TGJ Communicatie Open Desing Competition expertrapport

EXPERTREPORT Public Ideas Competition World Sustainability Centre Afsluitdijk

2009

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EXPERTREPORT

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Public Ideas Competition World Sustainability Centre Afsluitdijk

01 INTRODUCTION

November 2nd 2009

Authors:

Han Brezet

Marcel Crul

Mark Andrik

TU Delft, Faculty Industrial Design Engineering,

Design for Sustainability Programme

Editor:

Tineke van der Schoor

Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen

BackgroundThe Public Ideas Competition World Sustainability

Centre Afsluitdijk resulted in 80 design proposals,

which contained a wealth of information, inspiring

ideas and creative solutions. In this expert report

we will be elaborating on relevant aspects regar-

ding sustainability emerging from this entries.

We aim to contribute to the development of a pro-

gramme of requirements for the World Sustaina-

bility Centre on the Afsluitdijk.

The expert opinions summarized in this report

are meant as recommendations for the “Stich-

ting Duurzaamheidscentrum Afsluitdijk” and it’s

future designers and builders, in order to foster

the sustainability profile of the Sustainability

Centre, once the decision making process is

completed. The insights can underpin the criteria

the building and the location has to comply with,

and also supply additional aspects to be taken

into account.

AssignmentThe experts were asked to assess a selection of

entries, based on their expertise. Three experts

assessed all entries. In this way all entries were

assessed on several important aspects of sustai-

nability. Furthermore the experts were asked to

give suggestions for improvement.

Next, a workshop was held in which the experts

exchanged and discussed their ideas. This report

summarizes the findings of this creative process.

DisclaimerThis expert report is independent from the work

done by the International Jury of the competition.

All entries are taken into consideration because

each of them may have unique positive aspects

without being nominated or among the prize

winners. No communication has taken place with

the Jury on their selection or opinions. Not all

entries were assessed by each expert, therefore

the results of this report are indicative.

This report does not intend to cover all aspects:

Legal requirements for instance such as the laws

on heritage preservation and nature conservation

are not taken into account.

Experts and their disciplines:Han Brezet // Sustainable design

Klaas Hoekstra // Sustainable energy

Henk Seinen // Sustainable building

Han Vrijling // Hydraulic engineering, climate

change and coastal defense

Henk Folmer // Nature and landscape

Pier Vellinga // Climate change and sustainability

Cees Buisman // Water technology

Tineke van der Schoor // Integral Sustainable

development

Nynke-Rixt Jukema // Integration into existing

landscape and environmental values

Hans van Meerendonk & Anne de Vries // Fryslân

Marketing perspective

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02 ELEMENTS

OF A

PROGRAMME

OF

REQUIREMENTS

The following persons participated as observers

in the workshop:

Sonja Busch // Province of Fryslân

Eric Regeling // Rijkswaterstaat

Henk Kroes // Chairman of the Sustainability

Centre Foundation

The following aspects are presented in this

report:

- Landscape and environmental values

- Application of sustainable energy

- Application of sustainable water technology

- Integral sustainable development

- Hydraulic engineering, climate change and

coastal defence

- Mobility and accessibility

- Potential for Promotion

- Services and customer interaction

Remark: The proposals in the competition are

mostly very general, thus it is very difficult to es-

timate the specifics regarding energy, technical,

hydraulics and other feasibility aspects.

A. Fit into surrounding landscape and environmentThe buildings and dike of the Afsluitdijk show a

strong coherence, being built in the same period

and style. It is unique for The Netherlands and

leading in the world.

Therefore, the WSC should be based on an

inspiring and realistic vision, with respect for the

openness, scale, measure, profile and buildings

of the Afsluitdijk, either by emphasizing the

harmony with it, or expressing a well-balanced

contrast. Also, the materials used as well as the

energy and water use should be such that they

deliver a positive contribution to the landscape,

at the same time being a showcase for sustaina-

bility.

The straight line of the Afsluitdijk is a very impor-

tant characteristic. Many of the proposals consist

of complex solutions across or askew the dyke,

affecting this prominent characteristic.

It should be mentioned however that this is also

depending on the final plan for the Afsluitdijk as

a whole. Several of the consortium proposals

for the dike do alter this linear aspect to a large

extent. In that case buildings that breach this

linearity can be a good fit.

Another aspect to be taken into account is the

typologies of the family of buildings and construc-

tions along the Afsluitdijk - Some proposals stay

close these typologies, such as a dike, viaduct or

sluice. Furthermore a surrounding typology can

be used in the design. (Figure 1 & 2)

Located alongside the Afsluitdijk, a small piece of headland is set to be the location for the new World Sustainability Centre Afsluitdijk (WSCA). This former construction site and its harbor are situated on the Waddenzee-side of Breezanddijk, near to Friesland, and were part of the work island during the con-struction of the dike. Nowadays, Breezanddijk is a popular stopover for tourists that come to see the dike. On the other side of the dike, at the IJsselmeer-side of Breezanddijk, there’s a petrol station, a large parking lot, a trailer park and another small harbor that is currently used by the Dutch military. A turning point connects the programme on both sides of the dike and the road that goes over it.

The conditions at the construction site are very much different from what one experiences on the dike itself; even harder winds, strong tidal streams and the ever-present raging of the sea. Also, as it is one of the few places on the Afsluitdijk where one can actually get off the dike to have a full overview of the Waddenzee, it is here that you can feel the absence of the predominant, monotonous view the Afsluit-dijk offers as you travel along it. It is a place even more isolated than the dike itself.

Along with these conditions, it is also its specific shape, texture and structure that emphasizes what the site is used for nowadays, what its actual meaning has become; a place where ships can harbor during a storm, an off coast shelter against the rough elements of this extraordinary landscape. This connotation seamlessly fits the notion of what we think the WSCA at this specific location -or even more generally, any building at any given location- also should be in the first place; not only just fit to endure the local conditions, but also to continuously derive its very meaning, its purpose and physique from these condi-tions. A place in-between conditions.

in-between conditions LXXVIIposter 1

Aerial View from IJsselmeer-side

Climatological diagrams

Situation

Approaching the World Sustainability Centre Waddenzee-facade

The WSCA’s programme is accommodated by a lightweight, self-supporting structure; a configuration of cone-shaped elements that act as conciliator between inside and out-side conditions and the programme underneath. Each of these elements has its own specific role in doing so.

On the upper side, the cones have been excised according to their specific function and orientation, either or both to catch sunlight, warmth, wind and rain. On the lower side they have been excised either or both to directsunlight, accumulate warmth, muffle sounds and to giveshape to the enclosed space.The landscape has also been used in both directions: to mo-derate and accumulate inside and outside conditions andto articulate the different levels in the programme.

The landscape, its programme and environmental dyna-mics are involved in a synergetic relation.

Figure 1 (the Dutch Cockle bed is a typical surrounding

typology)

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Figure 2 (Centre with the shape of a fish: Typical sur-

rounding typology)

It is difficult to integrate building-typologies

which are alien to this family but on the other

hand it can lead to interesting designs.

(see figure 3 & 4).

GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR TIRTH FLOOR FOURTH FLOOR FIFTH FLOOR

restaurant

expo expo

expo expo

SOUTH FACADE

EAST FACADE

WEST FACADE

NORTH FACADE

SCALE 1/500

LOCATION : KORNWERDERZAND SECTION

Labs

Work space

etc.

Labs

Work space

etc.

Labs

Work space

etc.

