The Blue Heart
Basic information
Project Title
The Blue Heart
Full project title
The Blue Heart: A territorial envisioning of evolutionary agro-urban ecologies
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
The Blue Heart is an experimental evolutionary planned adaptation model, based on a cyclic ecosystem-based territorial design system. It aims to recompose the deltaic fragments towards the decompartmentalization of ecological habitats through new hybrid forms of regional land use and infrastructure. The model starts with a paradigm shift in the nexus of water infrastructure-ecology-food-housing responding to current territorial challenges, and has as output restorative regional visions.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
The planning model was iterated in the Province of Flevoland (The Netherlands). It aims to explore iterations in the Dutch provinces that surround the water bodies IJsselmeer and Markermeer., Netherlands
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The project was made for the Master Thesis
in Urbanism - TU Delft entitled "The Blue Heart: a territorial envisioning of evolutionary agro-urban ecologies". It aims to explore alternatives for a sustainable future in the face of the anthropogenic climate crisis. The target group is the Blue Heart region, specifically Flevoland in the Netherlands, which has a history of agro-urban development. The specific objectives include territorial envisioning of the Blue Heart, modeling land use strategies, and producing a report with methodologies, literature review, and conclusions. The project seeks to address the complex nature of territorial projects and the relationship between housing and food in the Blue Heart sociocultural context. The achieved outcomes include drawings, schemes, and a narrative that express the territorial envisioning and land use strategies for the region that are rooted in biodiversity restoration. This project was exhibited in the Graduation Studio Symposiums and the Repositioning Urban Design Symposium at TU Delft. It was also nominated for the TU Delft internal selection for the Archiprix (2023).
in Urbanism - TU Delft entitled "The Blue Heart: a territorial envisioning of evolutionary agro-urban ecologies". It aims to explore alternatives for a sustainable future in the face of the anthropogenic climate crisis. The target group is the Blue Heart region, specifically Flevoland in the Netherlands, which has a history of agro-urban development. The specific objectives include territorial envisioning of the Blue Heart, modeling land use strategies, and producing a report with methodologies, literature review, and conclusions. The project seeks to address the complex nature of territorial projects and the relationship between housing and food in the Blue Heart sociocultural context. The achieved outcomes include drawings, schemes, and a narrative that express the territorial envisioning and land use strategies for the region that are rooted in biodiversity restoration. This project was exhibited in the Graduation Studio Symposiums and the Repositioning Urban Design Symposium at TU Delft. It was also nominated for the TU Delft internal selection for the Archiprix (2023).
Key objectives for sustainability
The key objectives in quality of aesthetics and experience of the project are:
- Promote evolutionary climate adaptation to uncertain futures in the territorial, regional, and local scale
- Respond to the global biodiversity crisis by exposing the ecological relevance of the Blue Heart Delta
Firstly, the project adopts a nexus methodology and research-by-design approach, which allows for a comprehensive understanding of the interdependencies and interactions between different domains such as ecology, housing, water infrastructure, and land use. This holistic approach enables the project to address complex sustainability challenges and develop integrated solutions for sea-level rise uncertainty and alps melting uncertainty - elements that put at risk the flooding defense infrastructure (Afsluitdijk, and regional dikes).
Secondly, the project recognizes the importance of the Blue Heart territory as a critical area for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. By uncovering the hidden deltaic narrative of the area and understanding the disruptions caused by the relationship between water infrastructure and land use, the project aims to restore the deltaic transitionality and promote sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the project emphasizes the need for territorial evolutionary adaptation, considering the uncertain and changing future conditions. By incorporating adaptive strategies and considering the long-lasting impact of urban projects, the project demonstrates a forward-thinking and resilient approach to sustainability.
- Promote evolutionary climate adaptation to uncertain futures in the territorial, regional, and local scale
- Respond to the global biodiversity crisis by exposing the ecological relevance of the Blue Heart Delta
Firstly, the project adopts a nexus methodology and research-by-design approach, which allows for a comprehensive understanding of the interdependencies and interactions between different domains such as ecology, housing, water infrastructure, and land use. This holistic approach enables the project to address complex sustainability challenges and develop integrated solutions for sea-level rise uncertainty and alps melting uncertainty - elements that put at risk the flooding defense infrastructure (Afsluitdijk, and regional dikes).
