Landscape Matters Issue 4 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 27
the various engineering approaches to tame rivers and control
water level fluctuations. This introductory exploration is essential to fully understand the originality and innovation behind
the case studies. All the projects selected propose a radical
departure from the ideas of taming and controlling the flows of
water, but instead propose to accommodate these fluctuations
through the creation of more adaptable river valley landscapes
including reclaiming spaces for water. The author is clearly
familiar with the projects described in this book; he provides
minute detail about political context, processes and achievements, summarised effectively in the case studies overview
(p.85). The case studies are grouped under themes dealing with
different types of interventions evoked through the titles of the
various chapters: ‘In search of Combinatory Landscapes’ is
exploring the combination of interventions moving away from
vertical barrier, but proposing horizontal solutions to ensure
more flexibility and increase aesthetic value. In ‘Upscaling
Floodscapes Design’, the projects studied relate to larger territories through coherent and consistent regional and national
planning approaches. For example, the concept adopted by the
Dutch government of making ‘Room for the River’ to ensure a
wide acceptance of the new flood mitigation strategy. The last
and final chapter further emphasises the need for adaptability
and resilience and discusses ‘Designing Elastic Landscapes
for an Uncertain Future’ and ‘Adapting to Changing Time’.
This well-structured book is full of useful illustrations including original maps and digitally produced 3D-drawings illustrating horizontal flood mitigation strategies and proposals.
Through a thorough analysis and assessment of the case
studies the author provides some key underpinning principles
that enable professionals to engage with the challenges of
water flows. However, the book is text heavy and would have
benefited from more illustrations, especially in relation to contextual information. The illustrations, which potentially might
have provided this information, have been reproduced too
small with the keys that are illegible. Pending this reservation,
this is a valuable resource for any professional interested and
involved in landscape planning and it is a stimulating source of
inspiration for practitioners and students in landscape architecture alike.
Laurence Pattacini
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