Labs

Work space

etc.

THE TURNAROUND

an idea for the World Sustainability Centre

Figure 3 (Design with an alien building-typology)

300 days 400 days 500 days

1

00 da

ys

2

00 da

ys

400 days 500 days

1

00 da

ys

200 d

ays

300 days

VOIDThere is an uncanny conflict between the two main terms that define the main agenda of this project, sustainability icon, and the instrumentality of an appropriate architecture. When addressing sustainability, architecture has been caught in the obligation of utilizing sophisticated and

expensive technological post-attached devices. Paradoxically, the very notion of an icon in architecture has mainly triggered buildings that are fundamentally inefficient.

We propose an alternative to this cultural phenomenon: Nothing. A void.

500 day location cycle

0 50m 100m 250m 500m 1000m 2000m

N

Figure 4 (design with a big contrast)

The current asymmetric profile of the Afsluitdijk

results in an openness towards the IJsselmeer

side of the dike which should be preserved. Solu-

tions on the Waddenzee side are less disruptive,

although in that case there will be additional

constructive and ecological requirements.

(See figure 5)

Mont Saint-Michel100,000 m2

Soms Atoll420,000 m2

Bilbao12,000 m2

Proposed Footprint6,000 m2

Requested Footprint3,000 m2

Landform Sustainability Centre

[Wild]Landscape

[Manicured]Landscape

Urban Form

Architecture Lodging Parking

Great Blue Hole AtollBelize

Polder under constructionKetelmeer

Celestial Vault, James TurrellKijkduin, Den Haag

Spiral Jetty, Robert SmithsonGreat Salt Lake, Utah

Mont Saint-Michel (low tide)Normandie

Mont Saint-Michel (high tide)Normandie

Wadlopers on the WaddenzeeMan-made island depot,Ketelmeer

Atoll

One of the fundamental challenges of the context is the scale of the natural and manmade environment in which it is situated and how it could significantlyimpact development in this region. The Guggenheim museum in Bilbao feels significant in that city due to its size in relationship to the smaller historic buildings in its immediate context. However, the Afsluitdijk connects two major land masses across a stretch over 30km wide with only vast expanses of sky and water to either side. Any discrete object building located on the dijk risks serving as an easy rest stop on the way to some other final destination – too easily an opportunity for a quick tourist photo before heading on.

The Soms Atoll operates at the scale of its context, becoming a destination landscape unto itself. While the building footprint remains close to the requested 3,000 m2, the proposed landscape of activities operates at a scale which would truly impact the revitalization of its regional context. The World Sustainability Centre serves as an anchor of intensity and focus within the Soms Atoll as does the Kröller-Müller inside the Hoge Veluwe. The Soms Atoll raises the potential for the Centre’s impact on both tourists and its local context by allowing it to operate as a terrain of discovery rather than a point of explanation.

A Scale to Match

Re-Routing Intensities:

Land Bridge Tide Cycle:

The history of the Netherlands is based on the negotiation of natural forces (and most importantly their impact on the threshold between land and water). The Dutch have mastered a certain control of these environmental factors and there are numerous museums in the Netherlands which document these technological accomplishments. However, there are few institutions devoted to demonstrating how contemporary society could become more in tune with natural cycles rather than defending against them. Would it be possible for the initiation of the World Sustainability Centre in Friesland to create a new interpretation of the role of the man-made versus the natural?

Soms Atoll

Every winter when the temperature dips below freezing, everyone in the Netherlands begin talking about the cold, often in frustration. However, if it stays cold enough, the frustration turns to anticipation as conversations start to shift to the possibility of whether or not this might be the year for the next Elfstedentocht (the Journey of Eleven Cities). The Elfstedentocht is significant in its actuality but it is potential more important so in its anticipation. If the race occurred every year would it capture the imagination of so many, turning the coldest winters into the most memorable? Could the development associated with the World Sustainability Centre generate the same magical respect for the cycles of nature?

The Soms Atoll offers postcard picture perfect silhouettes on the Waddenzee – but not upon demand. Visitors may arrive to find they need to wait two hours in anticipation for that perfect island to appear. Although there would always be a ferry boat from Kornwerderzand, for those who want to walk across the land bridge they may find that the need to get their feet wet in the hours around high tide. Some may wait to see the perfect crescent of the lagoon form in the Atoll while others may be more interested in the tidal pools once the lagoon recedes. For all who visit, they must start to align their desires with the rhythm of nature’s cycles.

Cycles of Anticipation

LandformThe Soms Atoll creates a condition where the man-made interacts intimately with the cycles of nature. While the ‘building’ incorporates climate control technologies, its impact on the environment is more profound – asking the public and specialists alike to anticipate and respond to the environment on a daily, hourly basis. As building technologies will improve and newer techniques become available, the infrastructure of the Soms Atoll quietly accepts retrofit. Rather than using green technologies to ‘solve’ the problems of the environment, this strategy aims to create a more fluid system of real-time feedback with nature. Therefore, rather than a display of technology, the entire center becomes an index of the cycles of nature.

High Tide 1-Hour before High Tide Intermediate Tide Low Tide

Existing Tidal Flats

The Soms Atoll grows out of its context and reorganizes material flows and local connections. Dredging of sand and mud would provide the bulk of the mass for the land bridge. While its profile would change over time, the till gathered from dredging would be anchored by a more permanent infrastructure which would ensure there would always be a connection from the Atoll to land.

Water Connections and Elfstedentocht

Tourist ferries during the summer would connect the Texel islands for day trips to the Soms Atoll where the lodging facilities offer the opportunity to stay overnight and extend trips further into Friesland. At a more monumental temporal scale, the route of the Elfstedentocht could be altered to pass between the Soms Atoll and Zurich, creating an intense animation of the terrain between the two. These new links would completely reprogram the site and invigorate the daily life of locals and specialists based at the Centre.

1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

124 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2313

1m

2m

3m

sunr

ise

suns

et

Elfstedentocht

Daily Tidal Change (From Kornwerdersand on June 24, 2009)

5

1900 2000 2100 2200

1m

2m

Sea Level

2012

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

summer bad - boats and tourists

breeding Texel migration Texelgeese Friesland

warblergeese Kornwerderzandwarbler

Kornwerderzand

spoonbill Makkumer

Bird Watching

900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000800

100-Year Flood

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012

UNFCCC: Implementing Climate Change

BaliActionPlan

KyotoProtocolenforcedworldwide

MarrakeshAccords

KyotoProtocoladopted

The BerlinMandate

Figure 5 (A design that fits into the surrounding lands-

cape and environment.)

The rhythm and scale of the Afsluitdijk is another

very important aspect to be taken into account.

The key elements of this rhythm - Den Oever,

Monument, Breezanddijk, Kornwerderzand and

Zurich – are located 5-10 kilometres from each

other and are experienced in a very concrete

way while travelling the dike. The WCS as an

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icon should be consistent with this rhythm and

preferable be closely connected to one of the five

elements. (Figure 6 & 7)

ferry

ferry

Makkum

ferr

y

Den O

ever

Harlingen

ferry

In the era before the Industrial Revolution people got their energy from water and wind. Their houses

were built in harmony with nature; turned to the wind for shelter and open to the sun, to profit from

its warmth.

By using wind energy and windmills the Dutch were able to develop delta wasteland into a habitable

environment. The Dutchman Cornelis Corneliszoon invented the crankshaft, that proved to be a tre-

mendous innovation for that time. Because of that invention, wind energy could be used for other

purposes than impolder. Especially for sawing wood it gave a lot of advantages. It caused the produc-

tion of wood to increase dramatically and ships to be built more rapidly.

