Productive Landscapes in the Dutch Delta

Abstract

This research explores the spatial implications of climate change and sea level rise on the Dutch Delta’s productive landscapes, focusing on integrating spatial design and water management within a risk framework. The transition from adaptive planning to planned adaptation is highlighted as crucial for addressing the unpredictability of climate change impacts, advocating for a shift in strategy from a reactive to a proactive approach in delta management.
Design experiments play a central role in this research, employing critical cartography and sectional drawings as tools to analyse and synthesise localised adaptation strategies to the vulnerabilities posed by sea level rise. These design tools facilitate the exploration of innovative spatial responses that accommodate climatic uncertainties, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the landscapes.
Designing with uncertainties underpins the research methodology, embracing the unpredictability of future climate conditions as a foundation for developing adaptive spatial strategies. This approach entails a paradigm shift towards accommodation and planned adaptation, emphasising the need for flexible, integrated planning that can evolve over time. The research underscores the potential of nature-based solutions to synergise productive and protective systems, enhancing ecological, social, and economic resilience in the face of climate change and sea level rise.
Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and design experiments, the research presents a forward-thinking vision for the Dutch Delta. It proposes a methodological approach to landscape and urban planning that navigates the complexities of climate adaptation, demonstrating how productive landscapes can be reimagined to thrive in an uncertain future.