Urban Design Laboratory on Water in the Dordrecht area
In Dordrecht, considerable attention is given to water in all its forms. Over the last two years, the urban design labs “Water in the Dordrecht area” of the Sustainable Dordrecht Platform (Platform Duurzaam Dordrecht) have worked on increasing our focus on floodwater in streets, on squares and in gardens. After all, flooding from heavy rainfall is occurring more often.
Results
Flooding can be caused by an excess of (undesired) water from the sea, from rivers or from rainfall. Regardless of the type of flooding or its scope, one characteristic is as clear as day: floodwater does not respect property lines. Water flows over everyone’s property; that of the government, property owners, farmers, and residents. This is why finding a solution almost always requires collaboration. Flooding due to excess rainfall is primarily a local and sometimes regional problem. This makes it relatively straightforward to set up a collaborative effort with local authorities, residents, the district water board, and involved private parties. In this Urban Design Lab, a broad-based collaboration between these different parties has been developed. Not only to raise awareness of flood issues among all those involved, but in particular to create a shared feeling of responsibility and to foster mutual understanding. Participation of the “Water in the Dordrecht area” Urban Design Lab in the place-making project set up around the redesign of the Damplein square has produced a number of concrete results. Results that are reflected in the final design for the square, namely:
- expanding the planning area to cover the square “from plinth to plinth”, rather than focusing only on the central square area;
- fewer parking spaces to allow for more green vegetation and play area;
- paving type that limits the negative effects of water;
- a more water-friendly set-up.
Final square design for Dam Square (picture: municipality of Dordrecht)
The efforts expended by the Urban Design Lab have contributed to achieving the sustainability goal for the Damplein. The Urban Design Lab has convinced the workgroup members of the overarching importance of a water-friendly square, and encouraged them to take it into account on a small scale. A final design is now being made for the project. As soon as it is completed, it will be presented to the city council, along with the budget request. The available budget is not entirely sufficient. Other funds are being sought to fill the shortfall.
Contact person
William Nederpelt
Platform Duurzaam Dordrecht
+31(0)78 6210139
stadslabwater@axlefocused.nl