Secondly, the project recognizes the importance of the Blue Heart territory as a critical area for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. By uncovering the hidden deltaic narrative of the area and understanding the disruptions caused by the relationship between water infrastructure and land use, the project aims to restore the deltaic transitionality and promote sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the project emphasizes the need for territorial evolutionary adaptation, considering the uncertain and changing future conditions. By incorporating adaptive strategies and considering the long-lasting impact of urban projects, the project demonstrates a forward-thinking and resilient approach to sustainability.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The key objectives in quality of aesthetics and experience of the project are:
- Promote new urban-rural strategic arrangements, towards a restorative countryside experience
- Visualize outcomes in appealing scenarios
The objectives have been met in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people by focusing on the territorial envisioning of the Blue Heart and proposing new types of ecological and water infrastructure paradigms. The project aims to restore the geomorphological and ecological integrity of the Delta through a new adaptive cycle. By adopting a shared new type of water infrastructure based on nature-based flooding protection, the design explores possibilities of shifting the ecology, housing, and food paradigm.
The project can be exemplary in this context by providing a comprehensive strategy and visualization of the ecological domains promoted by the relationship between water infrastructure and land use. It aims to create a more collaborative way of designing, which can change the project, the perception of the extent of the territorial unit, and the definition of the problems. By considering the time spans of urban projects and the long-lasting impact of their outcomes, the project takes into account uncertain futures and aims to address the complex nature of territorial projects.
Overall, the project strives to create a visually appealing and experientially rich environment for people, while also considering the ecological and socio-economic aspects of the Blue Heart territory.
- Promote new urban-rural strategic arrangements, towards a restorative countryside experience
- Visualize outcomes in appealing scenarios
The objectives have been met in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people by focusing on the territorial envisioning of the Blue Heart and proposing new types of ecological and water infrastructure paradigms. The project aims to restore the geomorphological and ecological integrity of the Delta through a new adaptive cycle. By adopting a shared new type of water infrastructure based on nature-based flooding protection, the design explores possibilities of shifting the ecology, housing, and food paradigm.
The project can be exemplary in this context by providing a comprehensive strategy and visualization of the ecological domains promoted by the relationship between water infrastructure and land use. It aims to create a more collaborative way of designing, which can change the project, the perception of the extent of the territorial unit, and the definition of the problems. By considering the time spans of urban projects and the long-lasting impact of their outcomes, the project takes into account uncertain futures and aims to address the complex nature of territorial projects.
Overall, the project strives to create a visually appealing and experientially rich environment for people, while also considering the ecological and socio-economic aspects of the Blue Heart territory.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objectives in inclusion:
- Unveil design possibilities for just transitions in ecosystem-based adaptation implementation;
- Include the agency of natural systems in the territorial planning process
The project addresses inclusion in an ecological perspective, including ecosystem restoration as a key value for governing systems towards a new societal model. It proposes the incorporation of transformative values, collaborative design, integration of different domains, and the restoration of the territory's original deltaic transnationality and biodiversity.
The planning model aims to guide the implementation of new forms of landscape infrastructures that respond to habitat restoration while addressing the pressure issues of multi-level governance. In that sense, it proposes small cyclical and planned changes towards planetary health. Collaborative design is emphasized in this process, as it recognizes the complexity of the Blue Heart territory and the need for diverse perspectives and expertise. The research and design process involves a mentoring process and iterative approach, gradually refining the topics and challenges that are most fundamental. The project also suggests that a more collaborative way of designing can change the perception of the extent of the territorial unit and the definition of problems.
In further explorations, the model can be iterated by inserting social justice as a core component, an action that will produce new strategies refined to that aspect, and how they converge to regional objectives.
