embedded in the terrain.
Today, Walcheren faces multi-layered challenges: increasing vulnerability to flooding and salinization, ecological degradation of sensitive wetlands, and conflicts between heritage preservation and spatial development. Tourism and infrastructure upgrades place further pressure on historically and ecologically valuable zones, risking the erosion of landscape identity. These tensions are especially evident where fortress remains are fragmented or obscured within urban and agricultural areas. In this context, the thesis poses the question: How can the historical layers of Walcheren’s military landscape be revealed through design to create a public space that preserves its historical significance and transforms into a socially vital and resilient landscape?
The research draws on theories of historical palimpsest, landscape biography, and memoryscape to guide the interpretation and transformation of the site. Methodologically, it employs palimpsest mapping, historical analysis, spatial reading of military remnants, and case studies of military landscape re-use.
These approaches inform a design framework that seeks not only to preserve layered heritage but also to spatially narrate it—allowing ecological recovery, public engagement, and resilient identity-building to emerge through landscape design.
Today, Walcheren faces multi-layered challenges: increasing vulnerability to flooding and salinization, ecological degradation of sensitive wetlands, and conflicts between heritage preservation and spatial development. Tourism and infrastructure upgrades place further pressure on historically and ecologically valuable zones, risking the erosion of landscape identity. These tensions are especially evident where fortress remains are fragmented or obscured within urban and agricultural areas. In this context, the thesis poses the question: How can the historical layers of Walcheren’s military landscape be revealed through design to create a public space that preserves its historical significance and transforms into a socially vital and resilient landscape?
The research draws on theories of historical palimpsest, landscape biography, and memoryscape to guide the interpretation and transformation of the site. Methodologically, it employs palimpsest mapping, historical analysis, spatial reading of military remnants, and case studies of military landscape re-use.
These approaches inform a design framework that seeks not only to preserve layered heritage but also to spatially narrate it—allowing ecological recovery, public engagement, and resilient identity-building to emerge through landscape design.
Beyond territory
Transforming the frontlines, defensive structures and battlefields of the Russo-Ukrainian War into a landscape of peace
The Russo-Ukrainian War has had a profound impact on the land, people, society, and daily life in Ukraine, particularly in the frontline areas where battlefields and defensive structures stretch across the north to the south. As the war continues, this strip of land bears the scars of conflict, featuring devastated landscapes, abandoned agricultural fields, and an environment that feels insecure, sorrowful, and hopeless. This project seeks to explore the reimagination of war-torn territories and the concept of a neutral landscape, interpreting battlefields to create a meaningful and reflective space for remembrance and peace.
Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Asia, Ukraine has long been a crucial border area. The research field focuses on identifying the landscape characteristics of the borderscape, examining the fragmented and traumatized landscape resulting from conflicts and defensive structures, in search of potential pathways to healing.
Inspired by case studies and precedents, the design proposes a neutral zone that aims to create experiential spaces that narrate the “stories of this border area.” The military artifacts are subtly transitioned, providing memorial spaces while restoring the natural ecosystem and agricultural activities. An elevated pathway gently weaves through these experiential sites along the entire 3,000 km stretch of land.
This project contributes to the broader discourse on the transformation of war landscapes by incorporating the significance of borderscapes with the restoration of the landscape. It offers a sense of comfort to individuals and society dealing with war trauma, serving as a reflection and reminder for the future. ...
Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Asia, Ukraine has long been a crucial border area. The research field focuses on identifying the landscape characteristics of the borderscape, examining the fragmented and traumatized landscape resulting from conflicts and defensive structures, in search of potential pathways to healing.
Inspired by case studies and precedents, the design proposes a neutral zone that aims to create experiential spaces that narrate the “stories of this border area.” The military artifacts are subtly transitioned, providing memorial spaces while restoring the natural ecosystem and agricultural activities. An elevated pathway gently weaves through these experiential sites along the entire 3,000 km stretch of land.
This project contributes to the broader discourse on the transformation of war landscapes by incorporating the significance of borderscapes with the restoration of the landscape. It offers a sense of comfort to individuals and society dealing with war trauma, serving as a reflection and reminder for the future. ...
The Russo-Ukrainian War has had a profound impact on the land, people, society, and daily life in Ukraine, particularly in the frontline areas where battlefields and defensive structures stretch across the north to the south. As the war continues, this strip of land bears the scars of conflict, featuring devastated landscapes, abandoned agricultural fields, and an environment that feels insecure, sorrowful, and hopeless. This project seeks to explore the reimagination of war-torn territories and the concept of a neutral landscape, interpreting battlefields to create a meaningful and reflective space for remembrance and peace.
Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Asia, Ukraine has long been a crucial border area. The research field focuses on identifying the landscape characteristics of the borderscape, examining the fragmented and traumatized landscape resulting from conflicts and defensive structures, in search of potential pathways to healing.
Inspired by case studies and precedents, the design proposes a neutral zone that aims to create experiential spaces that narrate the “stories of this border area.” The military artifacts are subtly transitioned, providing memorial spaces while restoring the natural ecosystem and agricultural activities. An elevated pathway gently weaves through these experiential sites along the entire 3,000 km stretch of land.
This project contributes to the broader discourse on the transformation of war landscapes by incorporating the significance of borderscapes with the restoration of the landscape. It offers a sense of comfort to individuals and society dealing with war trauma, serving as a reflection and reminder for the future.
Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Asia, Ukraine has long been a crucial border area. The research field focuses on identifying the landscape characteristics of the borderscape, examining the fragmented and traumatized landscape resulting from conflicts and defensive structures, in search of potential pathways to healing.
Inspired by case studies and precedents, the design proposes a neutral zone that aims to create experiential spaces that narrate the “stories of this border area.” The military artifacts are subtly transitioned, providing memorial spaces while restoring the natural ecosystem and agricultural activities. An elevated pathway gently weaves through these experiential sites along the entire 3,000 km stretch of land.
This project contributes to the broader discourse on the transformation of war landscapes by incorporating the significance of borderscapes with the restoration of the landscape. It offers a sense of comfort to individuals and society dealing with war trauma, serving as a reflection and reminder for the future.
A Framework of Time
Revitalising the Palimpsest of the Park Arentsburgh Area
This research explores how layered cultural heritage can serve as a guiding framework for spatial design, using the park Arentsburgh area in Voorburg, the Netherlands, as a case study. The park Arentsburgh area is historically rich yet spatially fragmented site, existing of the archaeological remains UNESCO World Heritage site Forum Hadriani, the former 17th century estates Hoekenburg, Arentsburgh and Heeswijk, and the national monument park Arentsburgh. Despite its monumental designation, much of the area’s historical depth remains underrepresented or physically disrupted by modern development. In response to this condition, the following research question is applied: “What landscape strategies can be developed and applied to visualise different layers of heritage above ground?”
The different layers are classified within a landscape biography offering a conceptual structure for understanding their varying degrees of continuity and spatial expression. Hidden Heritage (Forum Hadriani), where traces are still present but not represented above the surface. Lost Heritage (17th century Estates, the traces have been removed from the landscape and can only be recalled through historical maps and writing. Damaged Heritage (Landscape park), physically present in the landscape, however its spatial integrity has been partially compromised by developments.
This research develops landscape strategies to visualise and reinterpret historical layers in the fragmented site of the park Arentsburgh area. Building on the classification of heritage into Hidden, Lost, and Damaged categories, the strategies are extracted by looking at the larger context and relevant reference projects for each layer. Strategies for Hidden Heritage are emphasising original scale, highlighting underlying spatial structures and reinterpreting historical elements through new materials. Strategies for Lost Heritage are improving spatial characteristics tied to historical parcellation, reconstructing garden typologies where possible and reinstating historical materials. Strategies for Damaged Heritage are re-establishing internal connections, restoring sightlines and using consistent materials to reinforce spatial coherence. The design process is structured as a collage, drawing from the design strategies and overlapping historical materials and spatial traces to assemble a coherent yet layered landscape design for the park Arentsburgh area. Grounded in the concept of palimpsest and informed by academic eclecticism, the project seeks not to replicate the past but to synthesise its traces into a contemporary spatial framework. The aim is to integrate the multiple historical layers into a landscape design that not only makes heritage legible but also supports public functions. ...
The different layers are classified within a landscape biography offering a conceptual structure for understanding their varying degrees of continuity and spatial expression. Hidden Heritage (Forum Hadriani), where traces are still present but not represented above the surface. Lost Heritage (17th century Estates, the traces have been removed from the landscape and can only be recalled through historical maps and writing. Damaged Heritage (Landscape park), physically present in the landscape, however its spatial integrity has been partially compromised by developments.
