“Ποταμῷ γὰρ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐμβῆναι δὶς τῷ αὐτῷ”
“You can’t step into the same river twice”
— Herakleitos

In this bachelor’s project, I investigate how we can make the river Bertem and its numerous springs in the valley village of Bertem visible and accessible once again. This will be achieved within a climate-resilient and ecologically enhanced water system. The challenge lies in freeing the constricted watercourse, controlling flooding and restoring the connection between the valley and the plateaus.

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; here, it means an integrated approach to the small-scale and interwoven landscape, bringing together water management, biodiversity, adaptability, recreation and more.

My focus is on designing a circular landscape, whilst taking a critical look at the current ‘green’ and ‘grey’ sectors.

Bertem forms part of the Dijle landscape and the Brabantse Wouden National Park. A hilly area with deep stream valleys that forms part of the strategic WALDEN project, in which nature hubs such as the Sonian Forest, Meerdaal Forest and Hallerbos are connected via robust nature corridors.

My current big dream for the sector: A planting and management sector that no longer generates emissions, but can enhance biodiversity, ecology and the landscape. To achieve this, we must collectively move towards a new way of thinking and acting.