'Turning Tide' Won Eo Wijers Competition

The jury's response to the plan was quite enthusiastic: "Turning Tide demonstrates that the complex logistical network in the region offers plenty of opportunities. This plan proposes the addition of various interesting residential and business environments. [...] Few entries grounded their proposals in a vision that provided the same level of detail. This entry sets out a strategy which centers around a phased program and administrative arrangements which will enhance the position of regional government."

According to the design team members, "Deltapoort is a region which can greatly enhance the international position of the Netherlands. It has a population of 260,000 and is transected by various forms of large-scale infrastructure having supraregional significance. At present, the main function of Deltapoort is as a corridor. It would appear that its seven constituent municipalities are not fully aware of the strengths they can develop by working together. We believe the current spatial development policy to be too defensive. Our plan therefore seeks to 'turn the tide', hence its name. The presence of so much water offers an ideal opportunity to create many new and interesting residential environments, for example. We have set out our vision for a future of which the Drecht towns can be proud. If adopted, they will once again be able to call themselves 'the Gateway to Holland' in 2048."

The panel of judges was chaired by Dirk Sijmons. The Eo Wijers Foundation is an independent network that aims to improve spatial quality in the Netherlands at the supraregional level. For this year's competition, entrants were invited to submit a plan for the Vechtstreek or the Deltapoort region.