Dikes + SPATIAL QUALITY
What are the existing qualities of the dike and its environment and how can these be maintained and reinforced through dike reinforcement? In this guide the existing spatial qualities are described and design principles are formulated for dike reinforcement.
The main part of the dike between Gorinchem and Waardenburg does not meet the current standard and consequently needs to be reinforced. This dike reinforcement is a ‘leading project’ within the new Delta Programme. As part of the exploratory phase of the project a number of conditioning studies are conducted, among others, a Spatial Quality guide.
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DIKE IS PARTLY ASSIGNED TO PRIVATE USERS WHO LIVE CLOSE TO THE DIKE
The position of the dike in the landscape has changed due to consecutive reinforcements. With the current dike reinforcement, we will be building on the past and will be adding a new layer. The ambition is to increase the recognizability of the dike and to create a clear boundary in the landscape.
Four conditioning studies were conducted as part of the exploratory phase of this project (Mobility, Ecology, Archeology and Cultural history). H+N+S has drawn up the Spatial Quality guide which incorporates the results of these studies.
The existing qualities of the area have been identified and valued in collaboration with residents and users of the dike during three studio sessions with the sounding board and an excursion.
Local qualities are maintained through tailored solutions but we will also devote greater attention to the recognizability of the dike as a whole. To this end we will design a continuous ‘base profile’ and we will improve the dike at ‘invisible’ locations.
The dike has become higher and wider over time. By earthing-up supporting slopes on the adjoining ground and transferring the use to private users, the management by the water board will be reduced significantly.
Certain locations have special qualities or require improvement of existing qualities. For these locations we will develop an integrated design.
