Arcen dijkversterking overview door NEXT architects

Dike reinforcement Arcen

Great barrier Arcen

As climate change sets in, it becomes a major challenge to strengthen the resilience of our river landscapes. With space in short supply, traditional techniques such as raising dikes and constructing flood walls and embankments are not always viable. This calls for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches. This is also the case in the picturesque Limburg village of Arcen, which lies on the river Meuse. Arcen is a well-known hub for walkers and cyclists who come here to enjoy the beautiful green Meuse region and the natural backdrop of the Maasduinen. Due to its location on the river, however, the village also has a complex network of flood defenses running through the center and the residents' back gardens. A new flood barrier, five kilometers long, offers solace.
Dijkversterking Arcen Kruisweg
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Bart Reuser, Marijn Schenk, Michel Schreinemachers met Jurriaan Hillerstrom, Daniël Ankoné, Wenda Andryani, Maarten van der Burg, Angelos Chouliaras, Milena Szymczak, Sara García Golmar

Exploring the landscape of the old town

NEXT architects has made a careful study of historic Arcen and its surroundings, including the Schanstoren, the Hertog-Jan brewery and Arcen castle, on behalf of the Dike Zone Alliance. The line also runs through the back gardens of the people living in the historic center. Rather than follow a perfectly straight path through the landscape, it should be both tangible and experiential. NEXT analyzed and shaped the elements that enable this flood barrier to adapt to the gardens, the castle, the Schanstoren and the area around the brewery.

 

Dijkversterking Arcen Schansplein

Connecting and placing the new barrier so that it protects the land and its people

A new flood defense, five kilometers in length, comprising a dike, a self-closing flood barrier (the Vlotterkering®) and a removable section, replaces the current patchwork of protective measures against high water levels. The Vlotterkering®, which rises four meters in high water, runs directly through the residents’ gardens. At low water, the people of Arcen enjoy an unobstructed view of the vast and powerful river; at high water, their gardens, homes and the historic mediaeval village of Arcen are kept safe against the forces of nature.

 

Arcen dijkversterking doorsnede zuid NEXT architects

Creating made-to-measure solutions while making use of the Vlotterkering®

This is the second time that NEXT architects has incorporated the Vlotterkering® into a project. The palette of materials used for the access gates in the Limburg village of Steyl nearby provided valuable lessons for the openings in Arcen. In places where these openings – natural stone passageways in the dikes – were created, people get a sense of ‘passing through the flood barrier’, and alleys lead towards the riverside meadows where the drama of the looming water is tangible and immersive.

The Steyl-Maashoek dike reinforcement is part of the national Flood Protection Program. After the summer floods of 2021, it became clear that the existing dike was neither strong nor high enough to protect the village in the future.

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Arcen dijkversterking overview door NEXT architects
Coupure Arcen Dijkversterking
Dijkversterking Arcen Schansplein
Arcen dijkversterking NEXT architects
Dijkversterking Arcen Kruisweg
Kasteeltuinen Arcen met nieuwe dijkversterking door NEXT architects
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