In May 2005, the second edition of the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR), pleasantly presented the exhibition ‘The Flood’, in which the relationship between water and architecture in five exhibitions and an extensive series of side programs was organised. Curator Adriaan Geuze, on the occasion of the Biennale, has proposed the study research and main exhibition ‘Polders!’. It is a unique survey of almost 4000 polders in the Netherlands, beautifully mapped and richly illustrated with highlights of Dutch painting, poetry and photography.

Among the side programs, there was a study designed by West 8 and Greg Lynn: Chevy to the Levee. This study is also known as ‘A green river in the forelands of the IJssel near Deventer’; a Master plan for flood beds along the river Rijn on the Dutch-German border.

This Biennale has inspired the book: “Polders! Gedicht Nederland”, and led to the documentary “New Orleans in the Polder” – Tegenlicht, by VPRO. in which Adriaan Geuze enters a discussion with Melanie Schultz van Haegen (Secretary of State, Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management), Joost Schrijnen (director Spatial Planning, Province of South- Holland), Wim Derksen (director Spatial Planning Bureau) en Kees Vriesman (director Staatsbosbeheer).