Previous state
Delfzijl, a municipality in Groningen (the northern Netherlands), underwent an intense period of industrialisation following the Second World War. As part of this transformation, the port was relocated, and the city centre lost its direct connection to the Wadden Sea for many years.
However, the city's waterfront was in growing need of coastal defences due to rising sea levels and climate change. The sea dike reinforcement project in Delfzijl formed part of the national flood protection programme, known locally as Het Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma (HWBP). This milestone intervention presented both challenges and opportunities, as while the dike enhanced the visual barrier between the city and the beach, it also created the potential to improve the physical connection between the city centre and the sea.
Aim of the intervention
The primary objective of the new beach promenade was to enhance the connection between the city of Delfzijl with the Wadden Sea. Given the limited space available in this urban area, the programme’s diverse needs required a holistic approach that encompassed landscape, architecture and civil engineering. At the centre of the project was the creation of a salt marsh landscape along the coast, with a second objective of creating additional habitats for animals and plants, while integrating civil engineering, spatial quality and ecosystem restoration.
Description
The sea wall was constructed partially inland and accompanied by reinforcement works to widen the existing beach. Its distinctive design features a meandering layout, with undulating lines that highlight the course of the promenade, which includes a cycle path and a pedestrian walkway. Topographical differences were safely bridged by these uniform undulations. The construction of a new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians also significantly improved access to the city, creating squares and panoramic viewpoints that invite passersby to pause, rest and relax enroute.
Assessment
The Wadden Sea and the town of Delfzijl have a historic connection, reinforced today by the transformation of the promenade. The proposal’s design incorporates visible links to the sea as well as metaphorical references, such as the introduction of maps in the paving, marsh patterns and a natural colour palette to strengthen the bond with the region’s unique identity. This project has not only revitalised the area, but it has also created a living public space, now used as a meeting point for residents and visitors alike.
The project's success lies not only in its landscape and aesthetic quality, but also in its ability to foster unity within the city, act as a catalyst for new developments, and contribute to Delfzijl's entrepreneurial spirit.
[Last update: 06/11/2024]
