THE MEUSE NEXUS: BRIDGING PAST AND FUTURE
MAASTRICHT
LOW LANDS ATLAS Q1 R&D Studio Academic Year 2023-2024
Vaibhav Kumar Bansal 5735904 Studio mentor : Francesca Rizzeto Date : 31.10.2023
Contents Introduction
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Guiding Theme Navigating Time and Terrain Multifaceted impact of bridges on Urban Evolution
Environmental Analysis
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2050 Flood Prediction Drought sensitivity to groundwater
Urban Mapping
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Capturing the Present Urban Landscape Urban Vitality Urban Fabric Analysis Transforming Traffic Perspective Mapping
What if.....
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Design Blueprint Impact on different sectors The transformative impact of major hotspots in the city
Design Process
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Program Distribution Balancing Preservation and Progress in Riverfront Development Riverside Activity Mapping Riverside Renaissance Transforming Waterfront Edges into Vibrant Urban Spaces Revitalizing Urban Streetscapes
Prospects for Future Urban Development Initiatives
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Embracing the Future What’s Next?
Group Work
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Scenario Elements Structural Plan City Centre Concept Integration and Conflicts Resolution
Reflection
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Guiding Theme - Transformative role of bridges in City Development Bridges are integral to cities, for they are the lifelines where urban development and connectivity thrive, transforming spaces into vibrant city centers. The project envisions a city’s future by creatively reshaping the urban landscape, with bridges as transformative elements that enhance the riverfront, turning it into a dynamic public realm where connection and development thrive. In consideration of the city’s future amidst the effects of climate change, this project will primarily focus on resilience against flooding.
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Introduction
Roman Period
Early Medieval - 1250 AD
Late Medival - 1588 AD
Industrial Rev - 1748 AD
Post Word War I -1938 AD
2023
Source: Topotijdreis: 200 jaar topografische kaarten. (n.d.-c). Topotijdreis. https://www.topotijdreis.nl/
Maastricht’s historic evolution is a captivating journey through time. Founded by the Romans around 50 BC, it was a crucial crossroads in the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, it endured invasions, changes of power, and played a significant role in European history. Its architecture reflects this history, with well-preserved medieval buildings, remnants of Roman walls, and a unique blend of Dutch and European influences.
Navigating Time and Terrain: Maas River and Urban Transformation With Maastricht being named after the river, & this landscape feature plays an important part in the city’s identity. The Meuse has its source in France and flows through Belgium and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, the Meuse is the southernmost of the major rivers and flows into the North Sea in the Dutch river delta. Source: Pouilly-en-Bassigny, Le Châtelet-sur-Meuse, Haute-Marne, Grand Est, France; elevation 409 m Mouth: Hollands Diep, North Brabant/South Holland, Netherlands; elevation 0 m Physical Characteristics: Length - 925 km (575 mi); Basin size - 34,548 km2; Discharge average - 350 m3/s Source: Map Viewer. (n.d.). https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html
River Maas Tributary Rivers Catchment Area Major Cities
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Introduction
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75
150 km
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Bridges in the Netherlands
1850 AD
1940 AD
2020 AD
Multifaceted impact of bridges on Urban Evolution Bridges in Maastricht have been integral to the city’s evolution. Historically, they facilitated trade and connectivity. Today, they serve as landmarks, promote urban growth, and manage traffic. Maastricht’s bridges blend history with modernity, shaping the city’s evolution. Source 1: Topotijdreis: 200 jaar topografische kaarten. (n.d.-c). Topotijdreis. https://www. topotijdreis.nl/ Source 2 : Map Viewer. (n.d.). https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html
Country Borders Railways 1850 Cities 1940 Cities 2020 Cities Minor Roads Major Roads
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Introduction
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75
150 km
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0 cm
20 cm
50 cm
200 cm
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0
750
1500m
2050 Flood Predictions (City level)
2050 Flood Prediction While designing, the integration of a flood prediction map for Maastricht serves as a vital tool to inform and shape resilient urban solutions that mitigate flood risks, ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of the city. Source: Data opvragen - Klimaateffectatlas. (n.d.). https://www.klimaateffectatlas.nl/nl/ data-opvragen
0cm 20cm 50cm 200cm Maastricht City Border
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Environmental Analysis
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2.5
5 km
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2.5
5 km
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2.5
5 km
0 Risk of drought stress - Current
42 0 Risk of drought stress - 2050
Drought sensitivity to groundwater Sensitivity to drought and groundwater-dependent ecosystems shapes resilient, sustainable urban design, safeguarding against climate change impacts. Source: Data opvragen - Klimaateffectatlas. (n.d.). https://www.klimaateffectatlas.nl/nl/ data-opvragen
0-344 233-1352 1352-4395 4395-14861 14861-1674134495 Maastricht City Border
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Environmental Analysis
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2.5
5 km
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Capturing the Present Urban Landscape This map highlights photos capturing the city’s current condition, providing visual insights into its present state. These marked photos offer a window into the current urban landscape, helping to understand the city’s dynamics and needs.
