Assignment: This studio explored how the dike can become an (re-)integrated part of the city and how it could promote a new form of urbanity through (urban) development. In-tandem, the assignment investigates hybrid buildings, structures able to combine different programming, to encourage interaction between the private and public realms.
Den Helder is a city in the northern region of the Netherlands that has undergone significant spatial and economic development in recent years. Situated on the coast of the North Sea, the city offers a unique and attractive environment for both residents and visitors alike. With a possible connection to the sea and a rich maritime history, Den Helder could become a hub for a diverse range of industries and businesses, making it an important economic center in the region.
The city has invested heavily in its urban development, creating modern and functional spaces that blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. From revitalized waterfront areas to new cultural and recreational facilities, Den Helder has worked to create an attractive and vibrant city that offers something for everyone.
Looking ahead, Den Helder is well-positioned for continued growth and development. With its strategic location and strong infrastructure, the city is poised to attract even more investment and business opportunities in the years to come. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, Den Helder offers a unique and dynamic environment that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The dike of Den Helder is a characteristic icon of the city. Moreover, dikes are the pride of the Netherlands and it would be a shame to ignore this quality. For this reason, this plan looks at ways to live in the dike itself. This place will rise to the challenge of bringing back the connection between the city and the sea. Living in a dike, which is essentially a man-made barrier that protects low-lying areas from flooding, can offer a number of benefits. Here are some possible reasons why living in a dike could bring added value.
Protection from flooding: One of the main benefits of living in a dike is that it provides protection from flooding. This can be particularly important for people who live in areas that are prone to flooding due to their proximity to bodies of water or other natural factors.
Beautiful surroundings: The dike of Den Helder is an impressive defense structure that feels like the end of the world on the one side and overlooks the entire city on the other. This can offer residents beautiful views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Sense of community: Living in a dike can offer a strong sense of community, as residents work together to maintain the infrastructure that keeps them safe from flooding. This can create a tight-knit community where neighbors look out for one another. In addition, the favourable location on the south ensures that the buildings can open up to this and that back are avoided.
Sustainable living: Living in a dike is a more sustainable way of life, as residents are often encouraged to use renewable energy sources and practice eco-friendly behaviors to minimize their impact on the environment. In addition, buildings are wrapped with greenery, so that the houses are extremely well insulated.
Of course, living in a dike also has its challenges, such as the incidence of light, the accessibility and the transition from private to public of the homes. Ultimately, whether or not someone would want to live in a dike would depend on their individual circumstances, preferences, and priorities. Living in a dike can also offer the benefit of being situated within a continuous landscape. The continuous landscape created by living in a dike can offer many benefits, such as opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, and a sense of connection to the natural world. Additionally, the constant interaction between land and water can create a diverse and dynamic ecosystem that is both fascinating and beautiful to observe.
The buildings have been thoughtfully situated to the south, while to the north, they are carefully nestled within the dike. This clever placement guarantees that the buildings predominantly face the front, which also happens to be the bright side, perfect for meeting and socializing. Notably, the majority of the houses have their front doors opening towards the publicly accessible dike. Moreover, for the houses located in the top row, this side also doubles up as a sun-kissed terrace. This area acts as a perfect bridge between the public and private domains to ensure either privacy as well as social safety.
Incorporating a seamless roof landscape not only adds aesthetic value but also boosts the ecological and social well-being of urban areas. By introducing verdant spaces on rooftops, we can foster biodiversity and encourage social engagement. These advantages play a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable, inclusive, and livable urban environment. Addressing the challenge of linking the city to the sea by utilizing the dike, we propose a nature-inclusive landscape that is open to the public. The dike area will feature green spaces that allow people to connect with nature while also providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.
The characteristic of the unique natural topography made innovative and efficient design thinking possible while positioning various functions that do not require natural light, making the best use of available space. The front doors of the majority of the houses are facing the publicly accessible dike. This deliberate decision ensures that the dike area is a bustling meeting point that encourages social interaction and fosters a strong sense of community in the area. Residents can use several entrances that provide access to their mailbox, storage room, and parking garage. Cars can enter through two different entrances and drive up a slope to parkour of sight.
A continuous roof landscape is a design approach that involves creating green spaces on the rooftops of buildings, which are connected to form a continuous network of vegetation and open space. This can help to create a more sustainable and resilient urban ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In addition to its benefits for nature, a continuous roof landscape can also have social inclusivity benefits. By creating more green spaces within urban areas, it can help to promote social interaction and community engagement. The rooftop spaces can be used for a variety of activities, such as community gardens, outdoor events, and recreational activities. This can help to create a more inclusive and connected community, promoting social cohesion and improving mental health and wellbeing.
Furthermore, continuous roof landscapes can also provide new opportunities for sustainable urban agriculture. Rooftop gardens and farms can help to provide fresh produce for urban residents, reducing the environmental impact of food production and promoting local food systems. This can help to address food insecurity and improve public health in urban areas.