Concepts of future polder systems
The starting point of this thesis is the research of concepts of future polder systems. In other words: “How should future water systems in polder areas look like?”
After a first analyse of the water systems it is stated that technical improvements in this will indeed improve the function of water system but only in a marginal way (It will not change the lay out of the network). In fact the knowledge, models and techniques are available to make a perfectly working water system. What usually lacks is a large and accurate number of measuring points to validate or control water system in a more effective way. Optimization of control (feed backward, feed forward, local, central and dynamic control) of the water system is theoretically available.
The question rises how these fine tuned systems should be implemented in a changing environment? In what way does the spatial development influence these water systems? It would be arrogant and naïve to state that the implementation of the water system steers the spatial development. In fact the spatial development always fulfils other needs (i.e. housing, agriculture, industry). Only in exceptional cases the water system is dominant (i.e. primary flood defence systems near rivers and the coast). Therefore the water system is a necessary precondition for a spatial design.
During this research the focus will not be on the technical aspects of the water system. The focus will be on the influences that change this water system in a broad sense and especially on the representative of the spatial design: The (landscape) architect and urban developer.
The main question of the thesis is:
“How can the cooperation and interaction between water management and spatial planning be encouraged and improved in the polders of the Netherlands?”
The hypothesis is:
Cooperation and interaction between water management and spatial planning can be encouraged and improved by actively show interest in the way spatial planners use water (systems) in their design. This will improve the advice that water managers can give to support a spatial designs and finally improve the effectiveness of the water system and overall quality of the spatial plan.
The main targets are research of…
- … the function of the spatial developer in relation to water management
- … the preconditions that the water manager provides for the spatial plan.
- … possibilities to support the process of the spatial design
Research methods to reach these targets
- Interview with spatial planners
- Interview with water managers
- Based on the interviews: Creation of an instrument to support the water management component in the spatial planning process.