Water and Beyond

In recent decades, all Western European countries have been confronted with disasters of varying magnitude. Today, it's no longer a question of aiming for a hypothetical zero risk, but increasingly anticipating floods and making room for them. Projects, programs, developments and regulations are evolving towards a more spatial and horizontal approach, transforming rivers and valleys in Germany, the Netherlands and France.

The six projects presented here illustrate the variety of applications of this new approach. This diversity of scales and uses multiplies the number of combinatory projects that enhance the floodplain as a space for living, farming, leisure and even housing. We can now draw lessons from these pioneering projects, which could inspire current thinking in Wallonia.