Course: AR2U085 R&D Studio - Spatial Strategies for the Global Metropolis (2019/20 Q3)
Mentors: Dr. A. (Alexander) Wandl, Dr. DA Sepulveda Carmona, Dr. LM Calabrese, Dr. D. (Daniele) Cannatella
Group Members: Jurriënne Heijnen, Karlou Westerbeek, Kelvin Saunders, Sorawit Pattarasumunt
Location: The Province of South Holland, The Netherlands
Full report available at TU Delft Repository
What is the problem?
The economy and technological innovations have always shaped the Dutch landscape and society. The evolution of the Internet has led to new economies based on digital information and communication. Similar to the economic developments of the past 200 years, this economic development has a large economic, environmental, spatial and social footprint.
The fast-changing sector is characterized by massive exploitation of construction material, energy and data. The flows that facilitate the sector are linear and produce a lot of digital and physical waste, because materials (and data) in this industry have a short lifespan.
In 2025, the expected energy use of the information and communication sector will be 21% of the global energy production. Since not enough renewable energy is produced yet, it is a fossil fuel-based sector and in the nearby future it will surpass the CO2-footprint of the aviation and shipping industry.
The construction of data centers and the corresponding infrastructure as closed boxes is seizing patches of land, without adding quality to the local environment. The global and national importance are clear, but in most cases the local value is neglected.
Regarding the goal of the Province to be circular and energy-efficient in 2050 and the will to use digitization as a key player in this transition, the development of a regional data cluster that lies at the core of this transition needs to be steered in the right direction.
With a strategic approach, focused on a circular and sustainable development of the new economies brought to us by the data sector, the region can profit from the positive externalities that data clusters pose.
Problem Statement
South Holland Vision 2050
In 2050, South Holland will be circular and contribute to a sustainable world. A strategic and integrated development of the digital economy into the (urban) fabric of South Holland functions as a catalyst for this goal. The development of these datascapes is circular, (energy-)efficient and creates value throughout the different scales.
On a regional scale, renewable energy production landscapes are developed to establish a powerful grid to support this new economic sector. Locally, energy exchange principles and agglomeration effects are used to their full potential. The construction material use is optimized from a linear flow to a circular cycle, focusing on keeping the production and consumption patterns as local as possible.
New sustainable business models are created to preserve the important global position of this region, without losing attention for the local and national value.
In this strategy, we bring data hubs as a platform for awareness, participation and knowledge exchange. These platforms will either function as a creator or a transformer of the local environment.
South Holland Vision 2050
Spatial Interventions
Development of 17 Data Clusters
Based on their spatial layout, the 17 clusters can be subdivided into six categories of spatial development and functions.
Phase 1
In the first phase of the implementation, the ‘testing’ phase, mainly the urban CBD [Central Business District] cluster and the campus cluster are developed.
In the first phase of the implementation, the ‘testing’ phase, mainly the urban CBD [Central Business District] cluster and the campus cluster are developed.
Phase 2
In the second phase, the ‘upscaling’ phase, new developments such as the security cluster and the community cluster take place.
In the second phase, the ‘upscaling’ phase, new developments such as the security cluster and the community cluster take place.
Phase 3
In the third phase, the ‘consolidating’ phase, large-scale projects such as the systematic and headquarter clusters are developed. Both types of clusters will dramatically change the local environment by introducing infrastructural elements or create new economies.
In the third phase, the ‘consolidating’ phase, large-scale projects such as the systematic and headquarter clusters are developed. Both types of clusters will dramatically change the local environment by introducing infrastructural elements or create new economies.
Passport Zoetermeer
Situated in between the principal city of the province, The Hague, and the Green Heart, Zoetermeer is characterized by the urbanized environment and the Dutch polder landscape. On its Northern and Eastern borders, the edges dividing urban landscape and natural landscape can be seen. While on the southern side, the adjacent municipalities of Lansingerland and Pijnecker-Nootdorp are the Greenport clusters, where the large patches of green horticulture are located.
The municipality connects to The Hague and Gouda by A12 highway, as well as by train. Moreover, the tramline goes pass its city center connecting with The Hague Central Station. For this reason, Zoetermeer will be the anticipated mobility hub of the region.
