As part of design research Holtland, Flux has published the Bossenboek (Book of Forests). The book contains a design research into new forms of forest in the Netherlands. The new forest types are a result of the different cases as river forests, forests for timber constructions of buildings and the Utrechts Heuvelland. The forests always contribute to larger challenges such as climate, nature, recreation or food. The Bossenboek shows how forests contribute to these themes and where these forests can be used. In the coming years, Flux will continuously add new types of forests to the Bossenboek.
Since 2021 Flux has been working on the design research Holtland. Flux sees a high level of abstraction and a lot of focus on surfaces in existing research on forests. Therefore Flux considers it valuable to further investigate the planting of forests in the Netherlands. The focus is on the diversity of forest types, a strong relationship with major current challenges in the Netherlands and a concrete spatial elaboration. The Holtland research consists of three parts: a forest book with forests of the future (the Bossenboek), four case studies and an alternative forest vision for the Netherlands. The project was financed by the Stimuleringsfonds and by co-financing from several parties.
The four case studies are set up with concrete locations and the stakeholders are the Province of Utrecht, WWF, Synchroon and Staatsbosbeheer. The advisory group for the design research consists of Berno Strootman (former National Landscape Advisor, involved in the forest strategy for LNV), Kees Hendriks (researcher forest Alterra Wageningen) and Martijn Boosten (researcher and advisor at the Probos foundation).
Since November Gerwin de Vries is part of the Inspirational Board of the Architecture Center AORTA. The members of the board are a connecting link with the field. They contribute ideas about current spatial assignments in the city and contribute ideas for future programming. Besides Gerwin de Vries the members are: Klaas Verschuure (chairman - former alderman of spatial planning for the municipality of Utrecht), Eveline Keizer (senior development manager BPD), Esther Vlaswinkel (urban planner and partner at SVP architecture and urban design), Gregor van Lit (senior urban planner for the municipality of Utrecht), Theo Stauttener (Stadkwadraat board of directors), Leen de Wit (program director of the municipality of Utrecht), Do Janne Vermeulen (architect and partner at Team V) and Marco Wubben (senior developer at BDP).
On behalf of the national government, Staatsbosbeheer, Bureau Buiten and Flux landscape architecture conducted research into the opportunities for green urbanisation in the Netherlands. In the research, spatial and financial principles have been developed for a strategy that combines urban densification with opportunities for greening the city. Flux and Bureau Buiten researched 30 different cities and distinguished different types of cities in the Netherlands, each with its own approach.
Would you like to know more? The researchfile can be downloaded at this link
Video Colosseumweg Feijenoord City Rotterdam
Flux was in the video about the project Colosseumweg Rotterdam, in which the design is explained. In the video, Elisa Boscarato and Gerwin de Vries talk about the essence of the landscape design, in which building and landscape form a joint stepped whole. The aim is to maximize green design with space for water storage, biodiversity and varied use. This project is commissioned by OCFC, a collaboration of Heijmans and AM Gebiedsontwikkeling.
Assignment for the Merwedekanaalzone block 7, 9 and 10
Flux has received the assignment for the landscape design of the courtyards and roof gardens of blocks 7, 9 and 10 in the Merwedekanaalzone. Recently, Flux completed a Preliminary Design for Building Block 8. Together, these blocks form a series of building blocks centrally located in the Merwedekanaalzone, with high ambitions for green, climate and health. Commissioned by Synchroon and AM. Flux has long been active in the Merwedekanaalzone, including Rondje Stadseiland, Merwedekanaalzone Klimaatadaptief and the OPG terrain.
Design research Novex Brabant and Limburg
Flux is participating in the design research NOVEX. NOVEX stands for ‘National environmental vision extra’. Within NOVEX national and provincial governments investigate how national programs connect to provincial tasks and ambitions. NOVEX works with five regions and three perspectives. Flux examines the 'water, soil, nature and agriculture' perspective for the region South (Noord Brabant and Limburg). Commissioned by the Ministry of BZK, the province of Brabant and the province of Limburg.
Image: analysis research area
Design research on climate adaptive stations
Commissioned by Bureau Spoorbouwmeester Flux was asked to conduct a design research on climate-adaptive stations. The research will focus on 25 Dutch stations and will provide concrete measures and design principles for different types of stations and station areas. Commissioned by Prorail and NS.
Flux is working on city park Dordrecht
After a selection phase, Flux received the assignment for the design of a new city park in the Dordwijkzone in Dordrecht. The coming months, Flux will work on a design vision and a further elaboration within the themes water, nature, sport and routing. Commissioned by the municipality of Dordrecht.
Gerwin de Vries in NVTL Feature '5 vragen aan'
For the '5 questions to' column, Gerwin de Vries was interviewed about his agency Flux landscape architecture. In the column, new members, student members and long-time members are interviewed about their interests and role in landscape architecture.
Flux and WWF worked on vision for Rhine-Meuse estuary
Commissioned by WWF, Flux worked on a vision for the Rhine-Meuse estuary in 2100. The vision examines and depicts two future directions: the ‘business as usual’ and a softer approach using nature-based solutions.