The plan presents strategic and spatial solutions for changes in the Dune and Bulb Region of the western Netherlands. Demarcated by a river (the Rhine), lakes (Kagerplassen) a polder (Haarlemmermeer) and two towns (Heemstede and Haarlem), this area has a dramatic transformation in store. Its future depends to a large degree on developments at present under way in agriculture and the 'mainport' of Schiphol. Other key factors include the increasingly ageing population and the set of water-related problems. The complexity of this situation requires a flexible future strategy, all the more so to create the space needed to accommodate the intricate decision-making processes and conflicting interests. I abandoned the original idea of drawing up a masterplan with a clear-cut outcome in favour of developing a regional plan which could then be used to guide the spatial and economic developments. Keeping in mind the planning constraints obtaining on site, certain impossibilities and the area's characteristics and potentials, I defined three unique and desirable outcomes or models. Each model is marked by the specific direction its development takes.

• Model I Greenport
  The greenport model seeks to optimize the region for agricultural use, making space for bulb growing as the principal activity. This means large parcels of land as well as a good supportive infrastructure including optimum conditions for transportation and auction facilities. The ongoing urban development in the region is one of the biggest threats for the model and will therefore have to be kept to a minimum.
• Model II Just green, no port
  Given the real possibility of an agricultural sector in retreat, the bulb fields have here been turned into green and space for rural homes. The main objective is to exploit the qualities of the bulb region to the full. This is done by stitching together green structures and using and bringing out the wide diversity of landscapes.
• Model III Competitive Cluster
  The competitive cluster model is based on the cluster theory of the American economist Michael Porter. The model relates to a location with sufficient raw materials and competencies, knowledge and entrepreneurial urge to present a 'critical mass'. This would be the bulb-growing industry in the case of the Dune and Bulb Region. Other key factors are its dunes and beaches, Schiphol and the town of Leiden with its bio-science park and university. This model describes the region's division into three zones, for dwelling, services, and cultivation & research.

Besides the distinctive hallmarks of the different models, the region is beset with a number of fundamental problems. These will need solving first, regardless of which strategy is adopted. These are the plan's 'basic interventions', which include adapting the water system, expanding the boezem or reservoir system for surplus polder water, laying out peak storage reservoirs and enlarging the infrastructure system.

The three models were set together and compared. Their overlapping characteristics combined with the basic interventions present a series of 'points of interest and development' which serve as a sturdy basis for developing the region, with room for making choices at a later stage. The points of interest and development are set down in a strategic map as projects or 'nodes'. A number of the nodes have been developed. These and the overlapping elements are not intended to give a conclusive signature to this proposal; their purpose is to translate the abstract strategic map into projects. The overlapping elements and nodes give new identity and strength to the Dune and Bulb Region. This brings the eventuality of a strong fifth urban region in the 'Delta metropolis' a lot closer.

I set out to show that by resolving nodes and carrying out sub-projects to a strategy chosen beforehand, it is possible to develop the Dune and Bulb Region into a sturdy entity of great economic and social durability and a strong identity of its own. It is an illusion, however, to think that this plan fixes the layout of the Dune and Bulb Region; it is merely the first step. To achieve one of the outcomes described above will mean exploring the relevant influences and wishes, as well as working up the nodes and sub-plans in greater detail.

Place of education: TU Delft
Specialization: Urban design
Tutors: Joost Schrijnen, Inge Bobbink, Sybrand Tjallingii