This research develops landscape strategies to visualise and reinterpret historical layers in the fragmented site of the park Arentsburgh area. Building on the classification of heritage into Hidden, Lost, and Damaged categories, the strategies are extracted by looking at the larger context and relevant reference projects for each layer. Strategies for Hidden Heritage are emphasising original scale, highlighting underlying spatial structures and reinterpreting historical elements through new materials. Strategies for Lost Heritage are improving spatial characteristics tied to historical parcellation, reconstructing garden typologies where possible and reinstating historical materials. Strategies for Damaged Heritage are re-establishing internal connections, restoring sightlines and using consistent materials to reinforce spatial coherence. The design process is structured as a collage, drawing from the design strategies and overlapping historical materials and spatial traces to assemble a coherent yet layered landscape design for the park Arentsburgh area. Grounded in the concept of palimpsest and informed by academic eclecticism, the project seeks not to replicate the past but to synthesise its traces into a contemporary spatial framework. The aim is to integrate the multiple historical layers into a landscape design that not only makes heritage legible but also supports public functions. ...
This research explores how layered cultural heritage can serve as a guiding framework for spatial design, using the park Arentsburgh area in Voorburg, the Netherlands, as a case study. The park Arentsburgh area is historically rich yet spatially fragmented site, existing of the archaeological remains UNESCO World Heritage site Forum Hadriani, the former 17th century estates Hoekenburg, Arentsburgh and Heeswijk, and the national monument park Arentsburgh. Despite its monumental designation, much of the area’s historical depth remains underrepresented or physically disrupted by modern development. In response to this condition, the following research question is applied: “What landscape strategies can be developed and applied to visualise different layers of heritage above ground?”
The different layers are classified within a landscape biography offering a conceptual structure for understanding their varying degrees of continuity and spatial expression. Hidden Heritage (Forum Hadriani), where traces are still present but not represented above the surface. Lost Heritage (17th century Estates, the traces have been removed from the landscape and can only be recalled through historical maps and writing. Damaged Heritage (Landscape park), physically present in the landscape, however its spatial integrity has been partially compromised by developments.
This research develops landscape strategies to visualise and reinterpret historical layers in the fragmented site of the park Arentsburgh area. Building on the classification of heritage into Hidden, Lost, and Damaged categories, the strategies are extracted by looking at the larger context and relevant reference projects for each layer. Strategies for Hidden Heritage are emphasising original scale, highlighting underlying spatial structures and reinterpreting historical elements through new materials. Strategies for Lost Heritage are improving spatial characteristics tied to historical parcellation, reconstructing garden typologies where possible and reinstating historical materials. Strategies for Damaged Heritage are re-establishing internal connections, restoring sightlines and using consistent materials to reinforce spatial coherence. The design process is structured as a collage, drawing from the design strategies and overlapping historical materials and spatial traces to assemble a coherent yet layered landscape design for the park Arentsburgh area. Grounded in the concept of palimpsest and informed by academic eclecticism, the project seeks not to replicate the past but to synthesise its traces into a contemporary spatial framework. The aim is to integrate the multiple historical layers into a landscape design that not only makes heritage legible but also supports public functions.
The different layers are classified within a landscape biography offering a conceptual structure for understanding their varying degrees of continuity and spatial expression. Hidden Heritage (Forum Hadriani), where traces are still present but not represented above the surface. Lost Heritage (17th century Estates, the traces have been removed from the landscape and can only be recalled through historical maps and writing. Damaged Heritage (Landscape park), physically present in the landscape, however its spatial integrity has been partially compromised by developments.
This research develops landscape strategies to visualise and reinterpret historical layers in the fragmented site of the park Arentsburgh area. Building on the classification of heritage into Hidden, Lost, and Damaged categories, the strategies are extracted by looking at the larger context and relevant reference projects for each layer. Strategies for Hidden Heritage are emphasising original scale, highlighting underlying spatial structures and reinterpreting historical elements through new materials. Strategies for Lost Heritage are improving spatial characteristics tied to historical parcellation, reconstructing garden typologies where possible and reinstating historical materials. Strategies for Damaged Heritage are re-establishing internal connections, restoring sightlines and using consistent materials to reinforce spatial coherence. The design process is structured as a collage, drawing from the design strategies and overlapping historical materials and spatial traces to assemble a coherent yet layered landscape design for the park Arentsburgh area. Grounded in the concept of palimpsest and informed by academic eclecticism, the project seeks not to replicate the past but to synthesise its traces into a contemporary spatial framework. The aim is to integrate the multiple historical layers into a landscape design that not only makes heritage legible but also supports public functions.
Chasing a phantom border
A landscape strategy for a still existing wall
This master thesis investigates how landscape architecture can contribute to the social and cultural reinterpretation of a historical border, specifically the Berlin Wall, part of the former German-German border. The research refers to the ongoing public and cultural debate in Germany regarding a wall that has physically disappeared but remains mentally present for many Germans and Europeans. The study explores how this phenomenon can be interpreted through the lens of landscape architecture, using Henri Lefebvre’s spatial triad: perceived, conceived, and lived space.
The perceived space reveals that, although the border has been overgrown by the everyday landscape in many places, it remains legible in several locations. The conceived space identifies the mental border based on demographic data, which is especially apparent along the Berlin-Brandenburg urban edge. The lived space highlights both new functional possibilities and the memory of victims of the GDR regime.Together, these elements form a landscape palimpsest, a layered historical reading of the study area.
Based on these findings, a set of design principles was developed. Bernard Tschumi’s Manhattan Transcripts served as inspiration, particularly for integrating crime scene sketches into the lived space. Ten areas were selected for design intervention, based on criteria such as the current visibility of the border, proximity to the mental border, and potential for large-scale landscape gestures.
The resulting design removes visible scars of division in certain areas, symbolizing unification. Conversely, in locations where escapees lost their lives, the border is marked through landscape interventions offering space for commemoration, reflection, and encounter. This is done by mapping the sketches of the crime scenes mapped onto the landscape and made into a spatial design. Additionally, intersecting infrastructure that connects across the former border serves as a symbol of reunification. In this way, the design addresses contemporary border-related issues in German society.
This forms a design strategy with ten sub-areas spread along the Berlin-Brandenburg border to send a signal and initiate a discussion on a better social demographic unification of Germany, at the edges of the city where the political administrative power is located. ...
The perceived space reveals that, although the border has been overgrown by the everyday landscape in many places, it remains legible in several locations. The conceived space identifies the mental border based on demographic data, which is especially apparent along the Berlin-Brandenburg urban edge. The lived space highlights both new functional possibilities and the memory of victims of the GDR regime.Together, these elements form a landscape palimpsest, a layered historical reading of the study area.
Based on these findings, a set of design principles was developed. Bernard Tschumi’s Manhattan Transcripts served as inspiration, particularly for integrating crime scene sketches into the lived space. Ten areas were selected for design intervention, based on criteria such as the current visibility of the border, proximity to the mental border, and potential for large-scale landscape gestures.
The resulting design removes visible scars of division in certain areas, symbolizing unification. Conversely, in locations where escapees lost their lives, the border is marked through landscape interventions offering space for commemoration, reflection, and encounter. This is done by mapping the sketches of the crime scenes mapped onto the landscape and made into a spatial design. Additionally, intersecting infrastructure that connects across the former border serves as a symbol of reunification. In this way, the design addresses contemporary border-related issues in German society.
This forms a design strategy with ten sub-areas spread along the Berlin-Brandenburg border to send a signal and initiate a discussion on a better social demographic unification of Germany, at the edges of the city where the political administrative power is located. ...
This master thesis investigates how landscape architecture can contribute to the social and cultural reinterpretation of a historical border, specifically the Berlin Wall, part of the former German-German border. The research refers to the ongoing public and cultural debate in Germany regarding a wall that has physically disappeared but remains mentally present for many Germans and Europeans. The study explores how this phenomenon can be interpreted through the lens of landscape architecture, using Henri Lefebvre’s spatial triad: perceived, conceived, and lived space.
The perceived space reveals that, although the border has been overgrown by the everyday landscape in many places, it remains legible in several locations. The conceived space identifies the mental border based on demographic data, which is especially apparent along the Berlin-Brandenburg urban edge. The lived space highlights both new functional possibilities and the memory of victims of the GDR regime.Together, these elements form a landscape palimpsest, a layered historical reading of the study area.
Based on these findings, a set of design principles was developed. Bernard Tschumi’s Manhattan Transcripts served as inspiration, particularly for integrating crime scene sketches into the lived space. Ten areas were selected for design intervention, based on criteria such as the current visibility of the border, proximity to the mental border, and potential for large-scale landscape gestures.
The resulting design removes visible scars of division in certain areas, symbolizing unification. Conversely, in locations where escapees lost their lives, the border is marked through landscape interventions offering space for commemoration, reflection, and encounter. This is done by mapping the sketches of the crime scenes mapped onto the landscape and made into a spatial design. Additionally, intersecting infrastructure that connects across the former border serves as a symbol of reunification. In this way, the design addresses contemporary border-related issues in German society.
