The rising sea level, soil subsidence and changes in the regime of rivers requires, on the landscape-infrastructural front, a suitably modified and renewed Netherlands including a new link between the Boven-Rijn (Upper Rhine) and IJssel rivers. Our project (whose title makes play of 'overlaat' which means both overflow channel and to leave in place) proposes both a site for this link, and its design in relation to the surrounding landscape. The plan elaborates on a high-profile scheme by WL Delft Hydraulics for the future of the Rhine.

At peak discharge, water is released from the Rhine into the area via a number of overfalls. A system of channels and islands (on which further urbanization of the area between Westervoort and Didam can proceed) distributes the water to the basin. This collecting basin becomes entirely or partly full, depending on the volume of water. Level with Doesburg the water leaves the basin in a northerly direction towards the IJssel via a controllable system of overfalls. The lowest parts of the basin overflow freely, generating natural wetlands. The relatively high parts of the basin provide space for new country estates and country seats with interesting potentialities for housing. In times of flooding these areas lie like islands in an expanse of water. The remaining areas leave space for more or less intensive agricultural use, depending on the frequency and intensity of the inundations.

The spatial elements have been worked out in greater detail in development sketches. Both the dynamic and the visual form taken by the water will dictate the area's future spatial development, based on the original differentiation here in the Great River Lowlands.

Place of education: LU Wageningen
Specialization: landschapsarchitectuur/landscape architecture
Tutor: Michael van Buuren