The Netherlands has a good reputation concerning the battle against water. But why fight against it if water offers so many possibilities? It is evident that, with the increase of spatial-economic functions, the vulnerable hydrological situation, the consequences of climate change and the actual problems of increasing wetness and drought, future urban developments can no longer be realised in the traditional way. In the Delta metropolis the increasing lack of space and the risk of damage as a result of flooding and wetness are crucial to this problem. Building with water can be a solution, but it means that scientific research should more than ever be directed at innovation. It also demands a more effective use of tools and research capacity, for example by a joint effort of the parties involved. The Dutch government is aware of this and has taken measures to exploit the innovation possibilities. The programme 'Living with Water' is one of them.

Pilot location
Within the expertise development project 'Building with Water' a design is made for a residential district on water, applied to a pilot location in the Haarlemmermeer. In order to develop a pilot project many questions need to be answered. Not only is a thorough theoretical increase in expertise needed, but lessons have to be learned as well from practical experience with such a new form of construction and urbanisation. In the concept urban functions are integrated with water retention and -storage. The result is an environment that not only respects the watersystem level, but, moreover, creates a high-quality living environment and a net saving on space.

Urban development on water
On February 8, 2007 the booklet 'Waterstedenbouw' was presented at the 'Building with Water' symposium, in which is explained how a residential district on water in the Haarlemmermeer might look like. But more important than the exact design are the designer rules that should be followed. The first copy was received by Prince Willem-Alexander. Since then the ideas have been crystallized and it is being examined whether these can be applied in practice. Therefore, in November 2007, an agreement was signed to carry out a feasibility study on a pilot residential district on water in the Haarlemmermeerpolder. The feasibility study will show under what circumstances a residential district on water in the Haarlemmermeer is a recommendable choice. On the basis of this the parties involved can decide whether they want a pilot residential district on water. The partners from 'Building with Water' cooperate in this with 'Staatsbosbeheer' (the Dutch Forestry Commission).

The developed expertise on the possibilities to combine water storage and construction will first of all be applied to the Haarlemmermeer. But since this expertise is applicable elsewhere, too, ideas for other locations can also be submitted.

Further information
For further information on this project or Dura Vermeer:
Marjolijn van Eijsden
m.v.eijsden@duravermeer.nl
+31 (0)23 752 84 00

In the project 'Building with Water', under the auspices of 'Living with Water', the following companies cooperate:

Public parties
Provincie Noord-Holland
Gemeente Haarlemmermeer
Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland 

Private parties
Advin
Bureau Middelkoop
Bouwfonds MAB
Dura Vermeer
OK Architecten BNA
Royal Haskoning
Ymere 

Research institutes
Alterra
EIB
OTB
WL | Delft Hydraulics