This forms a design strategy with ten sub-areas spread along the Berlin-Brandenburg border to send a signal and initiate a discussion on a better social demographic unification of Germany, at the edges of the city where the political administrative power is located.
The perceived space reveals that, although the border has been overgrown by the everyday landscape in many places, it remains legible in several locations. The conceived space identifies the mental border based on demographic data, which is especially apparent along the Berlin-Brandenburg urban edge. The lived space highlights both new functional possibilities and the memory of victims of the GDR regime.Together, these elements form a landscape palimpsest, a layered historical reading of the study area.
Based on these findings, a set of design principles was developed. Bernard Tschumi’s Manhattan Transcripts served as inspiration, particularly for integrating crime scene sketches into the lived space. Ten areas were selected for design intervention, based on criteria such as the current visibility of the border, proximity to the mental border, and potential for large-scale landscape gestures.
The resulting design removes visible scars of division in certain areas, symbolizing unification. Conversely, in locations where escapees lost their lives, the border is marked through landscape interventions offering space for commemoration, reflection, and encounter. This is done by mapping the sketches of the crime scenes mapped onto the landscape and made into a spatial design. Additionally, intersecting infrastructure that connects across the former border serves as a symbol of reunification. In this way, the design addresses contemporary border-related issues in German society.
This forms a design strategy with ten sub-areas spread along the Berlin-Brandenburg border to send a signal and initiate a discussion on a better social demographic unification of Germany, at the edges of the city where the political administrative power is located.
Landscape Heritage in Post-Earthquake Cities
The Palimpsest of Antakya
This thesis reimagines the post-earthquake landscape of Antakya as a living archive where traces of history, destruction, and resilience coexist. Once layered with the imprints of successive civilizations, the city was largely erased by the 2023 earthquake, exposing the fragility of its built heritage yet revealing the endurance of its landscape. Through the lens of the palimpsest, the project interprets the terrain of Antakya not as a void left by loss, but as a surface inscribed with memory and potential. The landscape, conceived as a library, becomes the medium through which the city’s fragmented narratives can be read and reconnected. By identifying and reactivating the spatial, ecological, and cultural traces that remain, the design aims to transform absence into a tangible presence and render the invisible layers of the past perceptible once again. The thesis ultimately proposes that landscape architecture can serve as a means of reconciliation between heritage and transformation, guiding the city’s rebirth through its enduring ground.
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This thesis reimagines the post-earthquake landscape of Antakya as a living archive where traces of history, destruction, and resilience coexist. Once layered with the imprints of successive civilizations, the city was largely erased by the 2023 earthquake, exposing the fragility of its built heritage yet revealing the endurance of its landscape. Through the lens of the palimpsest, the project interprets the terrain of Antakya not as a void left by loss, but as a surface inscribed with memory and potential. The landscape, conceived as a library, becomes the medium through which the city’s fragmented narratives can be read and reconnected. By identifying and reactivating the spatial, ecological, and cultural traces that remain, the design aims to transform absence into a tangible presence and render the invisible layers of the past perceptible once again. The thesis ultimately proposes that landscape architecture can serve as a means of reconciliation between heritage and transformation, guiding the city’s rebirth through its enduring ground.
The stream revived
Development of the river Aa catchment area to contribute to Mid-Brabant as a National Landscape Park
The Aa is a channelized stream system with an out-of-balance hydrological system. Being too dry in the summer and having no room for water during the winter. There is also no room for natural processes and the biodiversity is low. This together with the intensively large-scale agricultural landscape makes the Aa an unattractive landscape. To change this in order to make the Aa resilient and attractive component of the Van Gogh National Park, is the landscape studied through three lenses; hydrological, nature, and recreation. In the area three landscape types are identified as having the potential to contribute to a resilient and attractive landscape; these are the stream, the wet areas, and the higher grounds. Looking at the three landscape types through the three lenses yields nine elements which together make an illustrative masterplan which is detailed in zoom-ins. The nine elements are called Meandering, Retention, Infiltration, Beekprik, Boomkikker, Boommarter (BBB), Kano, Boots, and Mountainbike.
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The Aa is a channelized stream system with an out-of-balance hydrological system. Being too dry in the summer and having no room for water during the winter. There is also no room for natural processes and the biodiversity is low. This together with the intensively large-scale agricultural landscape makes the Aa an unattractive landscape. To change this in order to make the Aa resilient and attractive component of the Van Gogh National Park, is the landscape studied through three lenses; hydrological, nature, and recreation. In the area three landscape types are identified as having the potential to contribute to a resilient and attractive landscape; these are the stream, the wet areas, and the higher grounds. Looking at the three landscape types through the three lenses yields nine elements which together make an illustrative masterplan which is detailed in zoom-ins. The nine elements are called Meandering, Retention, Infiltration, Beekprik, Boomkikker, Boommarter (BBB), Kano, Boots, and Mountainbike.
Living Waters
Water Heritage as a transformative approach to a reintegrated dynamic water-sensitive reality in the southeastern Emilia-Romagna region
This project investigates the challenge of water in the Anthropocene. Due to the accelerating human-induced climate crisis and human actions such as damming, over-extraction, and irrigation practices, the hydrological cycle has been altered, causing an increase in the intensity and frequency of its extremes: severe floods and prolonged droughts. In this Anthropogenic epoch, the world has become heavily globalized and urbanized, leading to critical territories that are exhausted, disconnected, and vulnerable as they are densely built with fixed, impermeable materials and structures. These artificial landscapes cause the detachment of the natural systems from human environments, threatening society’s existence.
Additionally, there is the intangible water challenge of social alienation from water identity: the loss of society’s (ancient) connection with water as an integral part of their way of living. These tangible and intangible water-related challenges are increasingly occurring in the territory of Emilia-Romagna, located within the Po Valley in Northern Italy. This transformation has turned a once wild, dynamic, and rich watery landscape into a humanized, artificial one, resulting in a sinking delta challenged by both sea and riverine floods. Therefore, this introduces the focus area of this thesis project.
There is an urgency to address these challenges by raising awareness and designing solutions for the changing water-related conditions of territories, systems, space, environments, processes, and human behavior. As natural water catastrophes increasingly and interscalarly threaten human daily life, this project argues for a transformative approach to living with water’s uncertainty and dynamics. It aims to answer the research question ‘How to interscalarly design a water-sensitive reality on the human dimensions of daily life in the Northern Italian southeastern Emilia-Romagna region for flood and drought protection while reintegrating water heritage as a way of living?’
The project focuses on Emilia-Romagna using the methods ‘non-linear interscalar design’ and ‘using water heritage as a transformative approach’. Additional methods include ‘critical discourse analysis’, ‘literature review’, ‘historical analysis’, ‘critical mapping of spatial systems,’ and ‘fieldwork’.
Spatial analysis and fieldwork show that Emilia-Romagna’s territory is densely urbanized, with 47% intensive agricultural land, and has lost its natural historical landscape due to land reclamation. The longue durée captures the (historical) transformation from ancient flood-dynamic settlements to completely canalized agricultural land, constantly threatened by floods from the Reno basin and Apennine rivers. Literature reviews reveal the changing societal position of water, from a worshipped living deity and landscape of care to an inconvenient object removed from the daily living environment by the introduction of the car, reflected in urban design and planning. They provide a framework for a healthy watershed by spreading, slowing, collecting, and infiltrating water in up- and downstream landscapes and providing room for the river to restore the natural balance through the various scales. This historical transformation and water identity form the water heritage used as the foundation of the design.
To conclude, the interscalar landscape-urban design uses water heritage, formulated by ancient structures and societal values, to restore the territory through water. Based on the concept of ‘water storage along various landscapes’ and guided by the Santerno River as the main connecting territorial element, Room for the River interventions, along with the interplay of artificial and natural water management through a territorial water reservoir system, demonstrate a possible interscalar framework. This framework contributes to flood and drought protection while increasing spatial quality and improving daily life. A transformative way of living with water in urban, peri-urban, and rural environments is proposed. This approach allows inhabitants to reconnect with their water identity, restore water’s position within society, and raise awareness of the crucial essence of water in providing life in various ways. This is highlighted by the water-sensitive small-scale urban design in the village of Sant’Agata sul Santerno, featuring a water storage square. This interscalar design reintroduces water as a cultural landscape where natural water dynamics freely roam within an artificial framework, ensuring water safety and reframing human daily life. ...
Additionally, there is the intangible water challenge of social alienation from water identity: the loss of society’s (ancient) connection with water as an integral part of their way of living. These tangible and intangible water-related challenges are increasingly occurring in the territory of Emilia-Romagna, located within the Po Valley in Northern Italy. This transformation has turned a once wild, dynamic, and rich watery landscape into a humanized, artificial one, resulting in a sinking delta challenged by both sea and riverine floods. Therefore, this introduces the focus area of this thesis project.
