Towards a Water friendly neighbourhood

Introducing a balanced water cycle for new neighbourhoods in Delfland, as an example for future Dutch developments

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

N. Nguyen Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

K.P.M. Aalbers Environmental Technology and Design - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
A.L. Nillesen Urban Design - Architecture and the Built Environment (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
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Published Date

21-06-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

In the face of climate change, water challenges and rapid urbanisation in the area of Delfland, we stand at a pivotal moment where the way we design our cities will have a significant impact on how we will live in the future. As the Water and soil system is reaching its limits in trying to fulfil our human centric needs. A shift towards a water-oriented urban development is needed to safeguard a sustainable future. Therefore the following research question is defined: “How to envision a balanced water cycle for new neighbourhoods in Delfland while establishing a synergy between water, ecology and humans?’’

The maximisation method has been used to find solutions for the four challenges of Water and soil, Green and landscape, Human and water and Livability. While exploring scenarios of an open and temporal water system through the Purifying vein and the Urban sponge. The methodology, when combined with the established pattern language, creates a transferable approach for upcoming Dutch developments. With overarching recommendations such as: Integrated approach, Water as metabolism, Design with temporality and be a Team player. In addition, with specific advice to use a temporal water system as a starting point, but consider an open water system when subsidence is problematic, water treatment is required, when there is regular rainfall and sufficient space obtainable. Regarding Fortunapark as a case study, it is recommended that the Urban sponge (temporal water system) forms the fundamental basis that embodies a Water friendly future-proof neighbourhood.