4x projects contributing to the integration of nature in the city

How can people playfully contribute to sustainable water management and increased biodiversity? ‘De Hemelwatertoren’ (The Rainwater Tower) offers a potential solution. This modular tower provides an accessible way to manage rainwater in urban areas. Residents are encouraged to disconnect their rainwater pipes from the sewage system, allowing water to be collected locally and returned to the ground.

The tower, made up of simple modules created from (used) plant pots, allows water to slowly seep into the ground, helping to support biodiversity and reducing pressure on the sewage system. The modular system can be expanded with features such as pet drinking stations, insect hotels, and bird feeders. Thanks to simple instructions, residents can build the tower themselves.

Did you know that cars are the central focus of urban planning? In Dutch cities, cars take up around half of all road space. As population density grows, the available space remains the same. Surely, it can be done differently!

‘Groen voor Blik’ (Green for Cars) is a Lab that shifts the focus on mobility. Our urban planning needs to be reconsidered from the perspective of people, not cars. In 2021, the City of Eindhoven and Studio 1:1 worked in this Lab on a concept for liveable streets with more greenery and high resident engagement. This design research resulted in a specific plan of action to involve residents in redesigning a street with more space for greenery, biodiversity, and liveability. During Dutch Design Week 2023, traffic lanes were transformed into green and social spaces, such as water storage areas and gardening spaces. What’s next? Find out during your visit to ‘Designing Society’ at DDW24.

How can local resources be transformed into efficient building materials? Terrestrial introduces an innovative building method with its project ‘Cascade.’ Using a technique called ‘shot-earth-3D-printing,’ it creates robust structures from locally sourced soil, clay, and natural binders. This technique significantly reduces the environmental impact of traditional building materials.

But how exactly does it work? By printing on-site, material transport is minimised, and CO2 emissions are saved, especially in large-scale infrastructure projects. After its lifespan, the construction can return to nature without harmful consequences. This innovative method offers opportunities for nature-inclusive building, integrating flora and fauna into designs. A key challenge remains combining effective water management to ensure the durability of the structures and prevent erosion or collapse.

What role can plant-based food play in the smart use of space in the Netherlands? ‘Nieuwe Vroenten‘ (New Crops) is a project that transforms 1,000 hectares of rural land into a healthy and sustainable landscape for food and energy production, nature, and housing. It shows how we can live within the planet’s limits and what that means for our food and energy consumption.

The project focuses on developing an animal-free, organic, and regional food system without using artificial or animal manure. The higher caloric productivity of plant-based agriculture frees up land for other uses. A third of the area will be designated for nature, with room for up to 3,000 homes. In ‘Nieuwe Vroenten’ everyone – residents and farmers alike – is a co-owner of the project and ideally also of the land. This also calls for an active role from future residents. What role would you like to take?

Visit ‘Designing Society’ during DDW24

‘Designing Society’ brings together the projects and programmes of World Design Embassies, What if Lab, PONT, and Maakruimte voor MooiNL under one roof. The exhibition invites you to explore new perspectives on possible futures. How can we together discover the power of design and connect with the complex transitions our world faces today?

Visit ‘Designing Society’ during DDW24 from 19 to 27 October. The exhibition at Ketelhuisplein is free and open to everyone.