There is an urgency to address these challenges by raising awareness and designing solutions for the changing water-related conditions of territories, systems, space, environments, processes, and human behavior. As natural water catastrophes increasingly and interscalarly threaten human daily life, this project argues for a transformative approach to living with water’s uncertainty and dynamics. It aims to answer the research question ‘How to interscalarly design a water-sensitive reality on the human dimensions of daily life in the Northern Italian southeastern Emilia-Romagna region for flood and drought protection while reintegrating water heritage as a way of living?’
The project focuses on Emilia-Romagna using the methods ‘non-linear interscalar design’ and ‘using water heritage as a transformative approach’. Additional methods include ‘critical discourse analysis’, ‘literature review’, ‘historical analysis’, ‘critical mapping of spatial systems,’ and ‘fieldwork’.
Spatial analysis and fieldwork show that Emilia-Romagna’s territory is densely urbanized, with 47% intensive agricultural land, and has lost its natural historical landscape due to land reclamation. The longue durée captures the (historical) transformation from ancient flood-dynamic settlements to completely canalized agricultural land, constantly threatened by floods from the Reno basin and Apennine rivers. Literature reviews reveal the changing societal position of water, from a worshipped living deity and landscape of care to an inconvenient object removed from the daily living environment by the introduction of the car, reflected in urban design and planning. They provide a framework for a healthy watershed by spreading, slowing, collecting, and infiltrating water in up- and downstream landscapes and providing room for the river to restore the natural balance through the various scales. This historical transformation and water identity form the water heritage used as the foundation of the design.
To conclude, the interscalar landscape-urban design uses water heritage, formulated by ancient structures and societal values, to restore the territory through water. Based on the concept of ‘water storage along various landscapes’ and guided by the Santerno River as the main connecting territorial element, Room for the River interventions, along with the interplay of artificial and natural water management through a territorial water reservoir system, demonstrate a possible interscalar framework. This framework contributes to flood and drought protection while increasing spatial quality and improving daily life. A transformative way of living with water in urban, peri-urban, and rural environments is proposed. This approach allows inhabitants to reconnect with their water identity, restore water’s position within society, and raise awareness of the crucial essence of water in providing life in various ways. This is highlighted by the water-sensitive small-scale urban design in the village of Sant’Agata sul Santerno, featuring a water storage square. This interscalar design reintroduces water as a cultural landscape where natural water dynamics freely roam within an artificial framework, ensuring water safety and reframing human daily life. ...
This project investigates the challenge of water in the Anthropocene. Due to the accelerating human-induced climate crisis and human actions such as damming, over-extraction, and irrigation practices, the hydrological cycle has been altered, causing an increase in the intensity and frequency of its extremes: severe floods and prolonged droughts. In this Anthropogenic epoch, the world has become heavily globalized and urbanized, leading to critical territories that are exhausted, disconnected, and vulnerable as they are densely built with fixed, impermeable materials and structures. These artificial landscapes cause the detachment of the natural systems from human environments, threatening society’s existence.
Additionally, there is the intangible water challenge of social alienation from water identity: the loss of society’s (ancient) connection with water as an integral part of their way of living. These tangible and intangible water-related challenges are increasingly occurring in the territory of Emilia-Romagna, located within the Po Valley in Northern Italy. This transformation has turned a once wild, dynamic, and rich watery landscape into a humanized, artificial one, resulting in a sinking delta challenged by both sea and riverine floods. Therefore, this introduces the focus area of this thesis project.
There is an urgency to address these challenges by raising awareness and designing solutions for the changing water-related conditions of territories, systems, space, environments, processes, and human behavior. As natural water catastrophes increasingly and interscalarly threaten human daily life, this project argues for a transformative approach to living with water’s uncertainty and dynamics. It aims to answer the research question ‘How to interscalarly design a water-sensitive reality on the human dimensions of daily life in the Northern Italian southeastern Emilia-Romagna region for flood and drought protection while reintegrating water heritage as a way of living?’
The project focuses on Emilia-Romagna using the methods ‘non-linear interscalar design’ and ‘using water heritage as a transformative approach’. Additional methods include ‘critical discourse analysis’, ‘literature review’, ‘historical analysis’, ‘critical mapping of spatial systems,’ and ‘fieldwork’.
Spatial analysis and fieldwork show that Emilia-Romagna’s territory is densely urbanized, with 47% intensive agricultural land, and has lost its natural historical landscape due to land reclamation. The longue durée captures the (historical) transformation from ancient flood-dynamic settlements to completely canalized agricultural land, constantly threatened by floods from the Reno basin and Apennine rivers. Literature reviews reveal the changing societal position of water, from a worshipped living deity and landscape of care to an inconvenient object removed from the daily living environment by the introduction of the car, reflected in urban design and planning. They provide a framework for a healthy watershed by spreading, slowing, collecting, and infiltrating water in up- and downstream landscapes and providing room for the river to restore the natural balance through the various scales. This historical transformation and water identity form the water heritage used as the foundation of the design.
To conclude, the interscalar landscape-urban design uses water heritage, formulated by ancient structures and societal values, to restore the territory through water. Based on the concept of ‘water storage along various landscapes’ and guided by the Santerno River as the main connecting territorial element, Room for the River interventions, along with the interplay of artificial and natural water management through a territorial water reservoir system, demonstrate a possible interscalar framework. This framework contributes to flood and drought protection while increasing spatial quality and improving daily life. A transformative way of living with water in urban, peri-urban, and rural environments is proposed. This approach allows inhabitants to reconnect with their water identity, restore water’s position within society, and raise awareness of the crucial essence of water in providing life in various ways. This is highlighted by the water-sensitive small-scale urban design in the village of Sant’Agata sul Santerno, featuring a water storage square. This interscalar design reintroduces water as a cultural landscape where natural water dynamics freely roam within an artificial framework, ensuring water safety and reframing human daily life.
Additionally, there is the intangible water challenge of social alienation from water identity: the loss of society’s (ancient) connection with water as an integral part of their way of living. These tangible and intangible water-related challenges are increasingly occurring in the territory of Emilia-Romagna, located within the Po Valley in Northern Italy. This transformation has turned a once wild, dynamic, and rich watery landscape into a humanized, artificial one, resulting in a sinking delta challenged by both sea and riverine floods. Therefore, this introduces the focus area of this thesis project.
There is an urgency to address these challenges by raising awareness and designing solutions for the changing water-related conditions of territories, systems, space, environments, processes, and human behavior. As natural water catastrophes increasingly and interscalarly threaten human daily life, this project argues for a transformative approach to living with water’s uncertainty and dynamics. It aims to answer the research question ‘How to interscalarly design a water-sensitive reality on the human dimensions of daily life in the Northern Italian southeastern Emilia-Romagna region for flood and drought protection while reintegrating water heritage as a way of living?’
The project focuses on Emilia-Romagna using the methods ‘non-linear interscalar design’ and ‘using water heritage as a transformative approach’. Additional methods include ‘critical discourse analysis’, ‘literature review’, ‘historical analysis’, ‘critical mapping of spatial systems,’ and ‘fieldwork’.
Spatial analysis and fieldwork show that Emilia-Romagna’s territory is densely urbanized, with 47% intensive agricultural land, and has lost its natural historical landscape due to land reclamation. The longue durée captures the (historical) transformation from ancient flood-dynamic settlements to completely canalized agricultural land, constantly threatened by floods from the Reno basin and Apennine rivers. Literature reviews reveal the changing societal position of water, from a worshipped living deity and landscape of care to an inconvenient object removed from the daily living environment by the introduction of the car, reflected in urban design and planning. They provide a framework for a healthy watershed by spreading, slowing, collecting, and infiltrating water in up- and downstream landscapes and providing room for the river to restore the natural balance through the various scales. This historical transformation and water identity form the water heritage used as the foundation of the design.
To conclude, the interscalar landscape-urban design uses water heritage, formulated by ancient structures and societal values, to restore the territory through water. Based on the concept of ‘water storage along various landscapes’ and guided by the Santerno River as the main connecting territorial element, Room for the River interventions, along with the interplay of artificial and natural water management through a territorial water reservoir system, demonstrate a possible interscalar framework. This framework contributes to flood and drought protection while increasing spatial quality and improving daily life. A transformative way of living with water in urban, peri-urban, and rural environments is proposed. This approach allows inhabitants to reconnect with their water identity, restore water’s position within society, and raise awareness of the crucial essence of water in providing life in various ways. This is highlighted by the water-sensitive small-scale urban design in the village of Sant’Agata sul Santerno, featuring a water storage square. This interscalar design reintroduces water as a cultural landscape where natural water dynamics freely roam within an artificial framework, ensuring water safety and reframing human daily life.
