| Project Id |
3627 |
| Project Name |
Fort K'IJK - Fort bij Krommeniedijk, Netherlands |
| Description |
Fort Kijk is part of Unesco WHS Defence Line of Amsterdam, a 135km fortification ring, protecting the city of Amsterdam in a radius of apx. 10-15km. This waterline fortification system, developed in the Netherlands in the 19th century was designed to inundate the surrounding area of about 30cm, which was to shallow to cross with a boat and too inconvenient for an infantry attack. Forts protected the bottlenecks of road crossings and landscape features. The start of heavy machinery warfare (tanks, aeroplanes), made this system obsolete. The forts are now managed by the local councils and nature department and are open for a visit. The fort is connected to the city of Amsterdam with a wast bicycle road, as well as multiple pedestrian paths offering hiking. |
| Description of the economic, social and environmental impacts of the project |
The Fort K'ijk was readapted for an experience centre and assisted-living units as well as working facilities for young adults with autism. The unique architecture and atmosphere of the fort have been preserved; the illumination intervention projects lights triggering the imagination. Through water effects and silhouettes, the visitors get to experience how inundation was used as a defence mechanism in the old days, and how it eventually turned the landscape into a breeding ground for rare birds. This is how nature and history swing into a vivid landscape. The Amsterdam Defence Line was designed to protect people and these days protects the wildlife. This sustainable centre uses geothermal energy for heat pump and the solar systems with a capacity of 100,000kWh / year; rainwater is collected and is used for the grey water circuit to flush toilets. Overall the fort provides for 80% of its energy. |
| Web links |
https://www.landschapnoordholland.nl/fortkijk |
| Country |
Netherlands |
| City size |
Small town (5.000-50.000) |
