The East Dike project demonstration section features a ‘triple dike’ resilient design concept prepared by architect and sustainable urban design firm KCAP, member of the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), and landscape architect and planning firm FELIXX.
The opening is important for a number of reasons. “It proves that this alternative strategy for coastal defence can be built, approved and recognised as a defence structure,” says Michiel van Driessche, a partner at FELIXX. It is also important to see the space being used by people, he adds.
The East Dike project is making the peninsula’s 130 km coastline, which was impacted by typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, more resilient. Due for completion in 2021, it will in total reconfigure 18 km of shoreline and six villages.
Ruurd Gietema, a partner at KCAP, explains that the opening also shows local communities that action is being taken following the typhoon. “It is being done in a way that can unlock potential, and that the local community can recognise as something of value in their daily lives,” he says.
The triple dike concept
“The main idea behind the triple dike is that we create a defence structure in three zones instead of in one line,” says Van Driessche. The central zone is a multi-functional dike. The zone behind it mainly manages water and rainwater runoff. The zone in front reduces wave impact.
This triple action means that the concept goes beyond solely the main function of protection. “It releases and enables a bigger range of strategies,” says Gietema. “It can support nature or ecological value restoration, and can also be used as a starting point for area development, community development, tourism, and so on.”
The 500 m demonstration area is in the village of Yangmeikeng. This is in an exposed location, and the concept was shaped to meet the needs and characteristics of the site. The zone on the inland side is a communal, lush ‘rain garden’. The central zone, comprising a series of walls, creates plazas, terraces and a scenic walk. The third zone uses vegetation and rocks to create a protective zone with places to picnic.
The concept is being adapted to the other villages: Dongshan, Guanhu, Moonbay, Shayuyong and Pengcheng. In each case, the design will combine protection with facilities that the communities can use and enjoy.
The project was commissioned by the Water Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality. Participants in the project also included another NWP member, Deltares.
Sea modelling analysis carried out with Deltares allowed the concept to be adapted on the seaward side according to the energy levels of the sea and include natural options such as mangroves and new reefs. The landward side is adapted to the local population, be it a fishing village or a tourist resort.