Multifunctional Flood Defences

Pressure on land use in port an delta cities worldwide is increasing, and designing structures and strategies for protection seems possible only when considering multifunctional use. In the meantime, uncertainties about climate change and economic developments present problems in determining a flood protection level. This combined complexity requires technological and institutional innovations.

One of these innovations is the concept of 'multifunctional flood defences'. Such defences can become relevant when necessary improvements in flood defence systems conflict with urban functions, when on-going urbanization requires more space, when public funds are under pressure, or when stakeholders pursue previously unthinkable combinations of functions such as a crematorium or parking garage in a dike.

This article focuses on flood protection combined with buildings and objects, with a high degree of constructive integration. It explains how the approaches of engineering and spatial design can be integrated. In addition, it describes the involvement of stakeholders in these design projects.