Panorama Nederland: Sustainability and Resilience in Action

Netherlands, Europe

Illustrating how the major issues of today can be the key to welcome, structural improvements for our country in the coming decades.

Panorama Nederland was a future perspective vision for the total spatial planning of the Netherlands. Led by the College of Rijksadviseurs, Vereniging Deltametropool, and West 8, the initiative sought to find solutions for competing land uses while enhancing quality of life. In addition to the research and data analysis of the entire country, the process involved an intensive series of workshops and discussions with key stakeholders to shape a richer, cleaner, and more cohesive future. The resulting vision addresses the Netherlands’ spatial and environmental challenges through a cohesive strategy that integrates aspects of water management, agriculture, urbanization, and energy transition within the proposal. Published in 2019, the initiative combined a publication, digital tools, and a traveling exhibition to inspire dialogue and engagement.

A workshop with Vereniging Deltametropool, College of State Advisors and West 8.

Panorama Nederland addresses the following Core Challenges and Vision for the Netherlands:

1. How Water Connects Us: Water is central to the Netherlands’ identity and survival. Efficient water management can address challenges like flooding and drought while enhancing landscapes, biodiversity, and urban quality.
2. Rich Farmland: The New Deal between farmers and society aims to transition to circular, sustainable practices that balance food production with environmental stewardship, benefiting both people and nature.
3. More Time for Each Other: With increasing urban migration and shrinking households, smarter urban planning around transport hubs will reduce travel times, preserve open spaces, and improve overall livability.
4. New Energy: Drastically reducing CO2 emissions requires integrating renewable energy solutions into spatial planning. Urban areas must adopt localized energy systems, while landscapes are adapted for sustainable energy production where feasible.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

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Revitalizing Landscapes & Empowering Communities

The full plan as well as the designed panorama were presented to national government officials as well as local officials in each of the provinces of The Netherlands. © Bas Kijzers

The Panorama Nederland exhibition toured the Netherlands and consisted a physical panorama, where visitors can physically step inside to take a look at a cleaner, more cohesive and prosperous Netherlands, as well as a publication explaining the choices and principles to get there. The document is available to download in Dutch here.

An English summary is available here.

Panorama Gelderse
Rivers

After the presentation of Panorama Nederland, the Province of Gelderland asked West 8 to create a visually similar presentation that shows how the four major rivers that run through Gelderland—the Waal, the Nederrijn-Lek, the IJssel, and the Maas—shape the landscape and the challenges and opportunities each of these unique landscapes faces.

1 — 4 The Bovenrijn-Waal River landscape is being developed to enhance resilience by balancing natural dynamics with water safety and ecological goals. Key measures such as dike reinforcement, river expansion, and sustainable management are essential for addressing high-water challenges and preserving biodiversity. Integrated planning highlights the unique features of areas like Rijnstrangen and Gelderse Poort while considering urban, agricultural, and recreational needs. The long-term vision prioritizes ecological connectivity, adaptive land use, and regional development for a sustainable future.

2 — 4 The development of the Nederrijn-Lek landscape balances water safety, ecology, and navigability while tackling challenges like sedimentation, drought, and recreational pressure. Key initiatives include reinforcing dikes, creating floodplains, and adopting nature-inclusive agriculture to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable land use. The plan aims to integrate the river into a green-blue network while ensuring its role in regional logistics with connections to ports and waterways. Emphasizing the river's unique historical and natural heritage, the approach seeks integrated solutions for urban, rural, and environmental needs.

3 — 4 The development of the IJssel River landscape aims to create a safe and resilient river system through dike reinforcements, erosion prevention, and river widening, while maintaining spatial and environmental quality. It balances nature and agriculture, expands the natural network, and addresses challenges like sediment erosion and urbanization. Additionally, recreational and cultural initiatives are planned to transform the IJssel into a "landscape park" with accessible dikes and green spaces, enhancing regional identity. By preserving the river's unique characteristics, the project seeks to integrate ecological, cultural, and economic needs effectively.

4 — 4 Development of the Maas River landscape focuses on creating a sustainable, resilient, and dynamic river system. This includes restoring old meanders, addressing erosion, and balancing flood safety with environmental, cultural, and agricultural needs. Key projects, such as Meanderende Maas, aim to enhance water management, biodiversity, and the unique landscape identity of the area while preserving its historical and natural characteristics. The river's role as a network for nature and navigation is strengthened through integrated solutions. These solutions involve the development of a landscape park that features recreational and cultural amenities, as well as measures to ensure navigability and adequate water availability. Collaboration with neighboring provinces and innovative region-based approaches, such as those implemented in Sint Andries, aim to align river management with broader ecological, historical, and community objectives.

Panorama Nederland

Client
College van Rijksadviseurs

Partners
Vereniging Deltametropool

Panorama Gelderse Rivieren

Client
Provincie Gelderland