Resilient Architecture 2
2019-20
Graduation studio
Resilient architecture 2 : Dordrecht and its water dynamics as a study case
Department of the Built Environment at TU/e
Supervisors:
I. Curulli , J. Voorthuis and T. Veeger
Students: Gemalmaz Gokce, Hannurkar Snehal, Heidweiller Katja, Novoselska Iva , König Joanna, Panunzio Zoe, Portolan Giorgia, Villegas David,
Verhoef Wendy, Wijers Christian, Wang. J,
Graduation studio
Resilient architecture 2 : Dordrecht and its water dynamics as a study case
Department of the Built Environment at TU/e
Supervisors:
I. Curulli , J. Voorthuis and T. Veeger
Students: Gemalmaz Gokce, Hannurkar Snehal, Heidweiller Katja, Novoselska Iva , König Joanna, Panunzio Zoe, Portolan Giorgia, Villegas David,
Verhoef Wendy, Wijers Christian, Wang. J,
To build ‘green’ has so far been enough to face environmental problems. Green living is all too often about technology and especially about high-tech solutions; but this approach no longer seems adequate.
the meaning of the term ‘resilience’ focuses not only on the physical characteristics of the architectural object but also includes a subtle and more complex dialogue of architecture with its local context If we borrow the terms diversity, redundancy, plasticity from the vocabulary of biology, and we further elaborate and apply them to the architectural field, we realize that these terms are in contradiction with the typical notion of ‘efficiency’ (maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense) and this conflict allows room for design interpretations and inventions. This atelier will focus on the city of Dordrecht. |
The city of Dordrecht is an island (often called ‘the Island of Dordt) bordered by the rivers Oude Maas, Beneden Merwede, Nieuwe Merwede, Hollands Diep and Dordtsche Kil.
In the past, Dordrecht held a long and important role in the history of development and defence of The Netherlands. During the Golden Age (1350-1450), the city was a strategic trade port for wine, wood, grain and wool and many shipyards existed along its water edge. Nowadays, the city has the sixth largest seaport in the Netherlands. Yearly, 150.000 ships navigate the rivers and the confluence point of the three rivers Het Noord, Beneden Merwede and Oude Maas is the busiest node in Europe. Therefore, water and activities along the water edges provide the main economic resources of the city. However, the location of Dordrecht in the transition water area between rivers and sea makes it extremely vulnerable to flooding. |
As a matter of facts, increasing water levels and consequent floods are major threats to inhabitants’ life and to the future development of the city: dikes can break and city can be flooded at any time.,
Which measure can be taken to make Dordrecht a water resilient city? Can we turn the current fear of water back to the past positive and intense relationship with water? Designing with water is the first step towards a resilient design. It welcomes water and it prevents disasters by proposing architecture that responds to water dynamics and provides a new scenario for living. Water can be a creative source able to inform future developments or design of transformation of existing structures. |
Irene Curulli © 2020 Industrial Waterways