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Urban Mapping
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500
1000 m
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0
750
1500 m
Built/Open
Built Unbuilt River Hilly Terrain
Urban Vitality: The Role of Public and Semi-Public Spaces Public and semi-public spaces are the glue that binds a city together. Parks, plazas, and community centers offer places for relaxation, learning, and social interaction. These spaces promote community engagement, foster a sense of belonging, and enrich the city’s vitality and connectivity. They also infuse neighborhoods with energy, making them more lively, bustling, and sometimes a touch noisier, but ultimately, more vibrant. Source: Tu.ResearchData. (n.d.). 3D Registration of Buildings and Addresses (BAG) 2020 (dataset). https://data.4tu.nl/articles/dataset/3D_Registration_of_Buildings_and_Addresses_BAG_2020/13088933/1
Public Spaces Semi-Public Spaces Impact circles on Neighborhood
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Urban Mapping
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500
1000 m
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Urban Fabric Analysis The built-use plan has helped to gain in-depth understanding of the urban fabric of the city by depicting land use designations in different areas. In addition, a percentage chart based on this map illustrates the distribution of land uses, offering a quick overview of how land is allocated. This chart is invaluable for making informed decisions about program distribution, infrastructure, and urban development. Built-Use Percentage
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Urban Mapping
Source: Tu.ResearchData. (n.d.). 3D Registration of Buildings and Addresses (BAG) 2020 (dataset). https://data.4tu.nl/articles/dataset/3D_Registration_of_Buildings_and_Addresses_BAG_2020/13088933/1
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1000 m
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1500 m
Major Nodes
Transforming Traffic: Impact of a Ring Road on Urban Mobility The transportation map, featuring added ring road, highlights a significant shift in the city’s traffic patterns, with the once busy old main road along the river now experiencing reduced congestion. This change reflects the city’s commitment to improving its transportation system, resulting in a more efficient and enjoyable urban experience, even though it has resulted in a disconnection between the two sides of the river. Source: Geofabrik download server. (n.d.-d). https://download.geofabrik.de/europe.html
Primary Roads Ring Road Old Road Secondary Roads
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Urban Mapping
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500
1000 m
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Perspective through streets
Perspective Mapping I created a visual map of perspective lines along the canal, illustrating how streets transform into a captivating perspective view when observed from the river’s edge. This unique perspective allows one to experience the city through its varying built heights, creating a dynamic connection between the city’s major landmarks.
Perspective lines River’s edge showing perspective section
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Urban Mapping
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500
1000 m
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Perspective Sketches
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750
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1500 m
Challenges
Road along the River
Dikes breaking connection
City road between pedestrians
Gray Areas
What if..... the river itself becomes the cultural hub and acts as a connector instead of divider. This strategic focus area will serve as the focal point of the urban transformation initiative, where strategic interventions and cultural enhancements converge to connect the city along the riverfront. Presently, the city’s riverfront lacks vitality, with a major road running alongside the canal, severing the visual connection between the city and the river, thus diminishing the overall urban experience.