A Train Trip through the Past, the Present and the Future
Revealing and Revitalizing the Chinese Eastern Railway Heritage
The Chinese Eastern Railway Heritage stands as the largest modern heritage group in Northeast China, a special geostrategic heritage between Russia and China. Since the inception of modern heritage protection in China, this railway heritage has garnered significant attention due to its extensive span, large quantity, scale, and series of heritage buildings. However, with rapid urbanization, heritage areas are inevitably eroded by new urban areas and most railway heritage leaves people with an abandoned and neglected impression. Starting from the current poor condition of the heritage, I analyzed and identified spatial issues from larger scales and contexts. By integrating theories from different scales, deepening the understanding of the historic environment and the readable context of heritage, I propose design strategies for the preservation and development of historic environments and specific landscape intervention measures. These interventions aim to revitalize heritage by opening them to tourists and enhancing the surrounding environment and landscapes. I have chosen an almost abandoned Eastern railway line(Mudanjiang-Suifenhe line) to test these design principles and strategies. This testing also provides feedback for previous theoretical research and insights and guidance for future railway heritage conservation practices.
...
The Chinese Eastern Railway Heritage stands as the largest modern heritage group in Northeast China, a special geostrategic heritage between Russia and China. Since the inception of modern heritage protection in China, this railway heritage has garnered significant attention due to its extensive span, large quantity, scale, and series of heritage buildings. However, with rapid urbanization, heritage areas are inevitably eroded by new urban areas and most railway heritage leaves people with an abandoned and neglected impression. Starting from the current poor condition of the heritage, I analyzed and identified spatial issues from larger scales and contexts. By integrating theories from different scales, deepening the understanding of the historic environment and the readable context of heritage, I propose design strategies for the preservation and development of historic environments and specific landscape intervention measures. These interventions aim to revitalize heritage by opening them to tourists and enhancing the surrounding environment and landscapes. I have chosen an almost abandoned Eastern railway line(Mudanjiang-Suifenhe line) to test these design principles and strategies. This testing also provides feedback for previous theoretical research and insights and guidance for future railway heritage conservation practices.
After Gas
Exploring a Design Framework for the future of new perspective in Groningen after the closure of gas field
This research focuses on the transformation of the Groningen gas field region, which has transitioned from a symbol of national pride due to its vast natural gas reserves to a region grappling with the significant impacts of gas extraction. With the permanent closure of gas production, the region faces ongoing challenges such as land subsidence, earthquakes, and socio-economic shifts. This study aims to explore sustainable and commemorative landscape-based transformation strategies to address these issues and redefine the identity of Groningen.
The research identifies two primary areas of concern: the existing gas extraction sites and the broader landscape affected by environmental changes and social disruptions. By analyzing the current state and potential of these sites, the study proposes design interventions that integrate industrial heritage into public spaces and enhance regional resilience.
Three representative sites—Slochteren, Ten Post, and Noordbroek—are selected as case studies. Slochteren, the first gas extraction site, is considered for its potential to become an open-air museum, akin to the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park in Germany. Ten Post, located in the most seismically active and subsidence-prone area, and Noordbroek, one of the first sites undergoing cleanup, offer insights into how design can mitigate environmental impacts and foster a sense of place.
The theoretical framework incorporates principles of landscape architecture, the concept of guilty landscapes, and post-industrial landscape transformation. These theories provide a systematic approach to understanding and addressing the multifaceted issues associated with the Groningen gas field. The goal is to create a cohesive strategy that connects these sites to their surrounding landscapes and communities, turning them into meaningful public spaces that reflect the region's history and identity while promoting sustainability and resilience.
This research contributes to the broader discourse on post-industrial landscape transformation by demonstrating how integrated design approaches can address environmental, social, and historical challenges. The findings aim to offer a replicable model for other regions facing similar transitions from industrial heritage to sustainable future landscapes. ...
The research identifies two primary areas of concern: the existing gas extraction sites and the broader landscape affected by environmental changes and social disruptions. By analyzing the current state and potential of these sites, the study proposes design interventions that integrate industrial heritage into public spaces and enhance regional resilience.
Three representative sites—Slochteren, Ten Post, and Noordbroek—are selected as case studies. Slochteren, the first gas extraction site, is considered for its potential to become an open-air museum, akin to the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park in Germany. Ten Post, located in the most seismically active and subsidence-prone area, and Noordbroek, one of the first sites undergoing cleanup, offer insights into how design can mitigate environmental impacts and foster a sense of place.
The theoretical framework incorporates principles of landscape architecture, the concept of guilty landscapes, and post-industrial landscape transformation. These theories provide a systematic approach to understanding and addressing the multifaceted issues associated with the Groningen gas field. The goal is to create a cohesive strategy that connects these sites to their surrounding landscapes and communities, turning them into meaningful public spaces that reflect the region's history and identity while promoting sustainability and resilience.
This research contributes to the broader discourse on post-industrial landscape transformation by demonstrating how integrated design approaches can address environmental, social, and historical challenges. The findings aim to offer a replicable model for other regions facing similar transitions from industrial heritage to sustainable future landscapes. ...
This research focuses on the transformation of the Groningen gas field region, which has transitioned from a symbol of national pride due to its vast natural gas reserves to a region grappling with the significant impacts of gas extraction. With the permanent closure of gas production, the region faces ongoing challenges such as land subsidence, earthquakes, and socio-economic shifts. This study aims to explore sustainable and commemorative landscape-based transformation strategies to address these issues and redefine the identity of Groningen.
The research identifies two primary areas of concern: the existing gas extraction sites and the broader landscape affected by environmental changes and social disruptions. By analyzing the current state and potential of these sites, the study proposes design interventions that integrate industrial heritage into public spaces and enhance regional resilience.
Three representative sites—Slochteren, Ten Post, and Noordbroek—are selected as case studies. Slochteren, the first gas extraction site, is considered for its potential to become an open-air museum, akin to the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park in Germany. Ten Post, located in the most seismically active and subsidence-prone area, and Noordbroek, one of the first sites undergoing cleanup, offer insights into how design can mitigate environmental impacts and foster a sense of place.
The theoretical framework incorporates principles of landscape architecture, the concept of guilty landscapes, and post-industrial landscape transformation. These theories provide a systematic approach to understanding and addressing the multifaceted issues associated with the Groningen gas field. The goal is to create a cohesive strategy that connects these sites to their surrounding landscapes and communities, turning them into meaningful public spaces that reflect the region's history and identity while promoting sustainability and resilience.
This research contributes to the broader discourse on post-industrial landscape transformation by demonstrating how integrated design approaches can address environmental, social, and historical challenges. The findings aim to offer a replicable model for other regions facing similar transitions from industrial heritage to sustainable future landscapes.
The research identifies two primary areas of concern: the existing gas extraction sites and the broader landscape affected by environmental changes and social disruptions. By analyzing the current state and potential of these sites, the study proposes design interventions that integrate industrial heritage into public spaces and enhance regional resilience.
Three representative sites—Slochteren, Ten Post, and Noordbroek—are selected as case studies. Slochteren, the first gas extraction site, is considered for its potential to become an open-air museum, akin to the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park in Germany. Ten Post, located in the most seismically active and subsidence-prone area, and Noordbroek, one of the first sites undergoing cleanup, offer insights into how design can mitigate environmental impacts and foster a sense of place.
The theoretical framework incorporates principles of landscape architecture, the concept of guilty landscapes, and post-industrial landscape transformation. These theories provide a systematic approach to understanding and addressing the multifaceted issues associated with the Groningen gas field. The goal is to create a cohesive strategy that connects these sites to their surrounding landscapes and communities, turning them into meaningful public spaces that reflect the region's history and identity while promoting sustainability and resilience.
This research contributes to the broader discourse on post-industrial landscape transformation by demonstrating how integrated design approaches can address environmental, social, and historical challenges. The findings aim to offer a replicable model for other regions facing similar transitions from industrial heritage to sustainable future landscapes.
