F.D. Van der Hoeven

Strategic study on the utilization of underground space in the Netherlands

Abstract In the Netherlands, interest in utilization of underground space has been increasing over the pastdecade. To examine the potential for subsurface space use, a national lldStrategic Study on the Utilization of Underground Space” was carried out by the Centre for Underground Construction (Centrum Ondergrounds Bouwen, COB) and Delft University of Technology (TUD), on the initiative of the National Physical Planning Service (Rijksplanologische Dienst, RPD) of Service (Rijksplanologische Dienst, RPD) of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. The paper describes the objectives of the study, the characteristics of underground space use in the Netherlands, positive and negative influences on the potential use of such space, and conclusion of the Strategic Study, including likely prospective applications of subsurface space in the Netherlands.

The new underground planning map of the Netherlands: a feasibility study of the possibilities of the use of underground space

Abstract In 1998 a study was conducted in the Netherlands into the possibilities of a more large-scale and systematic use of the underground in the western part of the country, the so-called “Randstad”. It was intended to be a more focused sequel on a study conducted on the possible role that use of the underground could play for the whole of the Netherlands, the “Strategic Study on the utilization of underground space”. The study examined the possibilities of improving an idealized model of the future spatial development of the Randstad, that was preferred by the provinces comprising this Randstad, by using more extensively he underground space. Improvement meant an enlargement of the efficiency of the use of space and maintenance or enlargement of the spatial quality of the area. Societal, cost, groundwater and policy aspects were investigated. The study showed some remarkable results. Gains in available space up to 50% in specific areas seemed possible and, when costs of working and maintenance were taken into account, underground construction for several facilities was no more expensive than above ground construction, which contradicts a widely held belief in the Netherlands.

Mind the evaluation gap: reviewing the assessment of architectural research in the Netherlands

How the assessment of the scientific quality and societal relevance of Dutch architectural research has evolved to bridge the evaluation gap between design and engineering.

Leidsche Rijn : Balancing the compact city with the Randstad motorway network

In the mid-1990s, the Dutch economy grew at a pace of 3 to 4 percent annually (CBS, 2009). The use of the countrys major infrastructure increased accordingly, and the urban areas in the western part of the country, the Randstad, continued to expand to meet the soaring housing demand. After decades of state intervention, the government started to loosen its grip on local and regional urban development. The governments policy on spatial planning shifted away from the concept of planning new towns to focus on more compact urban development (compacte stad). The policy reasoned that a compact city would have a smaller environmental footprint because of more effective land-use and shorter daily travel distances. With its Fourth Report on Spatial Planning (VROM, 1988: Vierde Nota) and the additional VINEX-report (VROM, 1993: Vierde Nota Extra), the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Housing and the Environment no longer seemed to dictate that one solution that fits all. Rather, it sought to implement developments that suited the regional territorial characteristics and the preferences of the concerned authorities. Thus, Utrecht ended up with the largest VINEX-development in the Netherlands. In fact, Utrecht is the fourth largest city by population in the country, after Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague.

Haagse Hitte : Het Haagse warmte-eiland in kaart gebracht

De afgelopen jaren zijn verschillende studies verricht naar het warmte-eiland effect in Nederland. Een studie van TNO (TNO, 2012) heeft voor wat betreft Den Haag de toon gezet. Den Haag zou van alle Nederlandse steden het sterkste warmte-eiland effect kennen. Die beeldvorming heeft gezorgd voor een maatschappelijke en politieke bezorgdheid die het vertrekpunt vormt voor dit Haagse Hitte onderzoek van de TU Delft, mede mogelijk gemaakt door de gemeente Den Haag. Bij het onderzoek hebben we ons de volgende vragen gesteld: - Is het warmte-eiland effect in Den Haag inderdaad fors sterker dan in naburige steden? - Welke stadsdelen van de gemeente Den Haag zijn het sterkst getroffen door het zomerse hitte-eiland effect? - Wordt het warmte-eiland effect in Den Haag veroorzaakt door het ruimtegebruik? En zo ja, welk ruimtegebruik legt hier het meeste gewicht in de schaal? - In juli 2006 trad er als gevolg van de extreme hitte een verhoogde sterfte op in Den Haag. Is de ruimtelijke spreiding van de sterfte gedurende die maand mede te verklaren aan de hand van het warmte-eiland effect? - Is er voldoende aanleiding voor de stad Den Haag om actie te ondernemen ten aanzien van het stadsklimaat? En zo ja, moeten dan bepaalde delen van de stad eerder aangepakt worden dan andere? Welke adaptieve maatregelen moeten we daar nemen om het warmte-eiland effect verminderen?

The Urban Heat Island Effect in Dutch City Centres: Identifying Relevant Indicators and First Explorations

In the Netherlands awareness regarding the Urban Heat Island (UHI) was raised relatively recently. Because of this recent understanding, there is a lack of consistent urban micro-meteorological measurements to allow a conventional UHI assessment of Dutch cities during heat waves. This paper argues that it is possible to retrieve relevant UHI information—including adaptation guidelines—from satellite imagery.