To us, the crankshaft is an inspiring invention, because it was a break-through that, in cooperation

with the forces of nature, resulted in an enormous amount of prosperity.

Because of this mechanical innovation the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands became one of

the major seafaring and economic powers of the seventeenth century, also called the Dutch Golden

Age. This gave the Dutch a head start on trade and exploring and much prosperity.

The Afsluitdijk is an icon of Dutch water management. It is an empty and long dike, the view does not

change for almost the entire route. This gives a certain quality and feeling to the dike that should not

be touched. There are few places that are worthwhile to stop for. But between the former work is-

land Kornwerderzand and the Monument nothing really exciting is happening. Exactly in the middle,

still on the Frisian side, lies Breezanddijk. Currently an area that does not invite to stop. That is actu-

ally a pity, because the location is very central, between the urban area of the Randstad and the

openness of the Northern Netherlands.

Breezanddijk has been a forgotten and neglected area for many years, but this design aims to give the

location a thorough clean-up and bring it back to her former glory.

Here on Breezanddijk you are almost one with the elements, Breezand, a former island, is a quiet spot

between the busy rest of the world. Visiting or working here makes you forget your daily problems,

empties your head and opens your mind to fresh thoughts.

The route to the centre can be reached sustainably, in multiple ways. In Makkum and Den Oever you

board the solar boat, and in Zurich and Den Oever you can board the solar bus. Of course you can also

choose to cycle or walk.

But long before the beginning of the Indus-

trial Revolution that head start was lost.

The Industrial Revolution caused an in-

crease in the use of fossil fuels. Where en-

ergy from water and wind used to be

enough, with the invention of the steam

engine, fossil fuels became more and more

important. Today with fossil fuels running

out, mankind needs to make a new start,

and will have to rely on sustainable energy

to secure the current amount of prosper-

ity.

De Afsluitdijk

De bus rijdt als een kamer door de nacht

de weg is recht, de dijk is eindeloos,

links ligt de zee, getemd maar rusteloos,

wij kijken uit, een kleine maan schijnt zacht.

M. Vasalis

Developments in the field of sustainable energy tumble over each other. Each new vision is better

than the previous, and so on. The question what sustainability is, is a question that tantalizes a lot of

people.

The ultimate answer still cannot be found, because there is not one answer. In the field of sustainabil-

ity there might be even more than one answer.

With this design resistance is offered to plunge into, or answer, the topic of the day. Our submission

is meant to create a new mindset on sustainability. This centre should be the inspiring environment

where questions can be asked and answers can be found. It should be a place where inventions and

innovations can be developed. It should be a place for academics, researchers and students, to ex-

periment, and to bring ideas in all their simplicity to a higher standard.

The centre is the place where people are given the facilities to invent the ‘crankshaft’ of the twenty-

first century in terms of sustainability.

-left ships- -the elements- `- solarboat - -superbus Wubbo Ockels- -drift ashore- -energy- -nature force-

BZ-01 exposition/conference and cinema (2320 m2)

BZ-02 expertisecentre and offices (1180 m2)

BZ-03 restaurant and lounge (510m2)

BZ-04 hotel 40 rooms, restaurant

1a parking space Sustainabilitycentre , 250 places

1b parking hotel, 110 places

2 pier

3 floating pier

4 nodal point

5 road for suppliers

6 aqua playground/interactive test facilities

7 belvedere

8 beaken

9 picknick

10 gasstation

11 antenna

0m 200m 800m

-topic of the day-

-innovation zone-

-in harmony with the elements-

-in the wind-

-prosperity-

Waddenzee noorderhaven Afsluitdijk

zuiderhaven

Den Oever

-changing current situation-

Figure 6 (Design that is closely connected with one of

the 5 elements.)

Figure 7 (Design that is closely connect with one of the

5 elements)

The WCS should also respect the scale and height

of the existing constructions. The monument (25

m) is the tallest building on the dike, and a Centre

in its vicinity should not be higher. Further away

from the monument the Centre could be taller.

Also, the monumental value of the constructions

on the dyke (like the Lorentz sluices complex at

Kornwerderzand) should be respected.

Proposals that use – in an innovative way –

existing locations and infrastructure should be

preferred over those on completely newly built

locations. Again, it should be noted that some

of the consortium plans include new locations

which if implemented could be used for the WSC

as well.

Next to this the Centre has a strong social aspect,

bringing people together to communicate and

innovate on the road to sustainability. Symboli-

sing this vision of connectivity, its location should

preferably be at the crossing of the existing land

and water routes. The Centre must emit sustai-

nable elegance and at the same time exhibit new

sustainable developments. (Figure 8)

W O R L D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y C E N T R E A F S L U I T D I J K 1 S I T E A N D S U R R O U N D I N G S C I T I U S , A L T I U S , F O R T I U SMOTTODRAWING TITLE

SITE PLAN

GUEST RESIDENCE APPROACH FROM SALT MARSH

VIEW FROM EAST SIDE STRAW BALE PLAYHOUSE THEME GARDENS

GREENHOUSE / SOLAR AQUATIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT

LEGEND

1 Water basin2 Truck route to loading zone3 Guest residence4 Greenhouse/SAS5 Parking for approx. 350 cars6 Theme gardens

SITE LOCATION

SITE

7 Bridge over pond8 Gazebo9 Straw bale playhouse10 Salt marsh11 Visitor centre

Autumn garden Summer garden

Spring garden

Bamboo garden

Water fountain

Rock garden

Winter garden

Orchard

Marsh

Flower garden

Romantic garden

Below grade observation

Equalization and blending

Solar Tanks

Solar Pond

Clarifier

Sand FilterCompost

Vegetable Garden

Vegetable Garden

To constructed Wetland

Used tires, poles, nets to construct

Half-size straw bales for kids to assemble with poles for dowels to con-

nect straw bale

Rammed earth walls andconcrete floors

Visitors centre for joggers, roller bladers, bicyclists using the salt marsh inside, there are areas for bicycle storage, and areas for picnic

1

2 34

5

6

7

811

9

10

Figure 8 (A design that emits sustainable elegance)

B. Applying sustainable energyIn the proposals a lot of attention is given to

sustainable energy production, there is far less

attention for the reduction of energy demand.

Minimizing the energy demand of the Centre

should be the first priority. This can be achieved

by a combination of measures, such as optimal

insulation of the outer shell; energy manage-

ment systems, smart metering; the application

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of low-energy products and systems; low voltage

systems to reduce energy loss by transformers;

optimisation of climate control (cooling); dayligh-

ting.

After energy demand reduction, a number of

advanced sustainable energy generating systems

should be integrated in the Centre to reach ener-

gy neutrality within the preconditions of technical

and economic feasibility. The selection of energy

technologies should be based on best-practice

experiences.

Proven technologies should be applied in the

building itself, new technologies should be

demonstrated for the visitors of the Centre and

can be studied in the research and development

programmes of the Centre.

In the current proposals, this combination and in-

tegration of feasible systems is not yet elaborated

to a satisfactory extent.

In several entries hydropower systems based on

tidal movement are proposed. We doubt whether

this option is realistic in light of the volumes and

height differences available on location.