- Unveil design possibilities for just transitions in ecosystem-based adaptation implementation;
- Include the agency of natural systems in the territorial planning process
The project addresses inclusion in an ecological perspective, including ecosystem restoration as a key value for governing systems towards a new societal model. It proposes the incorporation of transformative values, collaborative design, integration of different domains, and the restoration of the territory's original deltaic transnationality and biodiversity.
The planning model aims to guide the implementation of new forms of landscape infrastructures that respond to habitat restoration while addressing the pressure issues of multi-level governance. In that sense, it proposes small cyclical and planned changes towards planetary health. Collaborative design is emphasized in this process, as it recognizes the complexity of the Blue Heart territory and the need for diverse perspectives and expertise. The research and design process involves a mentoring process and iterative approach, gradually refining the topics and challenges that are most fundamental. The project also suggests that a more collaborative way of designing can change the perception of the extent of the territorial unit and the definition of problems.
In further explorations, the model can be iterated by inserting social justice as a core component, an action that will produce new strategies refined to that aspect, and how they converge to regional objectives.
How Citizens benefit
The project has outlined ambitious goals for sustainable development in the Blue Heart region, focusing on addressing the anthropogenic climate crisis and promoting biodiversity restoration. Although the provided information does not explicitly detail citizen and civil society involvement, it suggests a collaborative design approach and recognition of the need for diverse perspectives.
Moving forward, the project's next steps should actively engage citizens and civil society in its development. This involvement could take the form of public consultations, participatory workshops, and other activities that allow citizens to contribute their insights, preferences, and concerns. By incorporating the perspectives of those directly affected, the project can enhance its relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community.
It's worth noting that the project has already collaborated with the municipality of Almere, and it was presented in the municipality chamber for an interuniversity event. This event not only showcased the project's achievements but also demonstrated its capacity to initiate debates and question essential societal topics. Conversations that were added to research process in form of reflections.
Incorporating citizen engagement in the design process of regional visions and land use strategies are the next steps will strengthen the project's democratic and inclusive nature, ensuring that the voices of the community are considered in shaping the Blue Heart region's sustainable future. This participatory approach aligns with the project's emphasis on collaborative design and recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing the complex challenges of the territory.
Moving forward, the project's next steps should actively engage citizens and civil society in its development. This involvement could take the form of public consultations, participatory workshops, and other activities that allow citizens to contribute their insights, preferences, and concerns. By incorporating the perspectives of those directly affected, the project can enhance its relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community.
It's worth noting that the project has already collaborated with the municipality of Almere, and it was presented in the municipality chamber for an interuniversity event. This event not only showcased the project's achievements but also demonstrated its capacity to initiate debates and question essential societal topics. Conversations that were added to research process in form of reflections.
Incorporating citizen engagement in the design process of regional visions and land use strategies are the next steps will strengthen the project's democratic and inclusive nature, ensuring that the voices of the community are considered in shaping the Blue Heart region's sustainable future. This participatory approach aligns with the project's emphasis on collaborative design and recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing the complex challenges of the territory.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The project stands out for its innovative character, particularly when compared to mainstream actions in the field. Several aspects highlight its innovativeness:
- Nexus Methodology and Research-by-Design Approach:
Innovation: The adoption of a nexus methodology and research-by-design approach distinguishes the project from mainstream practices. This comprehensive methodology allows for a holistic understanding of the interdependencies between ecology, housing, water infrastructure, and land use.
Added Value: This approach enables the project to address complex sustainability challenges, offering integrated solutions for uncertainties like sea-level rise and alps melting, which is a departure from more traditional, segmented approaches to urban and environmental planning.
- Territorial Evolutionary Adaptation:
Innovation: The project's emphasis on an iterative design process for territorial evolutionary adaptation in response to uncertain and changing future conditions represents forward-thinking and resilience, distinguishing it from more static, traditional urban development approaches.
Added Value: By incorporating adaptive strategies and considering the long-lasting impact of urban projects, the project demonstrates an innovative approach to sustainability that acknowledges the need for flexibility and responsiveness to evolving circumstances.
