Commissioned by the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam and in collaboration with the municipality of Dordrecht, PosadMaxwan conducted a design study on the creation of a floating city in former reservoir the Grote Rug in Dordrecht.
The study is part of Atelier Dordrecht, in which several design firms have examined how water safety can act as a lever for sustainable area development. In contrast to existing water districts, the focus is on creating a high-density urban environment with great attention to sustainability. For example, all 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations have been incorporated into the design.
The city also serves as an evacuation destination in case the dikes break and a large number of Dordrechters will have to flee. The design shows that living in a high density (2500 homes) and with a mix of functions (facilities, workplaces, meeting places) on water is possible. The quality of the public space is central to this: instead of narrow walkways, it consists of varied streets and green squares. Continuing the natural environment of the Biesbosch into the city contributes to biodiversity and the creation of unique residential quality.
The design for the floating city was shown at the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam in the summer of 2021.