Adaptive Strategies for Dunkirk: A Delft's Perspective

P. De Martino*, C.M. Hein, J.M.K. Hanna

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

Port cities are at the forefront of the contemporary climate crisis, facing multi-risk conditions from shifting water systems, migration, technological and energy transition. Addressing these challenges require collaborative stakeholder efforts to develop multi-scalar, long-term visions, focusing on interconnected port, city, and territory spaces for sustainable development. Historical continuities and maritime heritage mapping are foundational for adaptive strategies.

This article explores design education's potential to reimagine industrial and modern locations that fostered segregation and rigid infrastructure. Waterfront redevelopment, energy transitions, and new shipping technologies are ending these areas' lifecycle in many western port cities. Neglected spaces like obsolete infrastructure offer opportunities for innovative ideas. New maritime mindsets and collaborative public spaces are needed for meaningful stakeholder and citizen engagement.

Insights from the Adaptive Strategies master’s elective at Delft University of Technology demonstrate education's role in sparking discussions and developing adaptive strategies. The course, initiated after the 2021 Port of Beirut explosion, used Dunkirk's industrial heritage as a case study. This article argues that education can activate research, generate innovative planning approaches, and create integrated port-city-territory scenarios while questioning architecture's role and limitations.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages25
JournalPORTUSplus
Volume17
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Port Cities
  • Public Space
  • Infrastructure
  • Maritime Mindsets
  • Scenarios

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