Dutch Delta

After the severe flood of 1953, massive dams have been built all over the Netherlands (as a part of the Delta plan) to protect the shore as well as the farm land behind it. Although these constructions are massive, it does not feel like the dutch have forced or tamed the north sea. Instead, especially in summer when the north sea is as calm as a lake tourists, coast protection facilities and the north sea seem to co-exist in perfect harmony. I set out to document this co-existence during the hottest days of the year 2019 mainly in the region around the Deltaworks (Oosterscheldekering) and the estuary area of the Schelde river. The dutch do have a special relationship to their coastlines and water in general. Large parts of the Netherlands are located below sea level, which means that the future existence of the country is highly dependent on coastal protection measures like the Delta works. In the course of climate change and the rise of sea levels worldwide, many nations and cities will most likely be turning their heads towards the Netherlands to seek ideas and expertise for their own coastal protection plans. I have found the functional architecture in contrast with the picturesque summer weather to be visually exciting.