RED&BLUE Annual Symposium 

Risky Urban Waterfronts

From risky to resilient urban water fronts: structural choices for future-proof and inclusive area development.

 

• Date: Friday 10 October 2025 (9.30 – 17.00)
• Location: Floating Pavilion, Directiekade 15 (RDM), 3089 JA, Rotterdam

 

The Dutch urbanized delta faces major challenges to remain livable in the future – including the waterfront. Both climate change and the housing challenge put pressure on the water safety system and compete for limited available space. Structural choices are needed to achieve future-proof and inclusive development of these waterfront areas. Both with respect to the role of large-scale infrastructure such as storm surge barriers as well as when looking at spatial choices, area development and alternative building methods. How do we make informed decisions about the management, maintenance and replacement of our storm surge barriers? What role will storm surge barriers be given within the long-term system-oriented solutions (protecting open and closed, seaward and moving along)? What are the opportunities for alternative construction methods such as amphibious and floating constructions? How do we finance area development at the waterfront? How do we ensure that future generations are also included in decision-making? How do we ensure that these areas are and remain livable for everyone?

We cordially invite you to join the discussion on this topic during the Red & Blue Annual symposium on Friday 10 October.

View the full program here

Transportation

If you are travelling by public transport, you can take the metro to Slinge station and then transfer to a bus. Alternatively, you can choose a more scenic route by taking the water taxi from various locations directly to your destination.