Patching Up The Lowlands
Towards sustainable metropolitan development and enhanced spatial qualities in the peri-urban interface of the Deltametropolis through biophilic and technophilic developments
The Netherlands is a place where the interplay between mankind and Nature1 resonates deeply within the roots of its omnipresent cultural landscape. Proactively shaping this landscape, which is widely considered as the most eminent aspect of place identity of the Lowlands, stands at the cradle of the by now long and rich tradition of planning urban development. The unintentional production of this key facet of Dutch culture traces back to the Middle Ages when the peatlands of the western delta were cultivated and colonized, gradually forming over millennia through natural processes. Inhabiting this inhospitable environment led early settlers to adopt a technophilic2 approach, perceiving nature as something that needed to be controlled. This organized endeavour resulted in rapid polycentric urbanization, where manmade inland waterways interconnected medieval cities and rural villages spatially, socially and economically, on the territorial scale of what is referred to in this thesis as the Deltametropolis3. However, the transition to modernity disrupted this equilibrium, creating a divide between the increasingly separate spheres of ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ driven by the pursuit of global economic competitiveness. A metropolitan region was starting to take shape based on the already centuries-old urbanized configuration – complete with mutually competitive and independent cities in a discontinuous countryside, connected by an extensive infrastructural network, and where each individual citizen could compose their own polycentric city. While urban and rural typologies have long been dissolved into a continuum, today public policy still prioritizes compact city models and sectoral economic development, overlooking strategic interdependencies within the metropolitan region and worsening socio-economic inequalities. With the increasing pressure from Natural forces – once the core catalyst of the production of Dutch culture – the Anthropocene is experiencing a second deep transition that will once more inevitably alter our relation towards our natural environment. In anticipation of an uncertain future, this design exploration aims to express an authentic articulation of the spatial configuration of the Deltametropolis, drawing lessons from the past to shape the future, in which urban and rural spatial qualities are symbiotically reintegrated and our relation with Nature is critically reassessed.
(de Geyter et al., 2002; Geuze et al., 2016; Koolhaas et al., 1993; Palmboom, n.d.; Van der Woud, n.d.) ...
(de Geyter et al., 2002; Geuze et al., 2016; Koolhaas et al., 1993; Palmboom, n.d.; Van der Woud, n.d.) ...
The Netherlands is a place where the interplay between mankind and Nature1 resonates deeply within the roots of its omnipresent cultural landscape. Proactively shaping this landscape, which is widely considered as the most eminent aspect of place identity of the Lowlands, stands at the cradle of the by now long and rich tradition of planning urban development. The unintentional production of this key facet of Dutch culture traces back to the Middle Ages when the peatlands of the western delta were cultivated and colonized, gradually forming over millennia through natural processes. Inhabiting this inhospitable environment led early settlers to adopt a technophilic2 approach, perceiving nature as something that needed to be controlled. This organized endeavour resulted in rapid polycentric urbanization, where manmade inland waterways interconnected medieval cities and rural villages spatially, socially and economically, on the territorial scale of what is referred to in this thesis as the Deltametropolis3. However, the transition to modernity disrupted this equilibrium, creating a divide between the increasingly separate spheres of ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ driven by the pursuit of global economic competitiveness. A metropolitan region was starting to take shape based on the already centuries-old urbanized configuration – complete with mutually competitive and independent cities in a discontinuous countryside, connected by an extensive infrastructural network, and where each individual citizen could compose their own polycentric city. While urban and rural typologies have long been dissolved into a continuum, today public policy still prioritizes compact city models and sectoral economic development, overlooking strategic interdependencies within the metropolitan region and worsening socio-economic inequalities. With the increasing pressure from Natural forces – once the core catalyst of the production of Dutch culture – the Anthropocene is experiencing a second deep transition that will once more inevitably alter our relation towards our natural environment. In anticipation of an uncertain future, this design exploration aims to express an authentic articulation of the spatial configuration of the Deltametropolis, drawing lessons from the past to shape the future, in which urban and rural spatial qualities are symbiotically reintegrated and our relation with Nature is critically reassessed.
(de Geyter et al., 2002; Geuze et al., 2016; Koolhaas et al., 1993; Palmboom, n.d.; Van der Woud, n.d.)
(de Geyter et al., 2002; Geuze et al., 2016; Koolhaas et al., 1993; Palmboom, n.d.; Van der Woud, n.d.)
ShoreScape
A landscape approach to the natural adaptation of urbanized sandy shores
Sandy shores around the world suffer from coastal erosion due to land subsidence, a lack of sediment input and sea level rise. This often leads to the construction of hard structures, such as sea walls and breakwaters, that consolidate the coastal zone but disrupt the dynamic system of coastal deltas. To compensate for coastal erosion in a more natural and systemic way, sand nourishments are now increasingly executed. This so-called ‘Building with Nature’ (BwN) technique uses natural resources and dynamics to restore sediment balance within coastal zones and promote coastal regeneration and dune formation. These dynamic nourishment techniques are still in development, placing new demands on coastal spatial planning. How can we position and tune these nourishment dynamics for land formation; not only to optimize coastal safety but also to integrate these dynamics with the ecological and urban functions of the coastal landscape? An integrated design approach is necessary to guide both land-shaping processes and adaptive urban and ecological configurations to support BwN-based dune-formation following nourishment and boost the buffer capacity of coastal zones.
This research aims to develop design principles for integral coastal landscapes that connect geomorphological processes, ecology and adaptive urban design to exploit their potential for the spatial development of multi-functional coastal landscapes— shore-scapes. It focuses on coastal configurations featuring pro-active sediment management through aeolian BwN techniques to build up the coastal buffer in a natural and multifunctional way.
The first step was to reframe BwN nourishment design as a landscape approach, employing natural onshore dynamics to sustain the coastal buffer and increase the multiplicity of the coastal landscape. The coastal landscape can be regarded as the result of the interaction between the geomorphological, ecological and urban system, in response to sea level rise. The mapping of their interactions (via literature review, fieldwork, GIS and CFD-modelling), identified three potential spatial mechanisms to support nature-based dune formation following nourishment: natural succession, dune farming and urban harvesting. To activate these processes for coastal reinforcement and landscaping, and bridge the spatial and time scales involved, three subsequent tools for dynamic design were defined: morphogenesis, dynamic profiling and aeolian design principles.
In the second half of the research, the BwN landscape approach and principles were contextualized and tested across four case studies, which revealed how coastal system’s characteristics and nourishment strategy affect dune formation. Responding to various nourishment and urban conditions, spatial arrangements were composed that enhance the aeolian build-up of coastal profiles and landscapes over time, supporting dune reinforcement, multifunctionality and
landscape differentiation.
The outcome of this research is threefold. First, BwN was redefined as a landscape approach that employs intersystemic land-shaping processes to support coastal safety, multifunctionality and spatial quality. Second, a set of validated design principles was developed for natural aeolian coastal adaptation following nourishment. Third, spatial arrangements were composed to illustrate how BwN processes ashore can be guided in space and time across various nourishment and urban contexts.
...
This research aims to develop design principles for integral coastal landscapes that connect geomorphological processes, ecology and adaptive urban design to exploit their potential for the spatial development of multi-functional coastal landscapes— shore-scapes. It focuses on coastal configurations featuring pro-active sediment management through aeolian BwN techniques to build up the coastal buffer in a natural and multifunctional way.
The first step was to reframe BwN nourishment design as a landscape approach, employing natural onshore dynamics to sustain the coastal buffer and increase the multiplicity of the coastal landscape. The coastal landscape can be regarded as the result of the interaction between the geomorphological, ecological and urban system, in response to sea level rise. The mapping of their interactions (via literature review, fieldwork, GIS and CFD-modelling), identified three potential spatial mechanisms to support nature-based dune formation following nourishment: natural succession, dune farming and urban harvesting. To activate these processes for coastal reinforcement and landscaping, and bridge the spatial and time scales involved, three subsequent tools for dynamic design were defined: morphogenesis, dynamic profiling and aeolian design principles.
In the second half of the research, the BwN landscape approach and principles were contextualized and tested across four case studies, which revealed how coastal system’s characteristics and nourishment strategy affect dune formation. Responding to various nourishment and urban conditions, spatial arrangements were composed that enhance the aeolian build-up of coastal profiles and landscapes over time, supporting dune reinforcement, multifunctionality and
landscape differentiation.
The outcome of this research is threefold. First, BwN was redefined as a landscape approach that employs intersystemic land-shaping processes to support coastal safety, multifunctionality and spatial quality. Second, a set of validated design principles was developed for natural aeolian coastal adaptation following nourishment. Third, spatial arrangements were composed to illustrate how BwN processes ashore can be guided in space and time across various nourishment and urban contexts.
...
Sandy shores around the world suffer from coastal erosion due to land subsidence, a lack of sediment input and sea level rise. This often leads to the construction of hard structures, such as sea walls and breakwaters, that consolidate the coastal zone but disrupt the dynamic system of coastal deltas. To compensate for coastal erosion in a more natural and systemic way, sand nourishments are now increasingly executed. This so-called ‘Building with Nature’ (BwN) technique uses natural resources and dynamics to restore sediment balance within coastal zones and promote coastal regeneration and dune formation. These dynamic nourishment techniques are still in development, placing new demands on coastal spatial planning. How can we position and tune these nourishment dynamics for land formation; not only to optimize coastal safety but also to integrate these dynamics with the ecological and urban functions of the coastal landscape? An integrated design approach is necessary to guide both land-shaping processes and adaptive urban and ecological configurations to support BwN-based dune-formation following nourishment and boost the buffer capacity of coastal zones.
