The linear ‘dike’ villages of Oldambt are tight settlement forms, composed of housing plots, aligned one next to the other, perpendicularly to the road. The house unit generates the village form, while being interchangeable element. In the current context, Oldambt's settlements are facing the reality of remoteness, shrinkage and a rapidly rising aging population. This proposal envisions a future scenario, where increasing housing vacancy provides a unique opportunity to reconfigure elements of the linear village; therefore, activating its flexible structure as spatial type.
Minimum, low-maintenance spatial interventions enable for the transformation of these ‘now-free’ plots into diversified forested corridors. Corridors to open up the village to the countryside. Demolition of vacant houses. Giving the plots 'back-to-nature'. Wildlife gradually evolves. The demarcation of the plots with a lightweight, wired fence mediates between a ‘wild’ condition and the main road. To stimulate the passer-by, the view to the agrarian landscape is framed. This structure is a transitory space, where temporary uses can be accommodated.
By 2050, Oldambt will re-enter a phase of prosperity and development. This project deals with the meantime. It is an attempt to increase the value and attractiveness of the area, by integrating nature into the linear village structure. Domesticated, controlled, designed nature is replaced by a wilderness network.
Project NL: Noordoostpolder, Oldambt, Westland
The Berlage Center for Advanced Studies in Architecture and Urban Design.
Instructor: Sanne van den Breemer
Design Critic and Scholar: David van Severen, Nelson Mota
Expert Lecturers: Matthijs Bouw, Olaf Gipser
Project Documentary: https://vimeo.com/133037439
Territory-bound Domesticity: Minimum Interventions for Territorial Decline in Oldambt
In spite of negative realities, large part of the locals is still strongly attached to the region’s local culture and landscape of vast agricultural fields and emptiness. Through our complementary -or contrasting- projects, qualities and potentials are identified, which trigger strategies of intervention. The projects deal with minimum spatial interventions, which potentially will have a big future impact. New living environments are envisioned, in relation to the territory, while integrating the local socioeconomic conditions. Our vision for the area addresses a future renewed living/working/leisure, rural lifestyle, both for individuals and communities.
Project NL: Noordoostpolder, Oldambt, Westland
The Berlage Center for Advanced Studies in Architecture and Urban Design.
Team: Nafsika Efklidou (GR), Tritip Chayasombat (TH)
Instructor: Sanne van den Breemer
Project Documentary: https://vimeo.com/133037439