LEARNING FROM CITIES
8
USE WATER IN UNIQUE WAYS
The Netherlands is known for its beautiful canals and its incredible water management system. Delft, true to its character of being quintessentially Holland is also a city with many canals and lots of water. But what is not known about Delft is that not only do they know how to manage water, but they also know how to design and use water in creative ways. The canals of Delft are not just beautiful to see from afar but are also beautiful to sail through. On any nice summer day, the boat traffic is probably more than the vehicular traffic. You will see many families out on their boats enjoying the sun out on the waters. What is also popular in Delft is the water park - this special design allows users to experience all the joys of a playground but in the water!
The citizens of Delft are also known to have a flair for adventure. Every year an obstacle race, also known as the Survival Strijd is organized and water plays a very important role in this obstacle course. You wade through water, run across wooden planks placed on water, climb up to a bridge from a pond of water and much more! Its great to see that the people of Delft have not only learnt to live with water but have also embraced it and enjoy the opportunities that their beautiful canals offer them.
Facing page top: Survival Strijd. Image credit: Author Facing page bottom: Stand Up paddle in the canals of inner-city Delft. Image credits: https://shop.siem.nl/2016/06/friday-night-sup-night-24-juni-tweede-editie/
CITY OBSERVER | June 2019