Due to climate change, the sea level is rising, posing a potential threat to the protective dikes in Groningen. In the next century, we might not be able to rely on these structures anymore. As a result, it becomes crucial to reimagine our architectural design strategies, anticipating a future where water might play a more prominent role in our everyday living. Moreover, in addressing the environmental challenges posed by climate change, it is essential that we transition towards a greater reliance on renewable energy sources. The integration of water-conscious design and increased utilisation of renewable energy are crucial steps toward creating a more sustainable and adaptable living environment for generations to come.

This project explored the region north of Groningen through a period of 100 years. It took on a hands-on research approach where the clay in the area was studied. This lead to the design of a tastery embedded in the agricultural landscape.

This research explores the design of a future-proof building for Groningen, focusing on energy efficiency and climate adaptation. Given the rising sea levels and climate changes, the study investigates urban, local, building, and detail scales to develop sustainable design strategies that will later be implemented into an architectural design. Historical and present-day challenges of water management in the Groningen area are examined, leading to an urban concept on how to make the Groningen Reitdiep area future resilient.

The study outlines three future urban scenarios: living on mounds, adapting existing arable farming on terps, and utilizing mixed farming in a dike landscape. Each scenario addresses infrastructure, energy systems, and building typologies. Key strategies include dry and wet floodproofing, passive solar design, and integrating wind and water for energy generation. The research concludes with guidelines for designing resilient buildings in flood-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices to create liveable environments for future generations. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that future inhabitants of Groningen can coexist with rising water levels.

The final design will be created within one future urban scenario, focusing on a cultural community centre that is water resilient even within 100 years from now in 2124.

This graduation project explores the topic of flexible working as a new work norm for architects (and designers) and how FW needs to be translated into an office design. Through the analysis of two case studies, the current situation has been mapped out, which has been used to determine the requirements for an office programme that can facilitate flexible working. In order to allow flexible working, one must apply activity-based workplace design as a design method, in which one designs based on activities, rather than functions. The graduation project explains the translation of flexible working as the new work norm into a design proposal.