The living barriers: The architectural adaptation of existing flood barriers on Zeeland’s new biodiversity synergy

The acceleration of the sea level rise will have an immediate global impact, especially on the Delta works. This projection increases the challenge for flood protection strategies and the existing flood barriers that currently lack adaptation for the higher water level. As an opportunity from the negative outcome of climate change and the most extensive maintenance period of the Delta works. This design research initiates by considering the further innovative stage of the flood defense system in Zeeland. Either way of strengthening the hydraulic systems, removing the flood barriers for environmental respect, or adapting both directions with the surrounding and biodiversity concerns. <br/><br/>This paper studies three crucial phasing investigations about the Delta works: the principle and life cycle, the alteration of the biodiversity, and multi-functionality. The research indicated two sides of the outcomes, leading to the methodology of the integration between the typology and methods of dam, locks, and storm surge barriers to create diversity in the specific context of Oosterscheldekering. Together with the multi-functionality of the new architecture, that could be a solution for the future adaptation of existing flood barriers.<br/> / Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences