Qian Long. B.Arch ’25
From May to June 2023, I undertook a comprehensive exploration of urban planning in the Netherlands, with a particular focus on Amsterdam and its implementation of the Green Vision 2050 within the GeoDesign framework. Employing tools such as ArcGIS, Rhino 3D Modeling, extensive field research, and the creation of StoryMaps, I delved into sustainable design solutions within the built environment, emphasizing architectural strategies to address climate change.
During this immersive experience, I was captivated by the Dutch approach to managing flooding and mitigating sea level rise, particularly in Amsterdam, a global city situated below sea level, and Rotterdam, home to the world’s third-largest port. The Dutch, renowned as climate leaders, have ingeniously mastered a system of canals, dams, and dikes, given that one-third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, with two-thirds prone to flooding.
Despite their existing expertise, the pressing challenges posed by climate change demand rapid innovation across sustainable infrastructure, housing, and overall development. It became evident that the Dutch commitment to proactive measures and innovative practices is crucial in navigating the imminent threats of increased flooding and rising sea levels.
I traveled to Amsterdam with a primary focus on visiting projects that emphasize sustainable development that combats climate change directly and indirectly. A few notable projects related to adaptive reuse, biophilic design, net-zero (or better) developments, and innovative unprecedented projects I visited during my time in the Netherlands included:
01. Conservatorium Hotel | MVSA Architects and Piero Lissoni
02. Crystal Houses — Hermes | MVRDV
03. De Ceuvel | Space&Matter
04. Schoonship | Space&Matter
05. Hotel Jakarta | Westcord
06. Valley Apartment Complex | MVRDV
07. Ru Paré Community | BETA & Elisabeth Boersma
08. Sluishuis | BIG + Barcode Architects
09. Goede Doelen Loterijen & Dutch Charity Lotteries Head Offices on Beethovenstraat | Benthem Crouwel Architects
10. HAUT Amsterdam | Team V Architecture
11. NEMO Science Museum | Renzo Piano
12. Silodam | MVRDV
13. Odin Almere Vliervelden Biodynamic Farm / Cafe / Community Development Almere
14. Markthal (Market Hall) | MVRDV
15. Van Gogh Museum | Gerrit Rietveld and Kisho Kurokawa
Valley Apartment Complex, Hotel Jakarta, Crystal Houses – Hermes (L-R)
My findings were primarily found on waterfronts in Amsterdam. Projects ranged from climate-combatting master plans for the future to prefabricated housing. Through my site visits throughout newer developments in Northern and Western Amsterdam along the coast and river, I saw a harrowing similarity between Amsterdam, NL, and Boston, USA.
National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam; Silodam, Amsterdam; Boston Seaport; Boat Dock, Borneo-Sporenburg
L-R
Houthaven, Amsterdam & Rotterdam Harbor
Lastly, the three key points I took away from my observations with a focus on sea level rise and flood prevention were:
01. Elevated & Floating Architecture
In coastal areas, there are examples of buildings designed with flood-resistant features. Some buildings are elevated above potential flood levels, while others are designed to float on water during floods. Examples include the Schoonschip (housing coop) by Space&Matter, de Ceuvel also by Space&Matter, Silodam by MVRDV, Whale by West8, and Sluishuis by BIG + Barcode Architects. In the historic core of Amsterdam, there are numerous canal boathouses. There were also many examples by the IJ River like in IJeiland of housing complexes or developments on stilts or elevated.
01. Schoonschip “Clean Ship” / Space&Matter
46 dwellings across 30 water plots connected by a jetty (~100 residents)
self-sustaining community implementing climate change and rising sea levels
features decentralized and sustainable energy, water, and waste systems
smart grid of solar panels helps residents trade energy among themselves
water treatment technologies retrieve energy and nutrients from wastewater
02. de Ceuvel / Space&Matter
Bottom-up community development in Amsterdam-Noord neighborhood
Former brownfield regeneration project in Amsterdam North
Global prototype: circular urban development
Phytoremediation of polluted soils and closed-loop cleantech integration
Sustainable cafe-restaurant Cafe de Ceuvel
Aquaponics Greenhouse – symbiotic system between fish and plants
Saves 80 to 90% of water in comparison with traditional farming
03. Whale / West8
Lifting of two blocks, creating flowing public space underneath
Program includes 194 flats, offices, and retail space
Private garden inside the block designed by West 8
04. Silodam / MVRDV
Dense housing project in vulnerable areas
Former dam with a silo building on top
Affordable social housing on the water
Underwater protection barrier against oil tankers
02. Water Storage & Retention Areas
The Dutch also use water storage and retention areas to temporarily hold excess water during periods of heavy rainfall. This helps prevent downstream flooding.
