Fields of Absorption Code AMA073 Prijs / Prize Responding positively to the threat of rising sea levels, as a result of climate change, a new concept of lifestyle and nature emerges. Overlapping uses, in distinct and diverse fields, efficiently absorbs much of the normally separate categories of water management, dwelling, agriculture, nature, working and recreation. It is beautiful too. Responding to the threat of rising sea levels, as a result of climate change a new concept of lifestyle and nature emerges challenging the traditional model that divides land and water, city and country, people and ecology. A new concept of integrated landuse efficiently absorbs much of the normally separate categories of water management, dwelling, agriculture, nature, working and recreation. 'Set aside' agricultural land absorbs current housing programme at 10 dwellings per hectare. Afforestation and biomass covering 10% of The Netherlands area will supply all the new housing's energy needs, with added value of reducing fossil fuel use and soaking up CO2 from the atmosphere. Therefore, living with water means also living with trees. Exploitation for raw material production implies increasingly diverse vegetation. Localised agriculture reinforces landscape significance and reduces transport burden whilst improving the countries ecological footprint. The plants repair soils, clean air and water, and regulate the groundwater through evapotranspiration. Living amongst trees represents a dramatic psychological shift away from 'openness', but the working woods are very easy to move through and offer enrichment. People spread out, live with and love nature. Material needs continue to be met with increasing efficiency and people focus their energy on self-fulfillment. Concepts of home and workplace adapt to accommodate changing needs of individual, family, business and organisation. The example is situated within a rivers former flood plain, and is protected by dijks, which remain. The soils are clay and higher sandy deposits. This agricultural pastureland is composed of the typical fields and small waterways. The groundwater level rises in winter and excess water is currently pumped out towards the sea. Clean seepage rises in some areas, which has ecological value. Large waterbodies, proposed in low lying clay areas, retain 'sweet' seepage and rainwater whilst allowing for seasonal fluctuations. They also provide open contrast to the surrounding forest. Low density building and minimal or permeable hard surfaces allow soils to remain hydrated. The existing cultural landscape is reinforced and enriched, with existing waterways retained as boundaries within the proposals. These define fields of a particular character or atmosphere, but which may incorporate multiple functions. Specific planting / production strategies are determined by natural conditions. This in turn inspires the rules, which inform the construction and appearance of the built elements. This type of sensitive development creates unique and locally distinct living environments. Dispersed settlements utilise existing infrastructure for local transport and (inter)national connections. Existing farms are sympathetically absorbed. Proposed local main routes are straight and wide offering a visual connection to the open landscape beyond and views across a great variety of spaces. Densities and distribution of dwelling and working places provide many opportunities within 5 -30 minute walk / cycle ride. Commuting offers an overview of the processes which serve lifestyle; people seek and find meaning in their surroundings. The DETAIL represents a typical diversity. Architecture integrates the landscape through in construction, the use of indigenous timber, straw and clay. This is complimented by hi-tech elements including extensive use of solar panel roofs. Rainwater is intercepted to supply bathrooms and gardens. Building heights and roof gardens are designed to offer treetop experience (distant views!) Dwelling and work environments are integrated to varying ratios for optimal choice. The mixed programme creates safer environments populated day and night. Different lifestyles are compatible with different productive functions. Orchard: family homes, continuous green atmosphere, small car parks, gravel paths to front door, private gardens, soft boundaries, protected fruit trees, turf roofs, reed bed water purification, wild flowers. Foundations of foaming concrete (schuimbeton) require no special ground preparation and does not contaminate ground drinking water. Water fields: artists and individuals live in wateredge stacked rooms of straw, on traditional floating foundations of salix and leather layers, enjoy motion, rafts, vegetation mats, natural regeneration, no private gardens or cars, cultivate sea weed, fish and ducks! Energy fields: Young professionals occupy timber blocks, angled for solar gain and to emphasise unstable landscape, ground floor parking, sewage feeds salix coppice biomass plantation, no garden.