Towards a future-proof knowledge region

Addressing spatial challenges and opportunities in South Holland through an academic collaboration

The natural landscape will be the basis for the transformation of the urbanised area. This will be reinvigorated by taking the landscape as the carrier. The key to reorganising space and functions is to connect the landscape to its soil and hydrology.

Kennisregio aan Zee (Knowledge Region by the Sea) is a collaborative initiative. The Hague, Leiden, Delft, Zoetermeer, the provincial administration, and key local knowledge institutions are brought together to tackle the critical spatial-economic challenges that the region will face in the future. The current spatial constraints in this region require an integrated approach and vision formation to provide spatial solutions for this densely populated region. To address the major spatial and landscape challenges for the coming decades, we proposed a strategy “Kennisregio aan Zee 2070: A landscape-based approach.”

Location

South Holland, the Netherlands

Status

Completed

Year

2023

Project area

1 700 km²

Client

Municipalities of Delft, The Hague, Leiden, Zoetermeer

Collaboration

Delft University of Technology

Landscape-based

The strategy aims to provide building blocks for the development of the area as a sustainable knowledge region. To achieve this, a regional spatial-economic perspective is developed, based on four guiding principles.

Natural landscape foundation as a prerequisite for spatial development
Robust regional landscape and nature network for the development and protection of nature, cultural heritage, and recreation
Sustainable mobility and multimodal accessibility
Liveable, socially and ecologically inclusive cities

The natural landscape will be the basis for the transformation of the urbanised area. This will be reinvigorated by taking the landscape as the carrier. The key to reorganising space and functions is to connect the landscape to its soil and hydrology.

The metropolitan landscape and nature network is formed by strong green networks, linked to the (rich) cultural history, landscape diversity, windmills, and agricultural landscape. The commitment is to develop and protect a robust landscape park with nature, culture, history and recreation.

Sustainable mobility and accessibility will be based on multimodal transportation, enabling transport-driven development around public transport nodes, using walkability and accessibility by bicycle as the starting point. New spatial typologies will be developed around logistic nodes and linked to multiform mobility.

Liveable and inclusive cities are shaped by densification, intensification, and functional mixing (living, working, facilities). Innovation hubs will become a distinctive quality. Climate-adaptive, green, and inclusive public spaces will be promoted within cities.

Perspective as an instrument

Based on this long-term strategy, it becomes possible to assess the perspective of current projects. The natural landscape and urban context are thereby used as a foundation for a sustainable knowledge ecology and broad prosperity in the long term.