Publications
Urbanisation of former city fortifications in The Netherlands between 1805 and 2013
The Dutch Water Defence Lines have undergone significant transformations from their original military purpose to modern urban and ecological functions. This study identifies three key phases in the evolution of these fortifications: construction (from castles to defense lines), dismantling and urbanization (1805–1951), and current spatial character and revitalization. The research reveals that revitalization strategies vary, ranging from full reconstruction to narrative approaches, with implications for heritage preservation, water management, ecology, and urban identity. By analyzing these mechanisms of transformation, the study provides actionable insights for city planners and landscape architects to strengthen historic inner cities and enhance urban identity. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive heritage approaches in balancing historical integrity with contemporary needs.
Gereanimeerd erfgoed: Nationaal project Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie als format voor het landschapsbeleid
A national project revitalizing the Dutch Water Defence Lines (Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie) demonstrates how integrated landscape policy can balance heritage preservation, ecological management, and regional development. This initiative successfully merged cultural heritage conservation with landscape protection, tourism, and water policy, offering a model for managing large-scale historical landscapes. The project's approach, rooted in identifying historically based boundaries and artifacts, provides a framework for future landscape strategies that address the complex interplay of conservation, utilization, and adaptation. By synthesizing multiple policy domains—including monument preservation, nature conservation, and recreation—the project showcases an innovative method for addressing the challenges of modern landscape management.
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