Oude Landen, Antwerpen

Oude Landen is situated in the northern part of Antwerp in Belgium. An area known for its diverse landscapes, which include nature reserves, urban agriculture, and a network of streams that shape its hydrology. The strategic Masterplan for Oude Landen is one of the key identity projects within the Antwerp Water Plan - of which the main focus is on enhancing the city's climate resilience and creating a dynamic living environment for residents. CURRENT LANDSCAPE AND CHALLENGES Map of pluvial floods (source: waterinfo.be) The Oude Landen area, covering the stream structures and valleys from Ekeren to Rozemaai, faces water challenges worsened by climate change, such as flooding, droughts and biodiversity loss. Urban expansion and historical changes to natural waterways have disrupted the region’s hydrology, while rising temperatures and shifting precipitation are affecting ecosystems and the local community. The three main streams—Donkse Beek, Oudenlandse Beek, and Laarse Beek—shape the area's hydrology. Over time, urbanization has disrupted these streams, leading to fragmented ecosystems, higher flood risks and reduced water availability in dry periods. This strategic plan for Oude Landen focuses on restoring these natural systems, balancing the built environment with the landscape. All tying in with the central theme in the overarching Antwerp Water Plan; enhancing the landscape to manage rainwater, including reopening piped streams to boost ecology, recreation, and water buffering. WATERSHED AS PROJECT'S SPATIAL BACKBONE   The water challenge as a driving force for a healthy environment   The watershed forms the project's spatial backbone, connecting all systems in the area. Nature-Based Solutions integrate all principles into a multifunctional landscape, addressing water challenges, ecological issues, landscape identity, and recreational opportunities. Restoring habitats like wetlands and forests enhances biodiversity, strengthens ecological corridors, and improves environmental quality, ensuring the long-term health of Oude Landen. The process   FLOODING SCENARIOS A detailed scenario analysis was conducted to address water challenges in Oude Landen and Ekeren, focusing on flooding, drought, and ecological degradation. Three key scenarios were developed: Concentrated Flooding: Large retention ponds store excess rainfall for use during dry periods. Maximized Flow: Stream profiles are restored and widened to improve water flow and reduce flood risks. Distributed Flooding: Green infrastructure, like permeable surfaces and green roofs, reduces runoff and enhances groundwater infiltration. The strategy   These scenarios were integrated into a hybrid model, ensuring adaptability to local conditions and climate needs. INSIDE THE PLAN The interconnected green and blue infrastructure integrates urban and natural landscapes, linking neighborhoods to nature through green corridors that enhance mobility, recreation, and climate resilience. These networks support water management, biodiversity, and ecological cohesion. The plan prioritizes multifunctional spaces, with parks and agricultural areas designed to manage water, support biodiversity, and contribute to local food systems, maximizing the impact of each intervention. slider Each of the three main streams - Donkse Beek, Oudenlandse Beek, and Laarse Beek - are given a distinct identity. Water becomes the core of the urban ecosystem, transforming Oude Landen into a connected, water-rich landscape and dynamic stream valley. The plan strengthens ties with surrounding neighborhoods by integrating landscape elements into urban areas, adding facilities, and linking parks, nature zones, and new developments. This interconnected network creates a cohesive, diverse landscape that blends richness and unity. NBS Roadmap The NBS Roadmap was created to outline a strategic timeline for implementing the Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) proposed in the masterplan, to tackle water, ecological and climate challenges. By linking these solutions with ongoing and future projects, the roadmap enhances resilience, biodiversity, and water management. It aligns the long-term vision with specific phases, identifying key moments for quick wins and ensuring effective execution of the master plan. The NbS roadmap