Unite education, research and practice in innovative projects that stand out for interdisciplinary leadership
Menu
Productive Landscapes in the Dutch Delta. Integrating climate-adaptive strategies for vulnerable landscapes
Previous
Next
The pressing issue of climate change and sea level has resulted in the coastal regions and low-lying countries transitioning into a state of vulnerability, further compounded by the phenomena of land subsidence, coastal flooding and saltwater intrusion. This research primarily focuses on the productive landscapes within the Dutch deltaic system, where agriculture and energy are produced in a vulnerable environment and questions how these can adapt to climate change by integrating spatial design and water management within the framework of the risk approach (risk=probability*consequences).
This research project involves collaboration between four Honours Programme Master (HPM) students from the Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment, and it is run in the realm of the Delta Futures Lab, Delta Urbanism research group, Delft Deltas, Infrastructures & Mobility Initiative and the Climate Action Program.
Anmol Bhargava – Urbanism
Katerina Pavlou – Landscape Architecture
Kirthan Shekar – Urbanism
Satria A Permana – Urbanism
Luca Iuorio Assist. Prof. Deltaic Systems, Climate Action Program, Dept. of Urbanism
This research explores the spatial implications of climate change and sea level rise on vulnerable productive landscapes by methods of critical cartography for analysis and synthesis. Sectional drawings are used as design tools to experiment localised adaptation strategies to the vulnerabilities of sea level rise and the resulting productive landscapes.
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.
Anmol Bhargava, Katerina Pavlou, Kirthan Shekar Urbanism, Satria A Permana, 2024.