At this years International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) “It’s about time” several of our projects are exhibited. Visit the IABR to see our “Redesigning Deltas”, “Duurzame Distributielandschap” and “Perspectieven voor een Circulaire Port of Zwolle”. The projects illustrate examples of how transitions can address challenges such as climate change, energy transitions and circular economy. More information and ticket purchase can be found here.
Interview met Anne Loes Nillesen in de Blauwe Kamer
In de Blauwe Kamer een interview over de werkwijze, projecten en inspiratiebronnen van Defacto. In dit interview door Marieke Berkers komen onder andere de urgentie van opgaven vanuit het bodem- en watersysteem en klimaatverandering aan bod, en benadruk ik het belang van ontwerpend onderzoek bij het ontwikkelen van integrale handelingsperspectieven. Erg leuk ook om het werk van enkele van mijn ‘inspirators’ te kunnen delen (waaronder fotograven, filmmakers, auteurs, vakgenoten en studenten).
Anne Loes Nillesen spreker bij feestelijke opening provinciehuis Zuid-Holland
Het watersymposium ter gelegenheid van de feestelijke opening van het gerenoveerde provinciehuis stond in het teken van ‘de Spiegel op het verleden, heden en de toekomst’. Na een inspirerende terugblik door Herman Pleij was de eer aan mij om in te gaan op de uitdagingen waar Zuid-Holland vanuit klimaatverandering de komende decennia voor staat. Hierbij kwamen opgaven en handelingsperspectieven aan bod voor onder andere; bodemdaling, verzilting, regenwateroverlast, waterbeschikbaarheid en zeespiegelstijging. De dag werd afgesloten met een sterk debat waarin stevige ambities werden neergezet, geleid Johan Overdevest en met bijdragen van Jeannette Baljeu, Jaap Slootmaker, Wim Drossaert en Rogier van de Sande.
Met veel dank voor de organisatie van deze inspirerende bijeenkomst; Lucy Smeets, Marjolein Schepers, Werncke Husslage en Mandy van Steveninck – de Monijé.
Anne Loes Nillesen as key-expert in delegation in Houston
It was an honor to meet HRH Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in Houston. During the workshop, which was attended by American and Dutch key-experts on climate change and coastal protection, we discussed future projects and developments. One of those is the Galveston Sea Wall, a concept we worked on in the past decade with Texas A&M, TUDelft, RHDHV and IV-infra and will be further developed.
Defacto emphasized the importance of integrated climate adaptation projects. Although many already speak of integrated design as if it were common practice, we know how important it is to secure multi-disciplinary in every step of the design process from tender to realization. Many thanks for the outstanding organization by the Dutch Embassy and Consulate, Ministry of Foreign affairs, VNO-NCW, USACE and the City of Houston!
4 projectes included in the ‘Transitions’ book of the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie
At the ‘Transitions’ book presentation of the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, 129 of last years projects were presented. Defacto submitted four projects: “Duurzaam Distributielandschap”, “Circulaire Perspectieven voor de Port of Zwolle”, “Koele Plekken in de Rotterdamse buitenruimte” and “Meebewegen in Centraal Holland”. In breakout groups the different projects were discussed. The book is now available online.
Sustainable company terrains in Tilburg
In Tilburg the available space is under pressure; Business parks are practically full, while SMEs and logistics are looking for space to extend. At the same time, climate adaptation, energy transition and circular economy also require additional space. These challenges ask for a transition from a logistics hotspot to a high-quality business ecosystem.
Together with Vereniging Deltametropool, we are building on the previous research ‘Duurzaam Distributielandschap’, in which ways to intensify existing industrial estates were already explored. We are developing a set of tools with spatial solutions for the municipality of Tilburg, to be applied at the terrains of Loven by means of an area manifest.
Agricultural Transformation Plan for the Mekong delta
The Mekong delta in Vietnam is facing climate challenges; sea level rise and damming of upstream rivers makes fresh water more scars.
Together with Wageningen University & Research, we are developing an Agricultural Transformation Plan to adapt and strengthen the agriculture sector. The study will give agricultural transformation advice on the marine zone, coastal zone, intermittent zone, and upper zone. This also includes the development of a hub area where the products can be certified, processed and exported.
Umbrella Investment Program Design to Prioritize Investments for the Restoration of the Rivers surrounding Dhaka City (UIP Dhaka)
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and a bustling metropolis, is surrounded by five rivers that are an important lifeline for the people and economy and play a critical role in supporting the city. However, rapid urbanisation, often encroaching the city’s vast flood plains, has jeopardized its unique riverine morphology and its lifeline. The Government of Bangladesh has approved the Dhaka River Master Plan in 2019, in line with the Bangladesh Delta Plan (BDP2100). However, there is a pressing need to step up the efforts towards the recovery of the Dhaka rivers, the restoration of its public services and enhancement of the ability of the rivers to rejuvenate and drive Dhaka’s economy and improve the lives of the people of Dhaka.
Together with Royal HaskoningDHV, Delta Context and DevCon, we are developing an Umbrella Investment Program Design to Prioritize Investments for the Restoration of the Rivers surrounding Dhaka City (UIP Dhaka).
Toolbox for flood risk management in the Port of Rotterdam
Due to climate change, the sea level is rising and increasing the risk of flooding in the port of Rotterdam. Due to the great economic importance and the presence of vital and vulnerable functions within the port area, it is important to already anticipate on the rising sea levels. For each port area potential adaptation strategies have been developed.
Together with the Port of Rotterdam, we developed a digital toolbox where companies can find appropriate measures they can take, depending on the type of assets that need to be protected, the size of investment and the permanence of the intervention.
New publication: Landscape Architecture for Sea Level Rise
“This book assesses and illustrates innovative and practical worldwide measures for combating sea level rise from the profession of landscape architecture. The work explores how the appropriate mixture of integrated, multi-scalar flood protection mechanisms can reduce risks associated with flood events including sea level rise.”
The Netherlands is one of the case studies that illustrate structural, non-structural and hybrid measures that can be taken to address sea level rise, which are categorized into design-based typologies. Anne Loes Nillesen and Mona zum Felde elaborate on the development and exploration of long-term orientations for addressing accelerated sea-level rise in research-by-design studies. That includes the potential water system and land use impacts of the formulated orientations for flood risk protection (also including accommodation, coastal advancement, and strategic retreat). In addition, two local scale design studies are illustrated (greater Amsterdam Region and Western Scheldt area) that demonstrate how these conceptual orientations can be applied while simultaneously improving spatial quality.
Click here for more information (and image source).