This research aims to develop design principles for integral coastal landscapes that connect geomorphological processes, ecology and adaptive urban design to exploit their potential for the spatial development of multi-functional coastal landscapes— shore-scapes. It focuses on coastal configurations featuring pro-active sediment management through aeolian BwN techniques to build up the coastal buffer in a natural and multifunctional way.
The first step was to reframe BwN nourishment design as a landscape approach, employing natural onshore dynamics to sustain the coastal buffer and increase the multiplicity of the coastal landscape. The coastal landscape can be regarded as the result of the interaction between the geomorphological, ecological and urban system, in response to sea level rise. The mapping of their interactions (via literature review, fieldwork, GIS and CFD-modelling), identified three potential spatial mechanisms to support nature-based dune formation following nourishment: natural succession, dune farming and urban harvesting. To activate these processes for coastal reinforcement and landscaping, and bridge the spatial and time scales involved, three subsequent tools for dynamic design were defined: morphogenesis, dynamic profiling and aeolian design principles.
In the second half of the research, the BwN landscape approach and principles were contextualized and tested across four case studies, which revealed how coastal system’s characteristics and nourishment strategy affect dune formation. Responding to various nourishment and urban conditions, spatial arrangements were composed that enhance the aeolian build-up of coastal profiles and landscapes over time, supporting dune reinforcement, multifunctionality and
landscape differentiation.
The outcome of this research is threefold. First, BwN was redefined as a landscape approach that employs intersystemic land-shaping processes to support coastal safety, multifunctionality and spatial quality. Second, a set of validated design principles was developed for natural aeolian coastal adaptation following nourishment. Third, spatial arrangements were composed to illustrate how BwN processes ashore can be guided in space and time across various nourishment and urban contexts.
This research aims to develop design principles for integral coastal landscapes that connect geomorphological processes, ecology and adaptive urban design to exploit their potential for the spatial development of multi-functional coastal landscapes— shore-scapes. It focuses on coastal configurations featuring pro-active sediment management through aeolian BwN techniques to build up the coastal buffer in a natural and multifunctional way.
The first step was to reframe BwN nourishment design as a landscape approach, employing natural onshore dynamics to sustain the coastal buffer and increase the multiplicity of the coastal landscape. The coastal landscape can be regarded as the result of the interaction between the geomorphological, ecological and urban system, in response to sea level rise. The mapping of their interactions (via literature review, fieldwork, GIS and CFD-modelling), identified three potential spatial mechanisms to support nature-based dune formation following nourishment: natural succession, dune farming and urban harvesting. To activate these processes for coastal reinforcement and landscaping, and bridge the spatial and time scales involved, three subsequent tools for dynamic design were defined: morphogenesis, dynamic profiling and aeolian design principles.
In the second half of the research, the BwN landscape approach and principles were contextualized and tested across four case studies, which revealed how coastal system’s characteristics and nourishment strategy affect dune formation. Responding to various nourishment and urban conditions, spatial arrangements were composed that enhance the aeolian build-up of coastal profiles and landscapes over time, supporting dune reinforcement, multifunctionality and
landscape differentiation.
The outcome of this research is threefold. First, BwN was redefined as a landscape approach that employs intersystemic land-shaping processes to support coastal safety, multifunctionality and spatial quality. Second, a set of validated design principles was developed for natural aeolian coastal adaptation following nourishment. Third, spatial arrangements were composed to illustrate how BwN processes ashore can be guided in space and time across various nourishment and urban contexts.
Het handschrift van L.P. Roodbaard
Ontwerpprincipes van Noord-Nederlandse landschapsparken in de eerste helft van de 19e eeuw
Het oeuvre van de tuin- en landschapsarchitect Lucas Pieters Roodbaard (1782-1851) is toonaangevend voor de Noord-Nederlandse landschapsparken uit de eerste helft van de 19de eeuw. Zijn oeuvre is te verdelen in drie categorieën: openbare wandelparken, landschapsparken bij buitenplaatsen en landschapstuinen bij (stads) villa’s. Aan de hand van ruimtelijk architectonisch onderzoek is een schat aan oorspronkelijke plantekeningen uitgebreid gedocumenteerd en geanalyseerd om zo tot de kern van de ontwerpmethode van Roodbaard te komen. Daarmee is zijn vorminstrumentarium, ook wel de ‘meetkundige gereedschapskist’ ontrafeld. Het heeft geresulteerd in zes compositorische ontwerpprincipes. Dankzij dit onderzoek en de nieuwe inzichten in Roodbaards handschrift kan een aantal landschapsparken worden geïdentificeerd en aan zijn oeuvre worden toegevoegd. Het gaat daarbij niet alleen om Roodbaards collectie van landschapsparken, maar ook om de samenhang van deze collectie met het omliggende historische cultuurlandschap. Dit overzicht biedt handvatten om het oeuvre van Roodbaard aan te duiden als een buitenplaatsenlandschap dat een samenhangend tuinen landschapsarchitectonisch ensemble vormt in het Noord-Nederlandse cultuurlandschap. Dit ‘parkachtige’ landschap, ook bekend als de Noordelijke Lustwarande, is grotendeels gelegen in het kustlandschap dat grenst aan het Unesco Werelderfgoed Waddenzee. In de epiloog is een proeve van een reconstructie van een ontbrekende ontwerptekening gemaakt voor het landschapspark De Braak te Paterswolde. Het vormt de opmaat voor de integrale reconstructie van deze bijzondere collectie groen erfgoed.
...
Het oeuvre van de tuin- en landschapsarchitect Lucas Pieters Roodbaard (1782-1851) is toonaangevend voor de Noord-Nederlandse landschapsparken uit de eerste helft van de 19de eeuw. Zijn oeuvre is te verdelen in drie categorieën: openbare wandelparken, landschapsparken bij buitenplaatsen en landschapstuinen bij (stads) villa’s. Aan de hand van ruimtelijk architectonisch onderzoek is een schat aan oorspronkelijke plantekeningen uitgebreid gedocumenteerd en geanalyseerd om zo tot de kern van de ontwerpmethode van Roodbaard te komen. Daarmee is zijn vorminstrumentarium, ook wel de ‘meetkundige gereedschapskist’ ontrafeld. Het heeft geresulteerd in zes compositorische ontwerpprincipes. Dankzij dit onderzoek en de nieuwe inzichten in Roodbaards handschrift kan een aantal landschapsparken worden geïdentificeerd en aan zijn oeuvre worden toegevoegd. Het gaat daarbij niet alleen om Roodbaards collectie van landschapsparken, maar ook om de samenhang van deze collectie met het omliggende historische cultuurlandschap. Dit overzicht biedt handvatten om het oeuvre van Roodbaard aan te duiden als een buitenplaatsenlandschap dat een samenhangend tuinen landschapsarchitectonisch ensemble vormt in het Noord-Nederlandse cultuurlandschap. Dit ‘parkachtige’ landschap, ook bekend als de Noordelijke Lustwarande, is grotendeels gelegen in het kustlandschap dat grenst aan het Unesco Werelderfgoed Waddenzee. In de epiloog is een proeve van een reconstructie van een ontbrekende ontwerptekening gemaakt voor het landschapspark De Braak te Paterswolde. Het vormt de opmaat voor de integrale reconstructie van deze bijzondere collectie groen erfgoed.
Urban shrinkage, as predicted for Schouwen-Duiveland, leads to a less attractive living environment and is seen as a burden rather than a potential, often resulting in an aim for unrealistic growth. The recommended context-specific approach is spatially underdeveloped and takes too little account of the distant future. This project therefore generates a spatial approach for the acceptance of urban shrinkage in Schouwen-Duiveland, making use of the local qualities in order to show that shrinkage can also offer opportunities. The local qualities in the case of Schouwen-Duiveland are heritage to guarantee the quality of life and the increasing target groups, holidaymakers and the elderly, to maintain a certain degree of liveliness. Since shrinkage is a nuanced phenomenon and a zoom was needed to illustrate the interventions, three different types of interdependent settlements were examined. The shrinking and highly regarded Brouwershaven has the most complex and extensive approach. In the event that Brouwershaven shrinks extremely, the pre-war buildings can be used as an elderly or holiday home, the expansion neighborhoods can be demolished, freeing up space to restore the historic fortifications. In this way, shrinkage does not have to be a disastrous development and added value can even be created. Shrinkage thus certainly does not have to be imposed, but it is useful to take such a possible future into account now and to have flexible interventions ready.
...