The proposed application of electrostatic energy,

and also the current proposals for wind walls

are revolutionary but not feasible in its proposed

form. (Figure 10)

Figure 10 (New technologies can be integrated as

display window)

However, these types of technologies are typically

suitable as showcases in the Centre.

From the perspective of important developments

on R&D in Fryslân and in the framework of

‘Netherlands Innovation land’ the application of

Blue Energy systems (salinity gradient power) in

the Centre should certainly be stimulated. (Figure

9) For the coming 10-15 years this should be in

the form of a flexible and modular demonstration

system. We do not expect this technology will

significantly contribute to the energy supply of the

Centre.

Figure 9 (Techniques like Blue Energy can be integra-

ted as a demonstration system)

In general, the use of less efficient wind turbines

as proposed several times should be avoided.

Styling of the building as well as placement of

the turbines has to be done extremely careful and

only after detailed studies on the optimal location.

Energy storage will have to play a crucial role

in an integrated system of sustainable energy,

because the energy output is variable (sun, wind,

tidal). There is very little attention for this aspect

in the current proposals.

Next to heat/cold storage, also electricity storage

will be necessary. Technology of battery systems

is improving very fast, which will make electricity

storage more and more feasible. Self-sufficiency

or autarky with respect to its energy need will

then be within reach. Currently, a rule-of-thumb

is that for each Watt of storage an investment

of 150 Euro is needed. This emphasizes again

the need to minimize the energy demand of the

Centre as a first necessary step.

Integrating sustainable energy systems in the

design of a building in the current fast pace of

development also means that technologies will

be outdated by the time the building is finished.

To counter this problem the experts suggest to

design a flexible building, with the possibility to

replace technologies in different ‘shells’ of the

building. The outer shell of the building, showing

the newest energy systems, should be replace-

able for instance every five years, a process which

can be compared to an insects’ metamorphosis.

C. Application of sustainable water technology

The proposed solutions for sustainable water

technology are not well developed in most propo-

sals. Many entries do not mention anything at all

on this topic. Some proposals mention the use of

rain water, compost toilets, reversed osmosis or

the use of wetlands for purification. The feasi-

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13


bility of the proposed water technology is often

doubtful.

As a starting point, it must be made clear how

much water is needed for the design proposed,

and subsequently the need of energy to produce

and recycle this.

As a general concept for the water use of the

Centre, the building should be self sufficient in its

water production and use. Neither drinking wa-

ter, nor source connections will be present at the

Centre. Similar to the Trias Energetica concept

for energy, the first step to obtain self suffici-

ency for water is to reduce as much as possible

the demand for water by using separate water

fractions for different types of use, water saving

technologies, smart products and behavioural

changes. The second step is to keep the different

wastewater fractions separate and reuse and

recycle them as much as possible. Thirdly, water

treatment will be needed on the premises to be

able to reach surface water quality of the remai-

ning effluent. Fourthly, the Centre will produce its

own drinking water from the “IJsselmeer”.

It should be noted that with these principles, wa-

ter self sufficiency of the Centre will be feasible

for relatively low costs compared to energy self

sufficiency. The WSC can be an example to the

world on this aspect. (Figure 11)

surroundings

biosphere montreal

geodesic sphere from the sixties

s-cube super sustainable transforming snub-cube

S-cubemudhiking

water. The floating WSC is able to withstand all weather conditions and will not suffer from the rise in sea level in the coming decades.

The building is connected to the dike by means of a wide, floating jetty. Boats and pedal boats can moor at certain places on the jetty. The sandbank on one side of the building stands clear of the water at low tide, so that additional routes to the building are created by walking across the mud flats. At such moments the entrance jetty is also partly clear of the water.

The new WSC is located to the east of Kornwerderzand, on the salt water side of the Afsluitdijk. The building lies at some distance from the dike like an island in the water. Its location close to Kornwerderzand means that it can profit from exist-ing, sustainable structures near to the sluices, such as a sec-tion of the longitudinal dikes and existing parking facilities. S-cube floats on the edge of a large basin formed by an existing longitudinal dike and a new dam. At high tide the building is completely surrounded by water, while at low tide a large part of the surrounding sandbank stands clear of the

S-Cube is a building which is completely self-sufficient because of its extremely low energy requirements and its ability to generate and store sustainable energy. The building has a divisible and flexible external skin that, depending on the seasons and type of weather, creates optimal conditions for the total energy management and natural ventilation. The external skin is also covered with PV cells for generating en-ergy. Electrical energy is generated and stored through the clever use of tidal effects and the building’s ability to float.

building concept location

↓

↕

basin

mudhiking possibilities

marina

superbus-stop

Wadden Sea

Figure 11 (A design with integrated water technology)

Additional to being a showcase itself for water

self-sufficiency, the WSC can also show the deve-

lopment of new water technologies in exhibitions

and as a part of the research and demonstration

activities.

D. Integral SustainabilityAs a general principle, the WSC should be

self-sufficient as much as possible in its use of

energy, water and materials, and make use of

what is available in the direct surroundings. For

energy and water, this principle has already been

explained in more detail in earlier sections of

this report. From the education point of view it is

desirable to show the energy and water streams

to the visitors. (Figure 12)

Figure 12 (Water streams are visible to the visitor)

For materials, locally available building materials

should be used as much as possible. The cycle

management of materials for the building and in

the building should be done in such a way that

as much as possible of these materials is kept

in technological or ecological cycles (Cradle-to-

cradle approach).

Next to this systematic and integral use of eco-

nomical and technical feasible technologies in

the construction and maintenance of the Centre

itself, new and innovative technologies can be ex-

hibited as showcases in the Centre. Furthermore

advanced, intelligent climate control can be inte-

grated in the Centre, based on a good insulation

of the building’s shell. (Figure 13)

W O R L D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y C E N T R E A F S L U I T D I J K 1 S I T E A N D S U R R O U N D I N G S C I T I U S , A L T I U S , F O R T I U SMOTTODRAWING TITLE

SITE PLAN

GUEST RESIDENCE APPROACH FROM SALT MARSH

VIEW FROM EAST SIDE STRAW BALE PLAYHOUSE THEME GARDENS

GREENHOUSE / SOLAR AQUATIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT

LEGEND

1 Water basin2 Truck route to loading zone3 Guest residence4 Greenhouse/SAS5 Parking for approx. 350 cars6 Theme gardens

SITE LOCATION

SITE

7 Bridge over pond8 Gazebo9 Straw bale playhouse10 Salt marsh11 Visitor centre

Autumn garden Summer garden

Spring garden

Bamboo garden

Water fountain

Rock garden

Winter garden

Orchard

Marsh

Flower garden

Romantic garden

Below grade observation

Equalization and blending

Solar Tanks

Solar Pond

Clarifier

Sand FilterCompost

Vegetable Garden

Vegetable Garden

To constructed Wetland

Used tires, poles, nets to construct

Half-size straw bales for kids to assemble with poles for dowels to con-

nect straw bale

Rammed earth walls andconcrete floors

Visitors centre for joggers, roller bladers, bicyclists using the salt marsh inside, there are areas for bicycle storage, and areas for picnic

1

2 34

5

6

7

811

9

10

Figure 13 (Shell of a building with a good insulation)

14

EXPERTREPORT

15


Some important sustainable building aspects are

the following:

- The WSC should make optimal use of daylight

and energy saving light systems, (figure 14)

- Light on the outside of the building should be

bird-friendly, (green light) to avoid unnecessary

attraction for birds at night.

- The building has to be designed for an optimal

acoustic quality.

