“an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks� -merriam webster
ADVENTURE AGENDA. a narrative of personal excursions related to Dutch design thinking and processes
cities on water | MLA 14 | spencerbauer
de Hoge Veluwe An expansive and actively managed Dutch National Park, De Hoge Veluwe was what I would consider my first true adventure in the Netherlands. Schedules were dropped, bikes were assigned, and 5,400 hectares of open Dutch landscape were before me. Winding through mature forests and sweeping dune landscapes my first thought was not to blink. Hailing from the driftless area of Northwestern Wisconsin I am no stranger to adverse and alternate terrain conditions, that some may consider dwarf in comparison, but it was the subtle diferences that struck me most. In such a flat country you would be surprised the effect slight topographical, viewshed, and temperature changes that you notice. This was my first taste of Dutch “nature� and one of the most powerful landscapes I was able to visit. The scale, diversity, and character truly define the Dutch view on landscape space and ideals.
path.
how did we get here?
Being one of the most densely populated countries in the world it was interesting to be exposed to the importance natural areas have with Dutch people. In contrast it was even more interesting to explore their own definition of nature. Comparing this to many natural areas within the United States it became immediately clear the level of management and control that go into these landscapes. The connection and interplay between vertical and horizontal structure is instilled throughout the park. Underbrush and fallen timber is cleared allowing for a strong exposure of the verticallity of trees, most evident in the many allees within the landscape. Expansive dunes and viewsheds litter the park as a relief from the columnar form of the forest depths. The idea and feeling of this compression and relief is repeated throughout in an effort to shape user experience.
enclosure.
what is real?
A rarity for a country so saturated with water, dune formations are celebrated within The Netherlands. Such expanses made me feel small and miniscule in relation to my surroundings. These arid micro-climates oppose mature cool forests that roll over the surrounding hills. Exposing myself to the dunes will be one of the most memorable experiences of the park. Where water did appear on the park it was exhibited as a celebrated piece instead of a controlled element of infrastructure. Large ponds and bogs replaced canals in dikes. The water was embraced, not opposed as an integral piece of the park structure. Of all the national parks we were able to visit, Hoge Veluwe stands as a vital example of historic Dutch landscapes.
expanse.
what is beyond?
immerse.
where do I go?
Maarrsseveensche Plassen Adventure doesn’t always mean going big and taking risks, sometimes adventures are simply getting away for a while. Living in the center of the city gave me a taste of the urban formation and character of Utrecht, but what I was really interested in was how do I get out of here? My search for solitude found me atop a Dutch chariot, the bicycle. I headed north to escape the city for an afternoon and was greeted by a sharp edge that defined the urban boundary. For this particular afternoon, the grass truly was “greener� on the other side as I stumbled upon a manmade lake within a larger park network.
obstacle.
what stands in the way?
A lake made from an old sand pit provided sand for a city and water for the people. It was originally surprising to me that a country full of water doesn’t have more opportunities such as this. Most of the water is heavily controlled for infrastructural purposes absent of recreational opportunities. However, it was fascinating to hear the effort of this project from a local resident. A resident who extended her own experiences and kayaks to us in an effort to showcase an area she is proud of. A relaxing afternoon on the water allowed me to experience the arrangement of the canals from a firsthand approach. This relaxing adventure became a pivotal piece to helping me understand the function and order of rural Dutch canals and waterscapes.
The Dutch attitude towards water infrastructure and design was instilled in me in the simplest form on this particular excursion. Our local host, Edmee and her husband had constructed a primitive ferry to cross the canal by their home to access the park land of the Maarrsseveensche adjacent to their neighborhood. After infrastructural changes were needed to upgrade the canals, the bridge they had always crossed needed to be replaced. Their solution? A personal ferry for themselves and neighbours. This simple act encompasses the adaptations the Dutch are constantly making in an effort to stay a step ahead of anything that comes their way. This acceptance embodies the ability and views of Dutch design within the landscape.
adapt.
why change?
Island of Texel My final Dutch adventure came in the form of a day trip to the island of Texel. The island is the largest and most populated of the Frisian Islands and was a must-see before I set sail for Istanbul. The only goal of the trip was to make it to the island, the rest of the schedule was on the fly. For a spur of the moment trip, the adventure proved to be one of the most inspiring elements of my travels. Upon arrival it seemed like the only option was to experience the island in Dutch fashion atop a bicycle. Briefly referencing a map we headed for the dunescapes that armour the west-side of the island. Still nealry 7 kilometers from the dunes the flat landscape revealed endless rolling mounds silhouetted by a backdrop of trees.
construct.
how to do it?
Arriving at our destination revealed an expanse of rolling dunes littered with signs of a variety of wildlife. Far in the horizon the silhouettes and clamouring of birds echoed as the wind swept inland. As we trekked closer to the action we spotted a lone cow grazing the hillsides. The Dutch idea of wildlife would be thought of more as a glorified petting zoo in the states, but is something truly special to many natural areas. Upon closer inspection we found the cow standing guard over her young in the grass. At this moment I felt a stark correlation between this evolutionary principle and the defensive Dutch approach to water. This vision also began to evoke shifts in this thought among Dutch engineering and their ability to embrace and work with water as opposed to against it.
defend.
what is the approach?
Throughout this particular adventure we never truly knew where we were headed. The idea that something new, something different could be over each hill kept us moving on. With a tight window to explore such an expansive landscape we wanted to take in as much as we could so that we could in turn take away more than we came with. The end of this adventure in a sense embodied the entire experience for me. The Netherlands was one big island and as an adventurer I wanted to make sure I saw, documented, and absorbed as much as humanly possible. Did I uncover every stone or cross every hill? No, but I sure as hell tried.
explore.
where are we going?
Known worldwide for innovative water engineering, the Dutch are adventurers stuck in the body of designers. By definition, an adventurer is not afraid to take risks or encounter danger. They push the limits and are consistently looking at the road ahead. Things can always and will always be better, so why not be the one to do it? The adherence and attitude towards this design thought process has consistently kept their heads above water, literally. As I begin to formulate my own thoughts, principles, and styles in the design world I hope to embrace my inner adventurer as I move forward in my professional career.