The city of Utrecht is investigating the possibilities for a modern urban district in the agricultural meadow landscape of polder Rijnenburg. Living, working, biodiversity, climate adaptation and clean energy should come together here. Alongside soil and water, archaeological research is one of the starting points of this development. In design research, we looked for smart ways to enable a heritage-friendly development process. To this end, municipal archaeologist Erik Graafstal organised two design workshops with AORTA and created a website full of archaeological and cultural-historical information about the area. Archaeological research has also been carried out outside, providing new insights. A wealth of history is hidden under the level turf.
In two workshops in spring 2024, organised by AORTA and the city, experts and stakeholders, led by studio master Maike van Stiphout, sketched on the past as inspiration for the future of polder Rijnenburg.
The basics
Existing analysis maps from the 2008 DS cultural heritage analysis were used, supplemented by an update based on new information such as archaeological research; expert lectures; reference images and participants’ input.
Atelier 1 – planes, lines, points
In the first workshop, we delved deeper into basic relicts in the area: physical-geographical structures, river courses, allotment patterns and settlements found by occupation period. These are all possible design leads. These elements can be categorised into planes, lines and points, with their interrelationships and meanings being particularly important.
We then looked at how we could let these planes, lines and points from key periods influence the new plan development in their interrelationships. Are there examples elsewhere, and what could it look like in polder Rijnenburg?
The synthesis of the knowledge and ideas gathered from the first atelier is reflected in a number of new base maps on which we further sketched in the second atelier.
Atelier 2 – climate and water, legibility of heritage and social fabric
In the second atelier, we explored and outlined how archaeological and heritage values, can guide water management, climate adaptation and biodiversity in area development.
How can we move from material to meaning? We collected examples and discovered opportunities for a living environment in which archaeology and cultural history are recognisably incorporated into water management, climate adaptation and biodiversity.
Conclusion
Based on the outcomes of the two workshops, we have defined four smart building blocks for creating development scenarios in which archaeology and cultural history are guiding. These are: water management (water), soil (soil), spatial carriers (planes, lines, points) and social bonding.
On the Aorta website, we describe the characteristics of the four building blocks and how they can be used in the future development of the area.
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