The New Generation of Pioneers
Regenerative Landscape Strategy for East Flevoland
Finalist | Eo-Wijers Competition | Region: East Flevoland, The Netherlands | 2022 - 2023 | Team: Margot Overvoorde, Anna Kozera, Abel Coenen
In this two-stage competition, together with involved representatives, we prepared a strategy for the Flevoland landscape. The regenerative toolbox, together with the ‘Bewust Beter Boeren’ program, provides a framework for transformation. The project involved research through design, supported by academic researchers and extensive discussions with stakeholders. It was carried out in collaboration with the Eo Wijers Foundation, the Municipality of Lelystad, the Province of Flevoland, TU Delft, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR). The work achieved second place in a two-phase competition.
The further development of the landscape between land and water: from the Swifterbant culture in 5000 BC to the Flevolanders in 2023 AD, and on to the New Generation of Pioneers in 2060 AD.
Polder Pioneers
The dike-surrounded Noordoostpolder, Southern, and Eastern Flevoland together form a meticulously designed province. In the polders, functions are strictly separated and precisely implemented as they were conceived on the drawing board.
The appearance of the polders (or rather: reclaimed land) is a result of technocratic thinking. Villages and towns with amenities were placed at equal distances from each other. Trenches, ditches, waterways, and canals form an ingenious drainage system. Nature was allocated to the edges and the "less fertile" lands. But the story of Flevoland also begins with the polder pioneers, who, starting in the 1950s, were selected to help build the new land.
Future-Proof Polder
The region remains progressive, innovative, and continues to attract adventurous entrepreneurs. Moreover, the polder is highly productive. It might seem "finished," but that is far from the case. Climate change—with extreme downpours, high peak discharges, and rising sea levels—requires space in the polder for water storage. This is a significant challenge, as the entire system is designed to drain water as quickly as possible. At the same time, prolonged periods of drought result in serious water shortages.
Test design: Examples of combined land use from the toolbox
Thinking Outside the Box
To adopt a bottom-up approach, we created an open toolbox designed to inspire land users to act within the specific landscape zone they inhabit. We focused on the values of the "Conscious Better Farming" program, ensuring that each building block contributes to the identity of its respective zone. Each block integrates a productive landscape that balances ecological, social, and economic value.
Land use toolbox with various regenerative options
Plant-Based Production Network
The plan advocates for allowing greater differentiation and "thinking outside the box." This approach enables the region to rediscover its identity. Its leading position in agriculture can expand into becoming a plant-based production polder. In addition to food, it could supply fibers for biobased construction materials and aquatic crops. In this way, Eastern Flevoland would become part of a broader "plant-based production network," with Lelystad integrated into the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region.