Grounding the Future in the Delta
F.L. Hooimeijer (TU Delft - Environmental Technology and Design)
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Abstract
Climate change demands a radical rethinking of delta management to ensure long-term safety and sustainability. The Dutch have a long tradition of balancing urban development and water management, using innovative approaches like polders, dikes and windmills to adapt to hydrological challenges. However, large-scale engineering interventions have weakened the connection between flood protection systems and regional water dynamics, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches (National Research Council, 2013). Drawing on the Redesigning Deltas study, this contribution examines how spatial design and civil engineering can address contemporary challenges by adopting a longue durée perspective. This approach aligns historical principles with modern strategies, emphasizing adaptive design, bottom-up governance and the importance of public engagement. Through case studies, it demonstrates how lessons from the past can inform innovative solutions for future delta management, balancing ecological, social and technical considerations.
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