- The building materials used are Radon-free.

- The building should at least comply with the

BREEAM guidelines of the Dutch Green Building

Council.

Little attention is given in most of the proposals

to the accessibility of the WSC by land and water.

The Centre should be easy to reach by sustai-

nable (public) transport, as well as by car and

boat. It needs sufficient parking space either

at the Centre or at a location with good shuttle

transport.

In the short term, public transport ferries over

water are not expected to be economically

feasible. However, private and chartered boats

should be able to reach the Centre easily also in

more adverse weather conditions, especially from

Fryslân. (Figure 15)

Connected

Structure

Concepts

Program

Use tide effect

anticipating on the raising of the afsluitdijk

Using the present weather influences

Improve contact between Waddenzee - IJsselmeer

Recover view Waddenzee - IJsselmeer

Privateknowledge center and offices

Public entrancePublic catering

Elevators

Elevators

Seperate Private/Public

Movementby wind

exhibitions spaces max. sun

View onthe watersides

Offices max. sun

Sun (Z)

Wind (W)

WADDENZEE

IJSSELMEER

Arrival

Arrival

Storm

Movementby wind

View onthe watersides

1 2

Figure 15 (Entrance can be reached by boat)

The production of all food for the WCS on the

location of the Afsluitdijk, as is proposed in one

entry, will remain an illusion in light of the local

possibilities. However, the promotion of sustai-

nable, regional food products at the WSC should

be promoted, as well as a minimisation in the

generation of packaging and transport materials

waste. All remaining waste materials should be

composted or used for biogas production at the

site of the WSC.

Summarizing, for overall sustainability aspects of

the WSC, the design should have a high score on:

- Sustainable energy use

- Sustainable water use

- Sustainable materials use

- Minimizing waste generation in the building,

and reuse and recycling of the remaining waste

- Attention for sustainable transport means and

parking space

- Healthy indoor climate

E. Hydraulic engineering, Climate change and Coastal defence.

The WSC should be able to withstand storms and

other adverse weather conditions. (Figure 16)

OF STREAMS

SPORES

TRACKS

Spores of Streams represent the correlation between human behaviour and the power of nature. Men leave traces in nature, and in turn nature influences the life of mankind. Although mankind is dependent on nature, due to spilling it has destroyed the natural balance, which now needs to be reconstructed.

BALANCE

Sustainability finds itself in the middle of this lost balance: A point where the interests of nature and mankind support and amplify each other. Natural pro-cesses can be inspiring for men, and mankind can create new changes in natu-re. Cooperation with nature is the basic rule of the Afsluitdijk. The former sym-bol for the battle against water is, as of today, the synergy between the power of nature and human inventiveness. The new sustainability centre offers space, recollects knowledge, and spreads and inspires projects, developments and re-search in the field of sustainable worlds.

STREAMERS OF SEAWEED

The Afsluitdijk is an example par excellence of human tracks in nature, which is influenced daily by the sea, the wind and light. Simple organisms like seaweed and lichens form the palette.

The design seems defined by seaweed washed ashore on the dike, some even stretched over to the other side of the dike where they meet nature made by man: The fresh water basin IJsselmeer. The outer shell of the building literally absorbs the tracks of time and nature. The lichens, which grow on the cover, unifie the building with nature.

LABORATORY

The centre has the ambition of influencing human behaviour in the future on energy production and consumption. The centre itself is self-sustai-ning for its energy: energy is derived from wind, sun and tide. The ten-sion between fresh and salt water is integrated in the design and there is ample space for future inventions. In fact, its ambition is to become a leading energy centre where research, experiment, and testing will result in usable products for everyday life.

SELF-SUSTAINING

On the outside of the building large pennants indicate the direction of the wind where integrated wind turbines produce energy. A sun energy park is located on shore of the IJsselmeer where new technologies can be te-sted.

Inside, an energy station is fed by the energy derived from the differing natural rhythms of high and low tide in basins that have a direct connec-tion with the Waddenzee. Another energy station (osmoses station) draws its energy from the tensions between fresh and salt water. Last but not least, underlying layers of earth, as well as seawater, is used to warm and cool the building by a heat pump technology.

SLICE OF DIKE

A trench in the dike from North to South houses an exposition space. Visitors can see how energy stations function and how sun and wind is transformed into useable energy. The visitors can also learn about current technologies as well as the experimental technologies of the future.

The trench itself shows a geological section, which reveals a great deal about natural development and the influence of mankind. Outside the ‘streams of seaweed’ offers the young ones a lovely playground where they can observe what tracks do in this environment.

Figure 16 (The WSC should withstand storms.)

Size, form and location should be adapted to this

requirement. For this reason, a location which

is completely open towards the IJsselmeer, or

towards the Waddenzee is not preferable. If a

location on the Waddenzee side is chosen, in

addition to this requirement it should also be able

to withstand wave heights of up to three metres

(IJsselmeer side: 2 metres). Besides this the

Centre must be able to withstand extreme water

levels of 5 metres above Amsterdam Ordnance

Datum. (Ijsselmeer side: 2 metres) So together

(extreme water levels + wave heights) the Centre

must be build on 8 metres above Amsterdam

Ordnance Datum. (Ijsselmeer side: +4 metres).

Some kind of elevated construction will then be

needed. Construction on the Waddenzee side

for that reason is expected to be 2 -3 times as

expensive as a construction at the IJsselmeer

side. (Figure 17)

A better option is to locate the Centre in an area

protected from water and wave influence. A very

good location in this respect is Kornwerderzand,

which has harbours on both sides and is located

at the crossroads of water and land.

Figure 14 (Design combines

daylight with the generation of

energy)

16

EXPERTREPORT

17


Figure 17 (A design placed on an elevated construction)

Floating objects as proposed in several of the

entries bring there own requirement: In principle

some kind of harbour must be constructed to

protect the object, which will be expensive. Free

floating from the Dike will be too vulnerable.

Construction on a fixed land location is preferred.

The design of the Centre should not jeopardize

dike stability and integrity in any way. Stricter re-

quirements can lead to technical changes of the

dike (higher, broader); the design of the Centre

should allow for these adaptations. In some of

the proposals, this will be very difficult. Proposals

for the Centre that would require adaptation of

the dike profile over a large part of the coastal

defence do not have a good and realistic fit and

are not flexible enough.

In general, designs that will require extremely

high investments are not realistic and feasible.

Additional remarks:By means of transparent tubes (for instance in

the sluice systems) the transition from river to

sea water can be presented.

Accessibility of the Centre should be implemen-

ted in a realistic way. In several of the current

ideas, accessibility and parking space is proposed

in such a way, that local adaptations to the dike

profile are necessary. For instance for the actual

position of the Centre, for broad access roads,

etc. These types of local adaptations can be very

expensive, and economic feasibility therefore has

to be taken into account in an early stage.

Management and maintenance of the coastal de-

fence has to remain possible in the design of the

Centre with relation to space, access, connections

and surface of the design.

The design of the WSC should take potential fu-

ture adaptations into account because of sea level

rise and/or rise of the level of the IJsselmeer. A

resilient and flexible design with regard to this

requirement is therefore preferred. (Figure 18)

P

P

PP

P

Man & Nature

The World Sustainability Centre explores a fundamental question: what is the relationship between man and nature? In our opinion there is no better place to explore this question than the Afsluitdijk. It offers a wide range of contrasts, dynamics, paradoxes and extremes in this relationship. Around the Afsluitdijk you physically feel the effects of the struggle and joy of man with nature. Changing perspectives, aims to involve people in this relationship. It embodies the change, diversity and movements of the cultural historical and natural Frisian phenomena, which can be regarded as exemplary to the global challenges that lay before us.

