Community Design and Analysis: Resiliency in Transportation and Water Resource Systems in Germany and Holland

Resiliency and Reconstruction of Transportation Systems in Berlin & Munich: Live Below Sea Level: How the Dutch Have Learned to Live with Water

The courses will be delivered in two 2-week blocks in June 2018 in Germany and Holland, respectively. The programmatic goal is to introduce students to the principles and practices of resilient infrastructure design through historical and contemporary projects in Europe. Germany and Holland provide ideal environments to investigate this theme as illustrated through their ability to overcome human and natural disasters including the world wars, magnificent sea storms, and climate change. The first course, in Germany, will focus on transportation systems and the country’s processes for recovery and reunification. The second course, in Holland, will focus on the Dutch experience in working with and against nature in the process of developing one of the world’s most prosperous countries – largely below sea level. Both courses will blend site visits, lectures, reading, and writing activities to expose students to the philosophies, processes, and specific techniques used in Germany and Holland to develop resilient communities. An emphasis will be placed on comparing and contrasting the German, Dutch, and American experiences and approaches to infrastructure design. Elements of local culture, language, and academic environments will also be weaved through the program. 

Course #1: Resiliency and Reconstruction of Transportation Systems in Berlin & Munich, Germany: This course will provide an overview of the history of infrastructure construction techniques in Europe with an emphasis on the resiliency of transportation systems and refurbishment activities due to events including the country's reunification, population growth, and urban development. The integration of international sustainable and reconstruction practices will be evaluated and demonstrated through literature review, lectures, and site tours. The methods for practical application of the European techniques on US construction sites, including similarities and constraints will be incorporated into all presentations.

Course #2: Life Below Sea Level: How the Dutch Have Learned to Live with Water, Amsterdam & Rotterdam, Netherlands: The course will explore the Dutch relationship with water over three time periods: Pre-20th Century, 20th Century, and Contemporary. The Pre-20th Century period will be referred to as "Windmills and Canals" and we will explore the gradual process of Dutch mastery of agriculture, drainage, ship building, and exploration. The 20th-Century period will be referenced as "Battling the Sea" and will emphasize the Dutch effort to protect themselves from the North Sea including the construction of the North Sea Barrier, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The Contemporary period will be referred to as "Room for the River" and will explore the shifting Dutch mentality towards living with water by increasing the buffering capacity of the natural infrastructure including levee setbacks and moving houses from flood-prone areas.

Programmatic Outcomes: At the conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

• Apply the principles and practices of resilience theory to infrastructure design and planning processes in a global context.
• Develop a deeper understanding the world by examining the historical and contemporary philosophies and practices of European communities.
• Articulate their role as future engineers, architects, planners, and resource managers in a global context