More than half of the land in the Netherlands is at risk of being flooded from the North Sea and the river landscape. With rising sea levels and increasing heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding is increasing significantly. The presence of water is a great asset for many Dutch cities and challenges us to create climate-resilient urban designs. Our research on Floating Cities aims to investigate how we can construct entire cities on water. Download inspiration and handbook, first phase Download in-depth research in potency, second phase
By focusing on floating construction, we can take full advantage of our wetland environment while meeting the needs of our growing cities. In researching the floating city, we apply new principles to existing floating homes. Until now, floating construction in the Netherlands has been mainly limited to individual houses or small groups of houses on their own floating body, connected directly to the shore or via a jetty. Research on the floating city focuses on a larger scale level: the neighborhood and district. There are numerous opportunities here both in the Netherlands and abroad. For the realization of an attractive urban living environment on the water, a higher density is desired in which living, working, facilities and good green outdoor space are combined. Just like in an ordinary city, but on the water.
To prevent the floating city from becoming a gated community, we attach great importance to good connections with the existing city, a varied and inclusive residential and work program, and a lively public space with plenty of greenery and access to the water for everyone. In short, a complete city.
This research was made possible by the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie and done in collaboration with PAS BV, Buiting Advies, Dutch Lotus, Blue Revolution, the municipality of Utrecht, HDSR and the municipality of Rotterdam.
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Integral design approach
Floating cities must be attractive and accessible by providing functions and green spaces for all, and by seamlessly connecting to the environment. This requires an integrated design approach. Sub-soil and construction feasibility must also be considered, as it is important that the floating city is both constructively feasible and financially viable. The inspiration and handbook has shown that it is technically possible to build floating structures up to six stories high. The floating city is innovative and can add a new chapter to the rich history of integral urbanism in the Netherlands.
New building form for municipalities
Building on water is still uncharted territory for many, and the idea of a floating city therefore arouses reluctance among some. The knowledge we have gained during the research process helps in holding discussions with interested parties. There is an urgent need for a sustainable approach to our space. Floating construction offers a solution for areas normally unsuitable for housing development, such as areas outside of dikes, areas with subsidence and areas where water storage is needed in or near urban areas. Moreover, it offers the possibility of multiple use of space, which is clearly visible in a task of the municipality of Utrecht. There it was investigated whether the demand for space for an energy landscape, housing construction and a large water buffer can be combined at a low-lying location on the edge of the city. Floating construction makes it possible to bring these different challenges together.
Depthening research into the potential
By exploring the potential and feasibility of floating cities in a timely manner, we can be better prepared to meet future demand for climate-resilient and attractive cities. The in-depth second phase presents the results of the Floating City feasibility study conducted by PosadMaxwan, The Positive Lab and PAS bv. It zooms in specifically on the financial feasibility of the Floating City from two perspectives: the traditional approach (fictitious land exploitation) and an innovative alternative (realizing social value). We also provide a first rough outline of locations and the (size of) areas that may come into the picture if the Netherlands - in part - opts for Moving Along as a valuable strategy for climate-adaptive building.
The case studies are aimed at exploring the overall potential of floating construction. The developed images and textual explanations serve as inspiration to stimulate thinking about recruiting perspectives for floating construction.
Disclaimer:
The chosen cases are purely intended as tools to bring these general images to life. They are not intended as concrete plans and therefore have no status or impact in relation to ongoing area developments or plan elaborations (such as the elaboration of the Master Plan Merwehaven ). This applies to both the spatial elaboration, the calculations and the presented housing numbers.
For the fictitious calculations from phase 2 it also applies that these are based on assumptions and outlines. It is recommended that further detailed research be done on specific parts of the calculations.