To change perspective, see it from a different angle, is more important to scientists than in any other profession. The WSC Afsluitdijk will provide the scientist and students with an unprecedented environment to study, discover and invent.

WORLD SUSTAINABILITY CENTRE AFSLUITDIJK KA336

Is it a boat? - Is it a building? - Is it a landscape? - Is it alive? ...no... it’s all!

Not every vessel is self-sufficient, the vessels are specialized. Together they form a stable self-sufficient network.

The jetty will offer a route architecturale along the different vessels of the centre. At the same time it forms an ever-chan-ging route naturelle, moved by the winds, tides and waves.

The configuration of the WSC Afsluitdijk will adapt to the aesthetics and conditions of the site it currently inhabits

The vessels can safely group together or disperse around the site, intensifying the relative impact of currents, waves and winds.

Adaptability, movability and flexibility

These characteristics form the point of departure for changing perspectives. The developments around the af-sluitdijk in the upcoming 50 years will be of extreme interest. The changing perspectives vessels can be moved to the most interesting location at that moment in time. The developments themselves will be part of the exhi-bition. The Frisians have excelled for centuries in maritime technology. With our proposal we want to challenge and stimulate the local industry to rethink the concept of buildings and boats. We aim at a hybrid solution, using the Frisian high-tech know-how of sail making, boat construction and sustainable energy production as well as the potential of the landscape and nature. The vessels have a width of maximum 12 meters to be able to go through the existing docks at Kornwerderzand. The floating vessels provide great flexibility, not only by changing locations but also by changing the orientation. The vessels can turn towards, or away from, the sun or the wind to adapt to climatologically conditions.

What if the WSC existed 80 years ago?

Network-based Sustainability

Not every vessel is self-sufficient, they are interdependent. Together they form a completely self-sufficient, balanced system, like in complex ecosystems. In order to achieve that, the vessels are specialized in producing heat, electricity, clean water or providing habitat and food for the ecosystem around. They protect their users against the wind sun and rain. The specialized vessels exchange their produces by means of the jetty. The jetty itself will generate electricity by transforming the movements caused by waves, wind and people walking on it into electricity. To be able to form a year-round self-sufficient system, generation is not enough. Storage is equally important. All vessels have reserved space in the hull for technical installations, sustainable technologies and storage. Energy will be stored in innovative ways like phase changing materials for heat and hydrogen for electricity. All waste and water will be purified and the used materials will recyclable or degradable, a cradle-to cradle micro-cosmos.

heat production / storage

electricity by windpower

solar powered electricity

electricity by waves

exchan

ge

water cleaning/storage

habitat/food

electricity by tides

Objects in emptiness, the poetics of the north Frisian landscape

Changing perspectives consists of five floating boxes (vessels) and a connecting floating jetty. The connections are flexible so tides, waves and wind will have an influence on the configuration. A multiplicity of configurations and locations is possible always optimalizing the presentation of the current exhibition, research or congress. The WSC Afsluitdijk is easy movable by just sailing the vessels to a new location and it is easily extendable with new vessels or extra jetty elements. The WSC will use the already existing parking and infrastructural facilities plus those that will be created in the future developments. From certain fixed locations small ferries will sail to the centre offering a tour and information to the visitors on the way. Furthermore the WSC Afsluitdijk will become a popular stopover for yachts.

Each vessel consists of about 1000m2. To create maximum flexibility all technical installations and storages are concentrated in the hull at level minus 1. This creates two free floors of 400 square meters and a third of 150 squared meters. The inclining roof gives the boxes direction and creates diversity both in the interior space as in the possible configurations in relation to the wind, sun and tides. The vessels will invoke an analogy with the farms, boats and dikes that offer protection in the sometimes-harsh Frisian landscape.

The jetty serves as the connection between the vessels. People can walk over it, it produces electricity through wave-energy and it forms the infrastructure for the exchange of heat, electricity and water between the vessels.

man inspired by nature

mutual (re-)claiming of territory

technology con-trasting nature

man in dynamic balance with nature

man vulnerable to nature

inclined roofsurface

installation space in hull

skin

flexible connections generating energy from waves

space for electrical, water and heat exchange

floating element

Why choose only one location if you can have all?

The richness and complexity of the area cannot be experienced from only one location. Especially with changing exhibitions the location, and the route towards that location, should be essential part of the experience and the story that will be told.

Figure 18 (Flexible design that can take potential

future adaptations)

F. Potential for promotionIt is the opinion of the Expert group that it should

be avoided to give the Centre a typical Frisian

image. The image should have an international

allure. Positioning the Centre with a primary

focus on the region will diminish the internatio-

nal character and prevent it from becoming the

international icon for sustainability and innovation

that is envisioned.

Some of the designs typically refer to Fryslân

(terps, ‘pompebled’, lapwings’ egg), (Figure 19)

other give it a more ‘North-Netherlands’ image

(boat, safe haven, ‘behouden huys’, ark). (Figure

20)

Although elements of this identity of course can

be included, a too strong connection should be

avoided. More important is that images should

fit within the landscape of the Afsluitdijk (see

section A on this aspect).

>32° C opaque colloidial -reflecting sunlight

FRESH WATER

BRACKISH WATER

SEA WATER

floating lodges

view line

new sluice

boat passagebrackish water threshold

Makkum

100 m 500 m

1 : 100.000

IJsselmeer

Wadden Sea

Afsluitdijk

saltish water

less saltish water

almost fresh water

fresh water

Hindeloopen

Stavoren

water release

threshold

threshold

threshold

tourist boatroute

water release

boatroute to lodgesnew islands

20 m deep gullies /hibernating fish in fresh water

enlarged plan viewblue energy -experimental power station

“The Afsluitdijk as a piece of art will be kept in tact”

The Afsluitdijk (IJsselmeer Dam) is an impressive landmark as well as a representation of innovative and historical engineering. Its value, however, remains undiscovered by many people. The world sustainability campus, that we hereby present to you, brings the Afsluitdijk to the attention of a wide variety of people, whereas at the same time it forms a focal point in the field of sustainability and will offer valuable knowledge to the world.

The Afsluitdijk is an icon of the engineering capability of mankind. Our World Sustainability Campus pays homage to this inherent featureby harbouring:

* a building that will capture the imagination of the people from Fryslân, the Netherlands and the rest of the world

* a campus with down to earth science centres on sustainable and water related technologies (e.g. blue energy, solar energy, ecology etc.)

* an impressive landscape that draws visitors into its realm, whilst being an integral part of a research environment on an unprecedented scale

Introduction

Sustainability: The World’s Tomorrow

Fish,Oyster &Crab Pond

Heatpump + Aquifer

Produced Blue Energy -Experimental Power Station

Electrical Cars &PhotovoltaicCarportroof

New Building Materials: Light Weight large Span Double Concrete Slabs

AirflowFine wire heat exchangervery low temperaturetechnology - new -

Algae Pondin Layers

Sun tracking parabolic mirror

concentratingsolarcollector

Breathing Window -Balance ventilation

GC- Elements - a new innovative state of the art material in shoreline protec-tion developed by Anome

Cool - Clear - Transparent‘Smart Skin’ Technology

The hottest sustainabletechnologiesBelow technologies are to be used. And can be found in the World Sustainability Centre as well as on the Island and it’s surroundings

World Sustainability Campus Island: a comprehensive concept based upon an existing integral plan.