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What if
Strategic Intervention Site
Visual connection along the egdes
Slope to accomodate flooding
Connecting with Maas
Edges treatment Design Blueprint: Strategies and Interventions Imagining Maastrict where Maas is no longer dividing but instead uniting its people. This vision involves revitalizing the riverfront, transforming it into a thriving connector for locals and visitors. By creating pedestrianfriendly walkways, cultural hubs, and attractions, it can attract more tourists and invigorate the local economy. The development plan encompasses infrastructure enhancements and mixed-use spaces, promoting industrial growth. A well-coordinated marketing campaign will bring recognition and, importantly, community involvement ensures a sense of ownership, cementing the riverfront’s role as the heart of the city’s cultural and economic resurgence. Integrated waterfront development Site Lines/Vistas City Enchantment trail Additional Canal Major Activites
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What if
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1000 m
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Impact on different sectors
Transportation
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750
1500 m
Hospitality Business This graph depicts the built space dedicated to hotels or accommodations. As evident from the graph, it has illustrated fluctuations over the past decade, indicating that the tourism sector is not experiencing the same growth as it did previously. This project aims to bolster tourism, thereby contributing to an economic upturn. Source: Netherlands, S. (2023, August 25). CBS - Statistics Netherlands. Statistics Netherlands. https://www.cbs. nl/en-gb
Maastricht
The Transformative Impact of Major Hotspots in the City Introducing major hotspots in a city accelerates: Tourism: Boosting visitor numbers, driving revenue, and job creation in the hospitality and service industry. Economy: Higher spending, increased business activity, and tax revenue, benefitting the local economy and fostering job growth. Infrastructure: Enhancing city infrastructure to accommodate the influx of tourists and residents. Recognition: Elevating the city’s profile nationally and internationally, attracting more visitors, investment, and development. Cultural Complexes Open/Green Infrastructure Learning and Wellness Facilities Local shops, Cafes, restaurants
Current scenario 28
What if
Projected scenario
Impact on Inhabitants
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500
1000 m
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New Activities
Program Distribution Cultural Complexes - Community centres, Markets, Restaurants Green Infrastructure - Open plaza, Public parks, Learning and Wellness Facilities
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Design process
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750
1500 m
Built Year
1000-1500AD
1501-1800AD
1801-1950AD
1950-2023AD
Community Library
Educational Programs Tousrist Information Centre Readptive use of an Old Paper Mill
Balancing Preservation and Progress in Riverfront Development To rejuvenate the riverfront areas and introduce new activities, it is necessary to consider the removal of certain structures with limited heritage significance. Simultaneously, aim is to repurpose and modify the functions of selected buildings to reduce the need for demolition, promoting sustainable urban development and preserving valuable architectural heritage. Source: Geofabrik download server. (n.d.-d). https://download.geofabrik.de/europe.html
Structures to be demolished Adaptive Re-use
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Design process
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1000 m
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Apartments
Commercial
Museum
Residential
Synagogue
Cathdral
Hospital
Office
Retail
Railway Station
Chapel Church
Hotel House
Parking Public
School Sports Centre
University
Civic
Industrial
Recreational
Stadium
Existing Built Use
Riverside Activity Mapping By creating a comprehensive activity map along the river, this project aims to infuse vibrancy throughout the entire stretch connecting the city to the riverfront. This initiative enlivens the river corridor with a diverse range of engaging activities, promoting community interaction, recreational opportunities, and cultural exchange, thus revitalizing the heart of the city. Source: Geofabrik download server. (n.d.-d). https://download.geofabrik.de/europe.html
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Design process
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1000 m
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Plaza Promenade
River Edges
Floating Restaurant & other activities
Flooding Scenario
Lively Streetscape
Restaurants & Cafes Riverside Renaissance: A Vision for Vibrancy, Culture, and Nature Imagining several exciting activities to enrich the experience along the river corridor. The Carnival Plaza, at the heart of the development, will be a lively hub for events, performances, and community gatherings, providing a sense of celebration to the area. A riverside restaurant will offer picturesque dining experiences, allowing visitors to savor delicious cuisine while enjoying scenic river views. For those seeking an extended stay, a riverside hotel will provide comfortable accommodations, blending relaxation with nature’s beauty. To preserve the river’s natural environment, a riparian buffer will be established, ensuring the protection of this vital ecosystem. Additionally, various plazas throughout the area will serve as welcoming spaces for relaxation, recreation, and cultural exchange, making this project a diverse and engaging destination for residents and visitors alike. 36
Design process
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500
1000 m
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Meeting, Incentive, Convention & Exhibition Centre
Sports Field During Maastricht Carnival
City Park & Carnival Plaza
Riverside Hotel View
Riparian Buffer
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750