Biodiversity Restoration and Nature-Based Flood Protection:
Innovation: The project's focus on biodiversity restoration and the adoption of a shared new type of water infrastructure based on nature-based flooding protection is innovative and contrasts with conventional infrastructure-centric flood defense solutions.
Added Value: This innovative approach not only promotes ecological balance but also suggests a shift in the paradigm of how water infrastructure can coexist with, and enhance, the natural environment.
Restorative Countryside Experience and Collaborative Design:
- Nexus Methodology and Research-by-Design Approach:
Innovation: The adoption of a nexus methodology and research-by-design approach distinguishes the project from mainstream practices. This comprehensive methodology allows for a holistic understanding of the interdependencies between ecology, housing, water infrastructure, and land use.
Added Value: This approach enables the project to address complex sustainability challenges, offering integrated solutions for uncertainties like sea-level rise and alps melting, which is a departure from more traditional, segmented approaches to urban and environmental planning.
- Territorial Evolutionary Adaptation:
Innovation: The project's emphasis on an iterative design process for territorial evolutionary adaptation in response to uncertain and changing future conditions represents forward-thinking and resilience, distinguishing it from more static, traditional urban development approaches.
Added Value: By incorporating adaptive strategies and considering the long-lasting impact of urban projects, the project demonstrates an innovative approach to sustainability that acknowledges the need for flexibility and responsiveness to evolving circumstances.
Biodiversity Restoration and Nature-Based Flood Protection:
Innovation: The project's focus on biodiversity restoration and the adoption of a shared new type of water infrastructure based on nature-based flooding protection is innovative and contrasts with conventional infrastructure-centric flood defense solutions.
Added Value: This innovative approach not only promotes ecological balance but also suggests a shift in the paradigm of how water infrastructure can coexist with, and enhance, the natural environment.
Restorative Countryside Experience and Collaborative Design:
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The design and implementation of the project showcased a truly interdisciplinary approach, incorporating a wide array of disciplines and knowledge fields. These included urbanism, landscape architecture, ecology, water infrastructure, housing, transportation, agriculture, governance, and infrastructure planning. This diverse spectrum of expertise contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Blue Heart region.
During the graduation studio, the project actively engaged in debates involving professors and students from these different areas. The inclusive nature of these discussions allowed for a cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas, ensuring that perspectives from urban designers, ecologists, engineers, policy experts, and other fields were considered. Notably, the project benefited from the insights of Professor Antony Stallins from the University of Kentucky. As the director of the environmental sciences undergrad program, Professor Stallins brought a unique perspective to the discussions. Moreover, he facilitated a session with his students, providing an international dimension to the interdisciplinary dialogue.
The rich debates underscored the interdisciplinary characteristic of the project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across diverse fields. The inclusion of perspectives from various disciplines not only enriched the project with a wide range of insights but also highlighted the interconnectedness of urban development, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. This interdisciplinary engagement was a valuable aspect of the project, fostering innovation, encouraging holistic thinking, and reinforcing the project's capacity to address complex challenges from multiple angles.
During the graduation studio, the project actively engaged in debates involving professors and students from these different areas. The inclusive nature of these discussions allowed for a cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas, ensuring that perspectives from urban designers, ecologists, engineers, policy experts, and other fields were considered. Notably, the project benefited from the insights of Professor Antony Stallins from the University of Kentucky. As the director of the environmental sciences undergrad program, Professor Stallins brought a unique perspective to the discussions. Moreover, he facilitated a session with his students, providing an international dimension to the interdisciplinary dialogue.
The rich debates underscored the interdisciplinary characteristic of the project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across diverse fields. The inclusion of perspectives from various disciplines not only enriched the project with a wide range of insights but also highlighted the interconnectedness of urban development, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. This interdisciplinary engagement was a valuable aspect of the project, fostering innovation, encouraging holistic thinking, and reinforcing the project's capacity to address complex challenges from multiple angles.
Methodology used
The methodology used in the project was the nexus methodology and research-by-design approach. This approach was based on the local context and aimed to understand the diverse landscape and environmental systems that affect urbanism practice.