* The island forms a brackish estuary, warning freshwater fish from salt water in time and preventing huge quantities of fish to die when water is drained via the sluice into the Wadden Sea.

* The Afsluitdijk (IJsselmeer Dam) as a piece of art will be kept in tact, as no windmills will be installed. The island itself however will be an icon of sustainability.

* Creation of deep freshwater fish hibernating grounds west of the island, improves survival of young fish and thus benefiting birdlife and fisheries. Sand stemming from these creeks will be used to construct the island.

* A focal point of scientific development in the Frisian area with a global reach and significance. Focal points may be found in the areas of sustainable energy, ecology, hydrology and water sciences.

* The concept faces present problems and at the same time creates an environment where new developments and technological research can flourish.

* Accommodating areas for botanical and birdlife research, combined with the World Sustainability Campus also offering recreation and education.

* A sharp gradient between saline water (Wadden Sea) and fresh water (Lake IJssel) optimising possibilities for Blue Energy techniques.

* The location offers the possibility for education and recreation outside the World Sustainability Centre. Activities such as mudflat walking, searching soap glands, shrimps and enjoying the sheer environment of the location. A harbour area will also attract water based recreation.

* The inside and outside area of the Campus will be a showcase for companies and researchers to test and present the latest sustainable technologies. It will be a gateway of knowledge transfer from scientists to scientists, to politicians and to the general public.

“The lapwings egg (kievitsei) not only fits into the natural environment, it also refers to the Friesian’s traditional search for the first egg each spring. Symbolically, it represents the breeding ground for exciting new technologies”

Figure 19 (Design which refers to Fryslân)

18

EXPERTREPORT

19


the windmill is an icon

for the merge of technologie

and nature and symbolises

the history of developing ideas

for a sustainable use of

natural energy

the world sustainability

centercenter is located at the

bend of the dijk, marking one of

its entrances as a landmark for

planned research and

producton of sustainable

energy such as osmotic power

livinglabs, shared communites

of artist, scientist, engineers

and visiors live and work

together, to resaerch on earth

matters such as natural energy

ideas competition_world sustainability centre afsluitdijk

don quixote

the tidewalk has its

surface exact at ±000

and allows people

to expereience the

change of tides

saltmarshes are being

developed on the waddenside

of the dyke. they provide a

natural barrier to improve

the dyk for the next centurys

and give place for a uniqe

piece of nature for men an

animals.

a seaside park of regional

fauna and surfaces

prsents the ecologic diversity

of the waddensee nature

the sunsetgallery

saltmarsh

saltmarsh

`If an idea appears not first absurd, it is not suited to anything…`A. Einstein

kb

ps

27.5

27.6

27.6

vlakmark

vlakmark

vlakmark

ab

abkabk

abk

ab

abk

ab

ab

ab

navl

navl

navl

navl

tidewalk

seascape park

with maritime plants and topics

parking

coaches

research labs

with shared accomodations

for scientists and artist and visitors

visitors+ recreation

research

industry

pier

pier

hot air ballon

fluid power

osmotic power

Figure 20 (Design which refers to Holland)

G. Services and customer interactionVery little attention is given in most of the propo-

sals to the interaction between future objects and

services of the WSC and the user. This aspect

should be developed further; insight in this can

be gained from several studies on this topic

made for other (visitor) Centres. For instance, TU

Delft’s Faculty on Industrial Design Engineering/

DfS Program has executed several studies on the

expected interaction between exposed objects

and visitors for nature & sustainability Centers.

The outcomes of such studies could be explored,

valuated, adapted and taken into account in the

programme of requirements for the WSC.

An integral –life cycle- approach of the energy,

water and materials cycles in most design propo-

sals is missing which should include the impact

of the products and services used and offered

inside the future WSC, as well as embodied in the

transport of goods and persons to and from the

Centre.

New and innovative concepts for ‘green building’,

as well as plans on sustainable mobility in the

province of Fryslân should be taken into account

as well.

Han Brezet // Professor at the Delft Univer-

sity of Technology. Faculty Industrial Design Engi-

neering. (Design for Sustainability) www.tudelft.nl

Prof. Dr. Han Brezet since 1992 is heading the

Design for Sustainability research program at

the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at

the Delft University of Technology in the Nether-

lands. In addition he is part-time professor at

the International Institute for Industrial Environ-

mental Economics (IIIEE) of the Lund University

in Sweden. Besides he is a visiting lecturer at the

University of Melbourne, Australia. Currently he is

coordinating the collaborative Sustainability Re-

search Program of Delft University of Technology.

His current research is focused on Design for

Sustainability, Sustainable Energy Technologies,

Sustainable Regional Development and Sustai-

nable Product Service Systems. He is actively

involved in business networks and a wide range of

national and international industries are involved

in the Design for Sustainability research program.

He is also part of several International commis-

sions, expert panels, and working groups on

Design for Sustainability. He is author of several

Ecodesign standards and books.

Henk Seinen // Real estate developer in

sustainable building. www.seinenprojectontwik-

keling.nl

Henk Seinen is over 30 years active in the market

of real estate. He has introduced energyk neutral

housing concepts.

Recently developed is the PPM-Formula. PPM

stands for Perpetuum Mobiler which is everlas-

ting movement without added energy: The link

is that the houses of Seinen are self supporting

in their energy needs without additional costs

for the house owner. Due to this, radical energy

saving measures are now affordable.

The company Seinen.Already 25 years Seinen is an advice/development

company. The number of implemented innovati-

ons by Seinen gives the company a big influence

in the building society.

The company is located in Leeuwarden and has

over 34 years of experience in project develop-

ment. The main activities of Seinen are:

• Development of energy-neutral houses.

• Development of financial products for banking,

which pertain to the selling of climate en energy

measures in the house building.

• District renovation.

• Development of efficiency in the building sector.

20

EXPERTREPORT

21


This approach resulted in the “National Energy

prize 2004, the NET-Trophy 2005 and a nomina-

tion for the Net-Trophy 2006 and finalist for the

NET-Trophy 2007.

Henk Folmer // Professor of General Eco-

nomics at Wageningen University and Research

Centre and Professor of Spatial Econometrics

and Research Methodology at the University of

Groningen www.ech.wur.nl

Henk Folmer is professor of research methodo-

logy and spatial econometrics at the University of

Groningen and of general economics at Wagen-

ingen University. Among his research interests

are microeconomics, environmental and resource

economics and econometrics. He is editor in chief

(with Tom Tietenberg) of the International Review

of Environmental and Resource Economics and

coordinating editor in chief of Letters in Spatial

and Resource Sciences. His book publications

include Land and Forest Economics (with Kees

van Kooten). He is doctor honoris causa at the

University of gothenburg, Sweden.

Pier Vellinga // Professor in Climate

Change at Wageningen University and Vrije Uni-

versiteit. Chairman of the Knowledge for Climate

research program www.ess.wur.nl

He was among the first scientists to publish on

climate change and its implications regarding

water and energy in the eighties. His education

and training includes a Fullbright scholarship in

the USA in 1967-68, an Msc (1976) and doctor’s

degree at Delft University of technology (1984).

His 1986 PhD on Beach Erosion and Dune Erosion

During Storm provided the basis for the coastal

safety evaluation (the Dutch Delta Plan).