03. Urban Planning & Zoning
The Netherlands incorporates flood risk considerations into urban planning and zoning regulations. Areas prone to flooding may be designated for recreational use or left as green spaces, reducing the risk to human life and property. This included fields and courts with drainage systems as well.
IJeiland Neighborhood
Coastal Habitats with Flood Prevention Measures
My trip to the Netherlands proved to be an immensely enriching experience, with diverse activities packed into a mere two weeks that warped my sense of time. Beyond meticulously planning an itinerary covering architectural projects spanning sustainability, culture, history, innovation, biophilia, and climate change, I seized the opportunity to cultivate new friendships and connections. During this journey, I forged meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Additionally, I had the privilege of engaging with Professor Guoping Huang (USC), Professor Simao Da Graca Dias, and Professor Sanne Hettinga at Vrije University in Amsterdam. These interactions with classmates and professors significantly enriched my experience, providing diverse perspectives and expanding the role of architecture in a larger context.
The opportunity to travel abroad and engage in field trips beyond the classroom has significantly broadened my perspective. Day trips to Rotterdam and Almere added another dimension to our educational experience in the Netherlands. Witnessing projects firsthand has a tangible impact beyond the confines of classroom or online learning. The tours provided an insider’s view, allowing me to apply my skills and architectural insight to everything I observed. I had the chance to witness the integration of my interests in materiality, sustainability, innovation, and resilient design. The city’s projects served as a source of inspiration and motivation, reinforcing my belief in their importance in creating a positive impact on the built environment.
Through my education and experiences, I have cultivated a keen interest in instigating change within the built environment. My travels to the Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, provided valuable insights and lessons in innovative and sustainable design. Witnessing the successful prototype projects and forward-thinking strategies there has deeply influenced my design thinking. As I applied these lessons to my work experience in Boston, I am passionate about contributing to the city’s ongoing efforts to shape a more sustainable and resilient future. Boston has implemented innovative strategies, including the development of resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban planning, to effectively address and mitigate the challenges posed by flooding and sea-level rise in the city. However, there still lacks a larger push in this mission. In my role, I implemented the principles learned abroad, ensuring that designs prioritize both environmental considerations and the well-being of the community. By integrating these principles, I hope to play an impactful and proactive role in advancing Boston’s architectural landscape toward greater sustainability and livability.
The question I continue to ponder is: What could those implementations from the Dutch look like on Boston’s waterfronts? Floating housing cooperatives? Dikes and sea walls? Canals? Dams? How can we pick our battles and move toward a sustainable, smart, and economical future?
There are interesting implementations done all over the world such as sponge-like parks, raised islands, innovative sea walls, and more that mitigate storm surges and flooding risks caused by climate change.
Below are images of Boston’s tidal floods in January of 2024
Source via @bostoncal [1] and @weronika_bianca [2-4]
Overall, my time in the Netherlands has deepened my understanding of the possibilities and potential for creating meaningful change through design. I am excited to carry these experiences and lessons forward as I continue to pursue my career in architecture, contributing to the development of innovative, sustainable, and impactful projects. My adventures in Amsterdam surpassed my expectations, leaving me with a sense of fulfillment, a wealth of new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the intersections of design and innovation. It was truly a transformative experience that will continue to shape my career and personal growth.
Scroll down to see my story map linked from ArcGIS, additional research on Amsterdam’s planning policies, and collaborative projects exploring transit systems and green infrastructure.
Orginal Blog Post: https://qianlong.myportfolio.com/research; https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/94190a7d138743098f0e8bb313118fac