In the Netherlands rapidly growing distribution sector and e-commerce ‘boxes’ are a very prominent aspect of the new trade landscape. This led to a public debate about the desirability and conditions for these new economic developments. The distribution centers compete for scarce space with other land use ambitions and claims such as housing and nature development. Yet the distribution landscape is hardly approached in an integrated or spatial manner. Not only does this affect the spatial quality, also opportunities for links with contemporary developments (such as circularity and energy transition) remain untapped.

Together with Vereniging Deltametropool, we explored spatial dilemmas, opportunities and possible solutions, on the basis of three logistics nodes in Tilburg, Nijmegen and Venlo. They are all part of the Freight Corridors East and Southeast. On the basis of design explorations and work sessions with the three municipalities, we developed insights by means of a number of tools that can be used to promote sustainable distribution, energy supply and use of space in the nodes.

For each location, we explored a theme that represents the challenges of this area, while offering tools that can be applied to other locations along the Netherlands freight corridor. In Tilburg we focus on sustainability, densification and creating more mixed urban trade landscapes, in Venlo on strategic specialization of the node in relation to other nodes on the corridor and in Nijmegen on opportunities for sustainable energy supply networks. Next to physical interventions we identified governance principles needed to allow for the ambitioned change.

You can read more about the project here.

Intertidal nature areas are the most productive ecosystems in the world and have an important function for migrating birds. Besides that, they function as breakwaters and thus play a crucial role for flood risk management. However, due to polderisation, damming and sea level rise in the Netherlands these tidal areas are under pressure and might disappear.

Together with the WWF-Netherlands (Wereld Natuur Fonds) and NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research we developed the Wisselpolders (double dike systems); a strategy that can be used to protect and enhance intertidal nature, create climateadaptive agricultural areas and strengthen the flood protection in the Southwest Delta and the Wadden Sea.

You can find more information here.

In Rotterdam climate adaptation is high on the agenda. This week our first product for the Rotterdam climate adaptation strategy for 2030 (Programmakader Weerwoord 2030) is launched. In the report ‘Klimaatopgaven in Kaart’ (mapping climate challenges) we, together with Nelen & Schuurmans, Gemeente Rotterdam, waterboards, drinking water suppliers, and housing corporations, explored the climate challenges and first adaptation options for heat, rainfall, sea level rise, subsidence, drought, and ground water.

The next phase of the study will focus on a strategy for implementing a wide range of climate adaptation measures throughout the city.

The report ‘Klimaatopgaven in Kaart’ can be downloaded here.

How can consequence reduction for flooding be included into new built housing developments in Amsterdam?

The report with the results of the first phase of the thematic study ‘waterveiligheid’, commissioned by and in collaboration with the City of Amsterdam and Waternet, is now available. We looked at the long-term impact of accelerated sea level rise and explored what this could mean locally, including a toolbox with measures on different scales to reduce the impact in case of flooding.

Currently we are working on the second phase of this study, where we have a closer look at the existing city and its vital and vulnerable infrastructure. The second phase will be available in the second half of 2022.

Curious? Have a look at the report.

During the design workshop for the Port of Zwolle, together with our clients and project partners Stec Groep, New Economy and Panteia, we explored opportunities for three potential transition pathways: circular building industry, protein transition and sustainable energy. Based on the outcomes we will develop recommendations for the development of the harbour.

End of last year the draft results of the PAGW study IJssel-Vecht delta were presented. Within this project we have based on stakeholder sessions, mapped plans, visions, and developments for various themes in the IJssel-Vecht delta and indicated opportunities and attention points in relation to the (ecological) ambitions for the Programme approach large waters (Programmatische aanpak grote wateren). The report will be available at the end of this month!

In the ‘Beeld op de Rivieren’ (‘river perspectives’) we inventoried the various spatial claims and ambitions for the Netherlands rivers in a series of maps on different scale levels (whole river system, river branch and local). The study explores future ambitions, challenges, and transitions for a multitude of river functions such as: water management, shipping, water availability, ecology, urbanisation, economic development, spatial quality, cultural history, recreation and tourism. The identified opportunities are included in an integral river perspective for 2050 (with an outlook to 2100).

In this project we closely worked together with our clients; Integral River Management (IRM), Deltaprogram Maas, Deltaprogram Rijn, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of Netherlands (BZK), as well as or multidisciplinary project partners WSP in The Netherlands and Wageningen University & Research.

Due to COVID we developed a digital stakeholder process that facilitated (digitally) sitting around a map and sketching the stakeholder’s input. By including the interests of a wide range of stakeholders such as nature organisations, municipalities, Rijkswaterstaat, water boards, provinces and recreational and mining extraction agencies, the developed maps represent an integral view on the river system. Of course, not all of the stakeholders ambitions are compatible; sometimes strategic (and ultimately administrative) choices have to be made when conflicting spatial claims lead to dilemmas. The ‘Beeld op de Rivieren’ will be used as a compass and will within IRM be one of the building blocks for the development of preferred alternatives.

For more information on the project and a download of the final report, you can click here.