In 1988, in a newly created position, he became

advisor to the Minister of Housing, Spatial Plan-

ning and the Environment on the issue of Climate

Change and the development of international

CO2 policies. In this role he was key negoti-

ator during the Netherlands EU-presidency of

1988. In 1991/1992 he was one of the architects

of the United Nations Framework Convention on

Climate Change and in 1989 was actively involved

in setting up the Inter Governmental Panel on

Climate Change (IPCC) as vice chairman in the

first bureau of IPCC. He has acted as an author of

various IPCC chapters. In 2007 with all his IPCC

colleagues and Al Gore he was honored with the

Nobel Peace Prize.

From 1995 to 1998 he combined his work as

director of the Institute for Environmental Studies

(IVM) at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (a

position which he held from 1991 to 2001) with a

part-time position at the World Bank, United Na-

tions Environmental Program (UNEP) and United

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as

Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Advisory

Panel (STAP) of the Global Environmental Facility

(GEF). Since 1991, he has been a professor of ea-

rth sciences at the Vrije Universiteit. Joyeeta Gup-

ta, Richard Tol, Robert Swart and Hasse Goossen

were among his first PhD students.

In 2009 he initiated the international Delta Al-

liance, a collaboration among low lying coastal

areas in the world vulnerable to climate change.

Cees Buisman // Professor in biologically

sustainable technology at Wageningen Univer-

sity and Research centre & Scientific director of

Wetsus. www.wetsus.nl & www.wur.nl

Cees J.N. Buisman studied water purification

and obtained his doctorate in Wageningen. In his

research he studied sulfur bacteria to remove

sulfide from gas and water. This pointed out to be

possible to produce sulfur.

Cees Buisman was employed at Pacques B.V. as

director technology and business development. At

first he got the opportunity to develop the sulfur

process, find new applications for this technique

and commercialize it. Applications were found in

a number of techniques. (for example removing

sulfate or zinc) These applications are now ap-

plied in diverse installations all over the world.

Currently he combines his job as scientific

director of Wetsus with a academic position at

Wageningen University and Research. His chair is

biological recycling technology.

His research is based on new technologies for

sustainable water- and energy solutions, based

on biologic and chemical disciplines. Examples

are alternative biodiesel, bio crystallization and

black/grey water treatment.

Wetsus, centre of excellence for sustainable

water technology, is a facilitating intermediary for

trendsetting knowledge development in the field

of sustainable water treating technologies.

Klaas Hoekstra // Owner of The Sunfac-

tory www.thesunfactory.info

After 12 years been active as consultant in the

renewable energy business, Klaas started in

2001 his own consultancy company All4Solar BV.

With this company as the base of knowledge, he

started a few months later together with another

company a new company The Sun Factory BV.

The Sun Factory is acting as a system house for

renewable energy systems with the goal to sell

complete standardized solar systems in projects

for private consumers, project developers and

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other companies worldwide. The drive for The

Sun Factory and Klaas is to build a solar future

concerning the energy and environment problems

at this moment. By using the possibilities of my

company he can take his responsibilities and to

give a small contribution for the environment and

the health of the world. By using solar energy we

can reduce the pollution of CO2 and create a new

energy source for now and in the future while the

fossil energy sources are reducing. By installing,

developing new solar and wind energy systems

he can convince people to be aware of renewable

energy.

Specialisation Renewable Energy, specialised in

Photo Voltaic energy systems

• Sales of Photo Voltaic and wind energy systems

and products

• Product development of innovative RE products

• Training and education of installers

• Advice on grid connected Photo Voltaic systems

• Installation, commissioning and maintenance of

grid connected and autonomous Photo Voltaic

systems

• Design of grid connected Photo Voltaic

systems

• Design of hybrid autonomous PV, wind and

diesel systems

Han Vrijling // Professor in Probabilistic

Design and Hydraulic Structures. Chairman of the

Delft University Department of Hydraulic Engi-

neering. www.tudelft.nl

Professor Vrijling finished his master study at

Delft University of Technology in 1974. in 1980 he

received his masters degree in Economics at the

Erasmus University. After a short period at the

engineering office of the Adriaan Volker Group he

was seconded to the Easternscheldt storm surge

barrier project. In this project mr. Vrijling deve-

loped the probabilistic approach to the design of

the barrier. After the completion of the barrier in

1986 he became deputy head of the Hydraulic en-

gineering branch of the Civil Engineering Division

of Rijkswaterstaat. In 1989 he was responsible for

the research and computer activities of the Civil

Engineering Division. In 1989 he became profes-

sor in Hydraulic Engineering in Delft. Since 1995

he is full professor in Delft, and advisor to the

Civil Engineering Division.

Professor Vrijling was recently appointed as a

member of the Veerman committee that studied

the future of the new metro line in Amsterdam.

Construction of this ‘North-South line’ was

stopped because of new financial prognoses as

a result of damage to adjoining houses. The com-

mittee presented its advice to the Amsterdam city

board on 4 July 2009.

Tineke van der Schoor // Resear-

cher Sustainable Building at Hanzehogeschool

Groningen and general secretary at Stichting

Duurzaamheidscentrum. www.duurzaamheids-

centrum.nl

Tineke van der Schoor started her career in

sustainable development as assistant-coordinator

of the Alliance for Sustainable Development

in 1989. In the first years she focused on the

United Nations Conference on Environment and

Development, held in Rio in 1992. The agreements

signed on UNCED had to be implemented in local

and national practice in the Netherlands. So

after Unced, Tineke was involved in the National

Sustainability Debates, where she conducted the

research and preparation of the debates for a

broad range of sustainability issues. The adagium

‘Think Global, Act Local’ led to a range of acti-

vities and publications for municipalities in the

Netherlands.

Sustainable development was also a leading

theme when Tineke was ‘wethouder VROM’ in

Winsum. Landscape planning, sustainable buil-

ding, environment and energy where key issues in

her local policies.

At the moment Tineke is a researcher with the

Hanzehogeschool Groningen and works on

‘energy transition’, ‘consumers and sustainability’

and sustainable building.

Nynke-Rixt Jukema // Owner/director of

NRJ architectuur www.nrjarchitectuur.nl

Architect Nynke Rixt Jukema in mainly involved

in what she calls ‘environmental design in the

context’. Some years after graduating as MSc in

Architecture (Delft University of Technology) she

returned back to her roots in Fryslân.

In 2007 she was asked by the National Advisor for

the Infrastructure to provide a future vision for

the Afsluitdijk. The design Stil(l) Afsluitdijk was

concerned with the replacement of the existing

cycle/foot path by tow path on both sides of the

dike. She added several stil(l) elements next to

the existing elements monument, camp site,

sluices and the constructions at Kornwerderzand.

These elements were implemented as ‘weather

houses’, each symbolizing one aspect of weather:

temperature, wind, clouds, precipitation and air

pressure. Nynke-Rixt made a conscious choice

for ‘civil engineering’ and ‘plasticity’ in her form

semantics to find a relation with the existing ar-

chitectural typology and thus strengthening unity

on the Afsluitdijk.

The weather houses are influenced by ever chan-

ging weather conditions. The visitors

have no control over the conditions and have to

experience what is happening in the weather

house. The design was received very positive

and will be used in the follow-up studies for the

Afsluitdijk.

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TGJ Communicatie Open Desing Competition expertrapport

Technology

Transcript of TGJ Communicatie Open Desing Competition expertrapport