The approach included the use of the adaptive cycle framework proposed by Gunderson and Holling in 2002. This framework provided a basis for understanding and planning for adaptive changes in the socioecological system.
It involved a process of iterative design and focused on addressing uncertain futures and the long-lasting impact of urban projects. The methodology also involved the use of a shared framework from the Transitional Territories Studio and the exploration of meso-micro scale interventions and regional visions based on gradients of land-use interfaces.
The approach included the use of the adaptive cycle framework proposed by Gunderson and Holling in 2002. This framework provided a basis for understanding and planning for adaptive changes in the socioecological system.
It involved a process of iterative design and focused on addressing uncertain futures and the long-lasting impact of urban projects. The methodology also involved the use of a shared framework from the Transitional Territories Studio and the exploration of meso-micro scale interventions and regional visions based on gradients of land-use interfaces.
How stakeholders are engaged
- Municipality of Almere (local - regional level):
Role and Level of Involvement: Paola Huidjing from the Municipality of Almere actively participated in the design process. Her involvement included providing valuable feedback, sharing insights into current local plans, and indicating the province's ambitions at the planning level.
Added Value: The Municipality's engagement added a practical, local perspective to the project. By aligning the project with current local plans and provincial ambitions, it ensured that the proposed solutions were not only innovative but also feasible within the existing framework. This collaboration facilitated the integration of the project into the broader regional context.
- Urban Design Department at TU Delft (Graduation Studio):
Role and Level of Involvement: The Urban Design Department at TU Delft, specifically the Graduation Studio, played a significant role in the project. It served as a platform for exploration, critique, and refinement of the project's ideas.
Added Value: Involvement from the academic sector brought a theoretical and research-oriented dimension to the project. The Graduation Studio provided an environment for testing innovative concepts, ensuring that the project was not only practically viable but also academically rigorous. This collaboration enriched the project with a balance of practical applicability and theoretical depth.
- Honours Programme Master (TU Delft):
Role and Level of Involvement: The Honours Programme Master served as a design laboratory for two years, indicating a sustained and in-depth collaboration.
Added Value: Involvement in the Honours Programme Master added a long-term perspective to the project. The experience allowed the exploration, iterative refinement, and the development of a more robust and nuanced design. This partnership contributed to the project's depth, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions.
Role and Level of Involvement: Paola Huidjing from the Municipality of Almere actively participated in the design process. Her involvement included providing valuable feedback, sharing insights into current local plans, and indicating the province's ambitions at the planning level.
Added Value: The Municipality's engagement added a practical, local perspective to the project. By aligning the project with current local plans and provincial ambitions, it ensured that the proposed solutions were not only innovative but also feasible within the existing framework. This collaboration facilitated the integration of the project into the broader regional context.
- Urban Design Department at TU Delft (Graduation Studio):
Role and Level of Involvement: The Urban Design Department at TU Delft, specifically the Graduation Studio, played a significant role in the project. It served as a platform for exploration, critique, and refinement of the project's ideas.
Added Value: Involvement from the academic sector brought a theoretical and research-oriented dimension to the project. The Graduation Studio provided an environment for testing innovative concepts, ensuring that the project was not only practically viable but also academically rigorous. This collaboration enriched the project with a balance of practical applicability and theoretical depth.
- Honours Programme Master (TU Delft):
Role and Level of Involvement: The Honours Programme Master served as a design laboratory for two years, indicating a sustained and in-depth collaboration.
Added Value: Involvement in the Honours Programme Master added a long-term perspective to the project. The experience allowed the exploration, iterative refinement, and the development of a more robust and nuanced design. This partnership contributed to the project's depth, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions.
Global challenges
The project addresses several global challenges by providing local solutions. These challenges include:
Climate Uncertainty: The project aims to address the vulnerability of the Blue Heart region to sea level rise and climate uncertainty. By implementing adaptive planning and design principles, the project seeks to create a sustainable and resilient territorial vision that can withstand unpredictable futures.
