Time moves tide

Abstract

The Wadden Sea is an intertidal system that stretches from the Dutch northern coast to the western coast of Denmark, all alongside the North Sea. The Wadden Sea and its islands are under pressure of climate change and face accelerated rising sea levels, threatening its islands and communities, while current policies often overlook their cultural and livelihood needs. In this study, through a research by design approach, the following question will be looked into: what are the characteristics of a spatial design methodology in which the longue durée is at the base of projecting a climate resilient future for small islands in the Wadden Sea? The theory of longue durée will be used to define the long-term changes and their influence on human behaviour. Influenced by Deltares, three solution directions (protect, seaward and move) are explored and expanded onto the Wadden Sea, to create a preferred alternative solution direction in which more human adaptation is envisioned. This translates to spatial interventions for three island typologies (salt marsh, polder and dune islands) that have been distinct during the research by design process. The preferred solution direction, Islands in Motion, emphasises the notion that people should stop manipulating water and land, and adapt more to it, just like nature does. This solution direction combines adaptive strategies tailored to each island typology, balancing preservation of cultural heritage while stressing the need for people to adapt to the dynamics and longue durée of the Wadden Sea.