1500 m
2050 Flooding Preduictio Map
Flooding Predictions Existing Dikes
1 Proposed River Promenade
Existing Condition
Transforming Waterfront Edges into Vibrant Urban Spaces Riverside Rhapsody is a visionary project that reimagines the edges of the city’s riverfront, seamlessly blending the natural beauty of the water with innovative urban design. The revitalized riverbanks boast a dynamic mix of natural, sloped, and stepped elements, creating inviting spaces for both relaxation and recreation. This transformation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the river’s edge but also introduces an array of engaging activities, including serene nature walks, picnic spots etc. These edges are flood-resilient, featuring stepped and sloped edges that serve as effective flood defenses. These elements ensure the city’s mobility and livelihood remain intact, even during flood situations, while preserving the beauty and recreational aspects of the riverfront. Source: Data opvragen - Klimaateffectatlas. (n.d.). https://www.klimaateffectatlas.nl/nl/ data-opvragen
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Design process
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500
1000 m
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Dikes to protect from flooding
Peaceful seating spots after activities
Tranquil waterside
1
River serenity trail along a park
Riverfront quatic adventures
Portside Promenade on piles
Tranquil Zen Zone
Riparian Buffer
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750
1500 m
Key Plan
Shops Spillover
Pedestrian Zone
Planting/ Furnishing
Kerb Lane
Bike Facility
Buffer Space
Car Lane
Carnival celebration path
Revitalizing Urban Streetscapes Proposed green corridoors or central vista connecting major plazas, offers a seamless transition between the bustling cityscape and tranquil moments providing a unique view of the city’s splendors. These sightlines are carefully curated, framing iconic landmarks and offering glimpses of the vibrant festivities. Winding through the heart of the city, the Carnival Celebration Path not only ushers in the spirit of festivity but also unveils a visual spectacle. Sightlines from the major landmarks Sightlines along the river edge Carnival celebration path Major landmarks Vistas
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Design process
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100
200 m
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Central Vista
Carnival Parade Route
Vistas connecting the epicenter Central Vista During Flood
Section Central Vista
Diverging plazas & river sightlines
Slokop
Aggregate
Drain
Wadi System Concept
Embracing the Future: The Potential of Wadi Systems While the scope of our current project focused on other aspects of revitalization, the idea of integrating a Wadi system deserves attention from future endeavors. This innovative approach involves the creation of specially designed areas that can temporarily hold excess water during heavy rains, reducing the risk of flooding in urban areas. Incorporating such water management solutions opens up new possibilities for further exploration and development in planning and design. What’s Next? It’s essential to note that this research open is left open for future potential projects. These endeavors can delve deeper into the intricacies of architectural design or explore broader urban connections within the city, such as the creation of heritage walks and the implementation of sustainable urban planning. By doing so, the goal is to foster a dynamic and continuously evolving riverfront that becomes a canvas for innovative ideas and transformative developments.
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Prospects for Future Urban Development Initiatives
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1000 m
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Scenario Elements What if the Netherlands is flooded in 2100? In this context, a majority of people and critical aspects that are essential for the operation of a nation, such as education, governance, and business will require substantial replacement. Considering the scenario, Maastricht becomes a suitable alternative to house these functions because of its elevated natural terrain. Maastricht as the new capital would include the development of new business centres, education hubs and cultural facilities all interconnected by a network of green corridors and public transportation. Through the expansion of the city, the existing centre transforms into the cultural epicenter along the seasonally expanding and contracting Maas river. The entire city is connected to the Maas and its tributaries through a Blue-Green network aimed at water detention. Maastricht becomes a central node in a highspeed network spanning North-Western Europe.
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Group Work
‘Sponge’ Cultural Hub along the Maas
Cultural Hub along the Waterstructure
Low Density residential Area
High Density Area Spatial Qualities through Collages
Structural Plan The structural map on the right illustrates the integration of three distinct concepts. First, it showcases the creation of a Blue-Green network, connecting nature with the Maas River, which spans the city along multiple axis and intersects various transit corridors. This network not only serves to prevent flooding but also acts as a water detention system. Along these Green and Transit Corridors, new urban expansion is planned, providing space for incorporating functions from the Randstad, ranging from cultural to business centers, into the widened city. To ensure seamless connectivity within the city and its surrounding region, diverse levels of transit infrastructure are strategically placed. Another vital aspect of the structure plan involves enhancing the connection of people with the Maas by introducing various functions along the River. Additionally, new sightlines connect people with the Mass, enhancing accessibility and views. Finally, to provide a visual perspective of this new city structure, several collages depict four locations within the city, each featuring a range of functions.
