This graduation project constructs dwelling forms that relate to nature in such a way as to safeguard it. A major feature of the design is whether architecture can figure in wetland areas where natural processes obtain. The relationship between dwelling and landscape is something that has scarcely been addressed in the Netherlands. Town and country are neatly held apart - this in the face of the great need for living in natural surroundings. Not to forget the tens of thousands of hectares of nature being added. What with the rising sea level and excess rainfall, the chance of flooding is steadily increasing. Large areas of land will have to serve for water storage to prevent flooding elsewhere. These at times contradictory needs and developments are the source of inspiration for Nature Super Vision.

Nature Super Vision proposes coupling water storage with developing new wetland nature. In begins by scooping out the Bakerwaard area on the river IJSSEL south of Zutphen to obtain sufficient storage capacity to serve as overspill for the local stream (Baakse Beek). Four sub-areas separated by dikes each get their own water level. Two of the sub-areas - reed marsh and marshy woodland - are to receive dams variously aligned and subject over time to erosion by wind and waves. Sited between the dams are floating houses, whose shelter will cause the vegetation to develop better. These houses will leave their mark even when moved. All house types are self-supporting, and exploit rainwater and the local energy. Sunlight, wind, biomass and differences in water levels are converted into heat, electricity and kinetic energy. Aspects foregrounded in the architecture of the houses are the timber structure, the relationship between open and closed and the reception of energy and rainwater. Their order of importance varies per house type. The houses are able to change with the seasons. By opening up the frontage in fine weather, or even moving parts of the house out of doors, life in and around the house can directly engage the immediate surroundings. The architecture responds to the elements by playing a game with them.

Nature Super Vision can solve water problems, reinstate the ecological link between the region of natural value round Hackfort and the flood plains of the river IJSSEL, create new living environments and generate an architecture of particularity. Many areas in the Netherlands threatened with flooding might be restructured along these lines.

Place of education: Amsterdam
Specialization: architectuur/architecture
Tutors: Martin Wijnen, Robbert de Koning & Jan-Richard Kikkert