In the Netherlands, the land in proximity to the high voltage grid is subject to considerable restrictions, especially in urban areas. Consequently, it may result in a neglected portion of the territory and a physical disruption of the urban fabric where no permanent program is allowed. FABRICations took advantage of this underused space to create a niche for biodiversity by creating green corridors in proximity of the high voltage: the Ecological Energy Network.
The EEN is not a conventional design, but a strategic proposal for a green network both physically under the power lines and strategically linking power companies to environmental protection agencies and local communities which could benefit from this operation on multiple levels.
Firstly, there would be the possibility of eco-systems working together directly. Secondly, the transmission network could connect to urban ecologies, creating space for nature in the city. Thirdly, nature realized under the transmission network could be a destination in itself, with leisure activities and temporary stay zones. Moreover, the transmission network could become the largest national park in the Netherlands, filling in the missing links in our National Ecological Network (EHS).
Energy companies, provinces and municipalities have reacted with great enthusiasm to the concept, and a coalition to realize the first kilometer of Ecological Energy network (EEN) is in the making. In addition, The EEN won the first prize in The Green Architecture Competition.
The project is part of a wider analysis on the Urban Metabolism of Rotterdam. You can have an overview of the whole research here.
For more information go to the E.E.N. website: www.ecologischenergienetwerk.nl
Or follow E.E.N. on Facebook
E.E.N. was selected as one of the three projects in the Studio for Unsolicited Architecture. E.E.N. is also featured on the website of Nederland Wordt Anders (‘Netherlands Are Changing’)
Location: Netherlands
Program: Strategic design for an urban green network
Year: 2014
Commissioner: Dutch Architectural Institute and The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation
Partners: Lola, Studio 1:1
Design Directors: Eric Frijters, Olv Klijn
Team: Bas Driessen, Greta Mozzachiodi, Raúl Benítez Molina, Morgane Monfort, Marie Rannou, Nuria Ripoll, Pieter van Roermund, Iris Wijn
Prizes: First prize in “The Green Architecture Competition”