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Group Work
Conceptual Section of Maastricht in 2100 Urban Blue-Green Infrastructure
City Centre In this urban transformation, the riverfront shifts from being a divisive force to a unifying element. The Maas River will serve as the city’s cultural hub, connecting people and revitalizing the urban landscape. Currently, the riverfront lacks vibrancy due to a major road that disrupts the city-river connection. The vision is to transform it into an inviting space, with pedestrian-friendly areas, cultural attractions, and mixed-use spaces. This transformation will attract more visitors and impact extends to tourism, the economy, infrastructure, and global recognition, making Maastricht an even more appealing and prosperous place for everyone. In the proposed plan, the existing city structure becomes the cultural heart of the expanded city. Consequently, the introduction of trams or metros are essential.
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Group Work
Section High Speed Corridor
Section Riverfront
Expectations and Learnings Coming from a different background and having previously embraced a different ideology of work, my experience in this program has been marked by a significant shift in perspective. My expectations when I applied to TU Delft were centered around the idea that the Netherlands, with its rich history of urbanism, would provide the ideal environment for learning in this field. In the past quarter, I've undergone a significant shift in my approach to urban planning, leading to a more structured and systematic understanding of this complex field. Before coming here as an architect, I was accustomed to working within a highly confined zone, where restrictions and limitations often defined the scope of my projects. Consequently, I’ve come to recognize that effective urban planning is not a linear journey, as I once thought. It's not about simply progressing from territorial to neighborhood and street levels in a predetermined order. Rather, it involves a dynamic and iterative process that often requires revisiting and zooming in and out of different scales. A clear instance of this change in my perspective was when I delved into designing the Maastricht riverfront. Initially, I assumed that the impact of such a project would be confined to the immediate urban area. However, I quickly grasped the significance of zooming out to the inter-country level to understand the river's origins and its influence on the cities along its course. This experience taught me that urban planning goes beyond rigid boundaries and demands a holistic approach. Unifying Voices: Crafting an Urban Vision Together Collaborating within a group setting is an intricate process that demands not only individual commitment but also the ability to synergize diverse perspectives and talents. The effectiveness of our group work hinged on open and structured communication, where all three of us actively engaged in discussions, valuing and integrating each other's ideas. This collaborative experience has underscored the effectiveness of our teamwork and our collective ability to assimilate distinct concepts and transform conflicts into innovative solutions. An integral aspect of my role was to refine the written content within our final group work, ensuring the effective conveyance of our ideas in a formal and professional manner. Our journey culminated in the development of a unified and comprehensive plan that artfully summarizes the diversity of perspectives and ideas contributed by our team. Refining My Vision: Assessing Gaps in Urbanism In the evaluation of my individual project, I identified areas that required further analysis. Notably, I recognized the absence of assessments related to existing activities along the river and within the city, including their impact on the community. Additionally, my project predominantly focused on flooding, overlooking concerns about drought and the analysis of pedestrian and bike lanes. Given the constraints of time and the comprehensive nature of citylevel work, I had to make strategic limitations. Nevertheless, I effectively conveyed my vision through sketches and graphics, resulting in a satisfactory overall experience. Theoretical Foundation: Bridges in Urban Design From the project's outset, my guiding theme centered on the transformative role of bridges in city development. The vision was to creatively reshape the urban landscape, with bridges as catalysts for enhancing the riverfront and turning it into a dynamic public realm, fostering connectivity and development. As the project unfolded, it became evident that this vision aligned effectively with the project's theoretical framework, achieving the goal of justifying the work within this context. The focus on resilience against flooding, in light of climate change, further validated the project's theoretical foundations, ultimately reinforcing the significance of bridges in urban design.
My reflective text encapsulates the convergence of diverse themes, from redefining urban perspectives to contributing to a unified and comprehensive structural plan. Personal evolution in urbanism, shifting from rigid boundaries to holistic thinking. Valuable group collaboration experiences and project insights. Embracing bridges for resilient city development.