Research

Atelier Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100

Designing a future-proof and water-proof region

2025

The Rijnmond-Drechtsteden region faces major challenges regarding water safety. The current Delta strategy is sustainable until around 2070—even under an extreme climate scenario. But what happens after that? With rising sea levels, increased and decreased river discharge, land subsidence, and climate change, the spatial resilience of the region is under pressure. This also raises questions about the future of the port and its economy. That’s why the IABR Atelier Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100 is launched, under the direction of atelier masters Dirk Sijmons and Lodewijk van Nieuwenhuijze. The design research is carried out by De Urbanisten, H+N+S Landscape Architects, and PosadMaxwan. Jelmer Teunissen has been appointed as junior designer and generational challenger to help develop long-term perspectives for the region. The commissioning official core team consisting of the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Municipality of Dordrecht, the Province of South Holland, DPRD and the Port Authority is closely involved.

This design research explores alternatives to the current system—such as nature-based solutions, closed sea inlets, or even retreat from certain areas. By exploring now which choices are possible and desirable, future generations can build on a foundation that is both flexible and future-proof. The urgency is high: this research helps ensure timely action if the current strategy is no longer sufficient.

Kick-off of Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100. Image: Sabine van der Vooren

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Background of Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100

The research focuses on exploring long-term scenarios for water safety and spatial planning in the region. The reason is clear: the current water system offers no guarantees beyond 2070 if sea levels rise by two meters or more. That’s why the project develops scenarios that go beyond conventional policy frameworks. The region is of national importance, with the Port of Rotterdam as a key economic engine. At the same time, the living environment is under pressure: urbanization, nitrogen emissions, biodiversity loss, and a changing climate call for fundamental choices. This research connects technical challenges—such as dike reinforcement and freshwater management—with broader themes like housing, economy, landscape, and public health. By designing scenarios that bring together multiple interests, the initiators aim to guide the development of a resilient and livable delta by 2100.

Han Meyer, Elena Chevtchenko, Ellen Kelder, Marijne Kreulen, Shuangyun Chen, Yeeun Boo, Marlies van der Maarel, Jaap van der Salm, Lodewijk van Nieuwenhuijze, Dirk Peijpe, Dirk Sijmons, Marcel van der Meijs, Melany van Twuijver, Berry Gersonius, Vera Konings, Esma Hoogendijk, Saskia van Stein, Lena de Rouw, Pieter Jacobs, Jelmer Teunisse, Marc Eisma, Hans Heupink. Image: Sabine van der Vooren

What is the research method of IABR Atelier Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100?

At the heart of the IABR’s approach lies design-driven research. This means that spatial scenarios are developed as a tool to gain insight into future decision-making possibilities. Three design firms — De Urbanisten, H+N+S Landscape Architects, and PosadMaxwan — each work on their own scenario, based on six water safety strategies defined by the Delta Programme. These range from extending the current strategy to completely closing off or opening up the sea inlet.

Through a series of work sessions, the design teams explore how these strategies can be spatially translated and what the implications are for the economy, ecology, and society. Each scenario maps out opportunities, risks, and required investments. The method includes backcasting: reasoning back from a future vision to identify what actions are needed today. This is done in close collaboration with policymakers, experts, and local authorities. The result is not just a vision, but also a testable framework to support future decision-making.

What do we aim to achieve with Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100?

This research aims to prepare the Rijnmond-Drechtsteden region for a future in which climate change and sea level rise have a major impact on the living environment. The goal is to deliver three to four spatially developed scenarios that can serve as building blocks for future policy decisions. These scenarios not only address the technical aspects of water safety but also shed light on the social, ecological, and economic consequences.

By creating spatial maps, future visions, and concrete development strategies, we support decision-makers and policymakers in making choices that reflect the complexity of the region. Additionally, we aim to contribute to a broader public discussion on how the Netherlands can respond to a changing climate and shape the future of its delta.

Kick-off Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100. Image: Sabine van der Vooren

When can you expect results from Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100?

The design research runs from April through November 2025. During this period, six work sessions will take place in which design teams, experts, and policymakers collaboratively develop the scenarios. The results will be presented at the end of 2025, with a public final presentation tentatively planned for October or November.

The outcomes will include maps, spatial visions, development strategies, and concrete policy recommendations. These will serve as input for the recalibration of the Delta Programme (track 3) and contribute to broader policy processes such as NOVEX and the Environmental Agenda. A clear and accessible visual format is also being developed, allowing the scenarios to be easily compared and understood by a wide audience.

This makes the research not only a contribution to policymaking, but also an invitation to a broader conversation: about how we shape our country, where we dare to build, and where we might be better off letting go. The results may also be featured at the International Architecture Biennale in 2026.

“We can imagine shaping the range of socio-spatial futures in our region through the lens of the (port) economy and the broader economy. The (port) economy is also an expression of wider socio-spatial developments in society.”

Dirk Sijmons, Atelier Master Delta Rijnmond-Drechtsteden 2100