Rotterdam Waterstad 2100

We are here to stay!

Our vision starts from the premise that we are not going to give up on Rotterdam and the rest of the Randstad, even in the most extreme climate scenarios that are predicted today. The main intervention of this holistic vision is the implementation of a new dike that secures Rotterdam and the Randstad area against the extreme scenario of a three-meter sea level rise. Outside of this dike, particularly around the islands of South Holland, a dynamic and natural tidal landscape emerges. Residential centers on these islands are safely located behind smaller dike-rings, and the Rotterdam harbor is gradually heightened up to become future-proof.

Water safety in extreme scenarios 

Water safety plays a role both inside and outside the primary dikes. In our vision, the city of Rotterdam and the Randstad area are secured behind an improved “delta dike”. New sea locks on the east and west sides of Rotterdam keep the rising and salty seawater out and transforming a substantial part of the river into a fresh water buffer. Protecting the Drechtsteden follows a similar strategy: a dike ring with controlled inner water. The islands of Zuid Holland adopt a strategy in which the expansion of residential areas at a safe elevation, that can later grow into small ring dikes. This creates space for (new) tidal nature and wet forms of agriculture. 

Sponge Cities with circular freshwater-systems 

The concept of a sponge city is necessary to ensure the availability of freshwater for the Rhine-Meuse estuary. This means capturing and retaining as much rainwater as possible, which can then be utilized during periods of drought and water shortages. Excess or rainwater can be redistributed through a (partially already existing) water system consisting of streams, canals, and pumps.

By partially “closing off” the Maas River from the sea, it will become possible to combine different water systems into one freshwater system, which can also serve as a buffer for rainwater. The Krimpenerwaard becomes a large purification marshland. Opening and connecting water structures more and more, in combination with improved water quality, this water network also will create new recreational possibilities.

Plenty of room for new nature 

Rotterdam Watercity 2100 shows the potential of a large, 40km long riverside park that will connect the Krimpenerwaard with Midden Delfland all the way through the city center of Rotterdam. This park spans the entire length of the Binnenmaas and offers opportunities for new nature and recreational purposes. The Krimpenerwaard and Midden-Delfland, which are set to be made wetter, serve as regional parks. The Haringvlietdam will be opened, creating an extensive tidal park that extends all the way from the Haringvliet to the Biesbosch National Park.

New Residential Areas 

By partially relocating existing port areas and the main transport route over water towards the Oude Maas, the Binnenmaas becomes a place for "water and nature-based urban development." The controlled water level also offers opportunities for new residential developments and recreation on and in the water. 

The Binnenmaas is a place for both nature and new types of housing, such as living in former harbor basins and floating houses. There are also opportunities for new residential areas on and behind the new delta dike. The locations on and near the dike become the new waterfront of the cities. In the tidal landscape outside the delta dike, housing development is part of the water safety strategy. By developing housing at an elevated level (on terps) on the outskirts of the existing villages, they eventually form a water barrier when these higher grounds are connected with a new robust dike.