Urban shrinkage, as predicted for Schouwen-Duiveland, leads to a less attractive living environment and is seen as a burden rather than a potential, often resulting in an aim for unrealistic growth. The recommended context-specific approach is spatially underdeveloped and takes too little account of the distant future. This project therefore generates a spatial approach for the acceptance of urban shrinkage in Schouwen-Duiveland, making use of the local qualities in order to show that shrinkage can also offer opportunities. The local qualities in the case of Schouwen-Duiveland are heritage to guarantee the quality of life and the increasing target groups, holidaymakers and the elderly, to maintain a certain degree of liveliness. Since shrinkage is a nuanced phenomenon and a zoom was needed to illustrate the interventions, three different types of interdependent settlements were examined. The shrinking and highly regarded Brouwershaven has the most complex and extensive approach. In the event that Brouwershaven shrinks extremely, the pre-war buildings can be used as an elderly or holiday home, the expansion neighborhoods can be demolished, freeing up space to restore the historic fortifications. In this way, shrinkage does not have to be a disastrous development and added value can even be created. Shrinkage thus certainly does not have to be imposed, but it is useful to take such a possible future into account now and to have flexible interventions ready.
An office that feels like home
The influence of the home work environment on perceived productivity
Homeworking can have benefits both for employees and employers, such as a productivity increase and a better work-life balance. Still, homeworking arrangements were less implemented than expected throughout the years. Now, due to Covid-19, every office worker is highly recommended to work from home as much as possible. Therefore, everybody works at home with either a suitable or an unsuitable home work environment. During this ‘mass experiment’ new insights can be gathered on the experience of homeworking and the influence the home work environment has on productivity. Employees are sometimes forced to carry out certain work activities at home that were considered unsuitable beforehand. So, prejudices about homeworking can be confirmed or invalidated and specific aspects of the home work environment that influence productivity can be determined.
For this study quantitative data of the research project, ‘We Werken Thuis’ (We Work at Home; WWH) are used. First, a literature review is conducted to have a clear overview of what already has been researched on the topic of homeworking and the work environment related to productivity. From the literature study, a theoretical model is developed. This theoretical model includes the home work environment, divided into the physical home work environment and the social environment, the satisfaction with the home work environment, and individual control variables being of influence on the perceived productivity. It was predicted that all these elements affect productivity, both directly and indirectly.
The findings from the literature review are tested by statistical analyses (N = 36,102). Bivariate and regression analyses were performed, followed by integral path analysis. These analyses showed that the physical home work environment, satisfaction with the home work environment, and individual control variables directly affect productivity. Also, the physical home work environment indirectly affects productivity via satisfaction with the home work environment. The same was found for the individual control variables. Furthermore, the individual control variables influence the physical home work environment itself as well, which indirectly affects the perceived productivity via the satisfaction with the home work environment.
The outcomes of this research can be used by practitioners to revise their current corporate real estate strategy or by real estate consultants to advise companies about their office use in the future. It fills the gap in research on the influence specific aspects of the home work environment have on productivity during homeworking. ...
For this study quantitative data of the research project, ‘We Werken Thuis’ (We Work at Home; WWH) are used. First, a literature review is conducted to have a clear overview of what already has been researched on the topic of homeworking and the work environment related to productivity. From the literature study, a theoretical model is developed. This theoretical model includes the home work environment, divided into the physical home work environment and the social environment, the satisfaction with the home work environment, and individual control variables being of influence on the perceived productivity. It was predicted that all these elements affect productivity, both directly and indirectly.
The findings from the literature review are tested by statistical analyses (N = 36,102). Bivariate and regression analyses were performed, followed by integral path analysis. These analyses showed that the physical home work environment, satisfaction with the home work environment, and individual control variables directly affect productivity. Also, the physical home work environment indirectly affects productivity via satisfaction with the home work environment. The same was found for the individual control variables. Furthermore, the individual control variables influence the physical home work environment itself as well, which indirectly affects the perceived productivity via the satisfaction with the home work environment.
The outcomes of this research can be used by practitioners to revise their current corporate real estate strategy or by real estate consultants to advise companies about their office use in the future. It fills the gap in research on the influence specific aspects of the home work environment have on productivity during homeworking. ...
Homeworking can have benefits both for employees and employers, such as a productivity increase and a better work-life balance. Still, homeworking arrangements were less implemented than expected throughout the years. Now, due to Covid-19, every office worker is highly recommended to work from home as much as possible. Therefore, everybody works at home with either a suitable or an unsuitable home work environment. During this ‘mass experiment’ new insights can be gathered on the experience of homeworking and the influence the home work environment has on productivity. Employees are sometimes forced to carry out certain work activities at home that were considered unsuitable beforehand. So, prejudices about homeworking can be confirmed or invalidated and specific aspects of the home work environment that influence productivity can be determined.
For this study quantitative data of the research project, ‘We Werken Thuis’ (We Work at Home; WWH) are used. First, a literature review is conducted to have a clear overview of what already has been researched on the topic of homeworking and the work environment related to productivity. From the literature study, a theoretical model is developed. This theoretical model includes the home work environment, divided into the physical home work environment and the social environment, the satisfaction with the home work environment, and individual control variables being of influence on the perceived productivity. It was predicted that all these elements affect productivity, both directly and indirectly.
The findings from the literature review are tested by statistical analyses (N = 36,102). Bivariate and regression analyses were performed, followed by integral path analysis. These analyses showed that the physical home work environment, satisfaction with the home work environment, and individual control variables directly affect productivity. Also, the physical home work environment indirectly affects productivity via satisfaction with the home work environment. The same was found for the individual control variables. Furthermore, the individual control variables influence the physical home work environment itself as well, which indirectly affects the perceived productivity via the satisfaction with the home work environment.
The outcomes of this research can be used by practitioners to revise their current corporate real estate strategy or by real estate consultants to advise companies about their office use in the future. It fills the gap in research on the influence specific aspects of the home work environment have on productivity during homeworking.
For this study quantitative data of the research project, ‘We Werken Thuis’ (We Work at Home; WWH) are used. First, a literature review is conducted to have a clear overview of what already has been researched on the topic of homeworking and the work environment related to productivity. From the literature study, a theoretical model is developed. This theoretical model includes the home work environment, divided into the physical home work environment and the social environment, the satisfaction with the home work environment, and individual control variables being of influence on the perceived productivity. It was predicted that all these elements affect productivity, both directly and indirectly.
The findings from the literature review are tested by statistical analyses (N = 36,102). Bivariate and regression analyses were performed, followed by integral path analysis. These analyses showed that the physical home work environment, satisfaction with the home work environment, and individual control variables directly affect productivity. Also, the physical home work environment indirectly affects productivity via satisfaction with the home work environment. The same was found for the individual control variables. Furthermore, the individual control variables influence the physical home work environment itself as well, which indirectly affects the perceived productivity via the satisfaction with the home work environment.
The outcomes of this research can be used by practitioners to revise their current corporate real estate strategy or by real estate consultants to advise companies about their office use in the future. It fills the gap in research on the influence specific aspects of the home work environment have on productivity during homeworking.
Bridging the Past and the Future
A New Palimpsest Layer for the Heritage Landscape of Hof te Dieren
Heritage landscape as a dynamic system that bridges the past and the future, on the one hand tells the history of an area and contributes to the identity of local people, and on the other hand need to meet the contemporary demand and deal with future challenges. In that case, apart from traditional strategy of isolating cultural heritages from urbanisation for protection, is there a new perspective to view heritage landscapes and a new approach to tackle them?
Hof te Dieren is an estate located in Gelderland province. With rich cultural-historical value lying in the land not fully recognised by people, it is simultaneously facing a series of challenges that are common in other Gelderland estates. This thesis studies Hof te Dieren as a case and uses palimpsest as an approach to read the historical traces in the site and to design new development. ...
Hof te Dieren is an estate located in Gelderland province. With rich cultural-historical value lying in the land not fully recognised by people, it is simultaneously facing a series of challenges that are common in other Gelderland estates. This thesis studies Hof te Dieren as a case and uses palimpsest as an approach to read the historical traces in the site and to design new development. ...
Heritage landscape as a dynamic system that bridges the past and the future, on the one hand tells the history of an area and contributes to the identity of local people, and on the other hand need to meet the contemporary demand and deal with future challenges. In that case, apart from traditional strategy of isolating cultural heritages from urbanisation for protection, is there a new perspective to view heritage landscapes and a new approach to tackle them?
Hof te Dieren is an estate located in Gelderland province. With rich cultural-historical value lying in the land not fully recognised by people, it is simultaneously facing a series of challenges that are common in other Gelderland estates. This thesis studies Hof te Dieren as a case and uses palimpsest as an approach to read the historical traces in the site and to design new development.
Hof te Dieren is an estate located in Gelderland province. With rich cultural-historical value lying in the land not fully recognised by people, it is simultaneously facing a series of challenges that are common in other Gelderland estates. This thesis studies Hof te Dieren as a case and uses palimpsest as an approach to read the historical traces in the site and to design new development.