There are great opportunities for the transition to a nature-inclusive cultural landscape. Where, in addition to agricultural production, there is room for recreation, energy generation and other functions that go well with the adjacent natural area. As part of Program MooiNL, the Handboek Transitional Areas was developed, commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. The Guide is available as an inspiration document for transition areas nationwide.
With a palette of choices of landscape interventions, designs and tools, participants themselves can put the puzzle together to shape the landscape of the future. For each concept, we explain and depict what the landscape can look like, what instruments can be used for realisation and how the measure scores with respect to (inter)national goals for soil, water and climate.
The starting point for the palette is systemic restoration of soil, water and biodiversity. This requires restoring the absorption capacity of the soil, softening gradients and increasing species diversity. The specially developed method “Must have, Can have, Nice to have” helps prioritise ideas and desires.
Three study areas (Baarlingerpolder, Buitengebied Amersfoort-West, Landgoed Duivenvoorde) formed the test-cases to examine design concepts and instruments for their feasibility. Using design research, collectives of governments, farmers and land managers explored the future in a visual way.
Year: 2024
Type: vision, design research, landscape
Client: Ministry of the Interior / Program MooiNL
Size: Netherlands wide, plus approx. total 1800 hectares elaboration study area
Status: Guide published