Food System: The project recognizes the need for a shift towards a more sustainable and resilient food system. By promoting agroecology practices, such as aquaponics, fishing, and permaculture, the project aims to restore the endogenous agrobiodiversity of the Blue Heart and develop a strong local economy based on knowledge-intensive food production.
Housing Pressure: The project addresses the urgent national housing land use pressure by proposing a paradigm shift in the way housing is approached. Instead of sectorized inland living, the project promotes a gradient of living environments that spread densification efforts across the territory. This not only minimizes the demand for new heavy transportation infrastructure but also enhances the city-region food system.
Overall, the project seeks to provide local solutions that tackle global challenges such as climate uncertainty, unsustainable food systems, and housing pressure.
Climate Uncertainty: The project aims to address the vulnerability of the Blue Heart region to sea level rise and climate uncertainty. By implementing adaptive planning and design principles, the project seeks to create a sustainable and resilient territorial vision that can withstand unpredictable futures.
Food System: The project recognizes the need for a shift towards a more sustainable and resilient food system. By promoting agroecology practices, such as aquaponics, fishing, and permaculture, the project aims to restore the endogenous agrobiodiversity of the Blue Heart and develop a strong local economy based on knowledge-intensive food production.
Housing Pressure: The project addresses the urgent national housing land use pressure by proposing a paradigm shift in the way housing is approached. Instead of sectorized inland living, the project promotes a gradient of living environments that spread densification efforts across the territory. This not only minimizes the demand for new heavy transportation infrastructure but also enhances the city-region food system.
Overall, the project seeks to provide local solutions that tackle global challenges such as climate uncertainty, unsustainable food systems, and housing pressure.
Learning transferred to other parties
Nexus Methodology and Research-by-Design Approach:
Transferability: The adoption of a nexus methodology and research-by-design approach is transferable to other regions facing similar complex sustainability challenges. The methodology can be applied to understand and address the interdependencies between different domains such as ecology, housing, water infrastructure, and land use.
Adaptive Strategies for Uncertain Futures:
Transferability: The project's emphasis on territorial evolutionary adaptation, considering uncertain and changing future conditions, is transferable to other locations grappling with climate change and urban development challenges. The adaptive strategies employed can be customized to fit diverse geographical and socio-cultural contexts.
Biodiversity Restoration and Nature-Based Flood Protection:
Transferability: The focus on biodiversity restoration and the adoption of nature-based flood protection infrastructure can be transferred to regions with similar environmental concerns. The principles behind these strategies can be adapted to different landscapes and water management scenarios.
New Urban-Rural Strategic Arrangements:
Transferability: The project's objective to promote new urban-rural strategic arrangements and restorative countryside experiences is transferable to other areas seeking to balance urbanization with the preservation of natural and rural spaces. The principles of collaborative design and visualization of appealing scenarios can be adapted to diverse contexts.
Transferability: The adoption of a nexus methodology and research-by-design approach is transferable to other regions facing similar complex sustainability challenges. The methodology can be applied to understand and address the interdependencies between different domains such as ecology, housing, water infrastructure, and land use.
Adaptive Strategies for Uncertain Futures:
Transferability: The project's emphasis on territorial evolutionary adaptation, considering uncertain and changing future conditions, is transferable to other locations grappling with climate change and urban development challenges. The adaptive strategies employed can be customized to fit diverse geographical and socio-cultural contexts.
Biodiversity Restoration and Nature-Based Flood Protection:
Transferability: The focus on biodiversity restoration and the adoption of nature-based flood protection infrastructure can be transferred to regions with similar environmental concerns. The principles behind these strategies can be adapted to different landscapes and water management scenarios.
New Urban-Rural Strategic Arrangements:
Transferability: The project's objective to promote new urban-rural strategic arrangements and restorative countryside experiences is transferable to other areas seeking to balance urbanization with the preservation of natural and rural spaces. The principles of collaborative design and visualization of appealing scenarios can be adapted to diverse contexts.
Keywords
Multi-domain Nexus
Urban and Territorial Planning
Urban Design
Dutch Delta
Ecosystem-based climate adaptation
