International Symposium: The Future of Green Heritage

International New Town Day 2023

In the 1970s, the construction of expansion districts and new cities (the “growth centers”) applied new concepts for the creation of public space and green structures. In the wake of the Club of Rome, awareness of the ecological and psychosocial importance of green spaces was raised and this was reflected in green, carfree residential areas, ‘natural’ park layouts and plenty of space for cyclists and pedestrians. 

Today, these green spaces are an important aspect of improving the biodiversity and climate resilience of these cities and the health of residents. At the same time, green spaces are under pressure from densification and financial constraints.

This annual International New Town Day focuses on the question: What were the original concepts for green spaces in Post 65 neighborhoods and cities and how can they guide us through contemporary challenges related to ecology, green values and public space?

Programme

• 12:30 – Doors open
• 12:45 – Introduction to the program

Part 1: Post 65 Green; concepts and (design) ideas

• 13:00-13:30 – Imke van Hellemondt, architectural historian, on concepts for green design in the 1970s.
• 13:30-13:50  – Michelle Provoost, architectural historian, on the design of parks and forests in growth centers.
• 13:50-14:10 – Joost Emmerik, landscape architect, on Campus TU Twente.
• 14:10-14:40  – discussion

Part 2 Green as a future asset (in English)

• 15:00-15:15 – Introduction by Simone Rots on the way in which New Towns in different parts of Europe use their green heritage as an asset to become more attractive and healthy cities.
• 15:15-15:25 – Giedré Tomkeviciūtè-Kalinauskienè (Elektrenai, Lithuania).
• 15:25-15:35 – Yoana Mitvichina (tbc), (Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria).
• 15:35-15:45 – Shane Downer (Milton Keynes, UK).
• 15:45-16:00 – Discussion

Part 3 Future perspectives

• 16:20-16:40 – Natascha Lensvelt, specialist in gardens and parks at the National Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE), on green preservation.
• 16:40-17:00 – Ronald Buiting, ecologist, on what steps lead to ecological enhancement and improvement of biodiversity in urban green spaces.
• 17:00-17:20 – Almut Röwekamp, landscape architect at the municipality of The Hague, on green and public space in cauliflower district Nieuw Waldeck.
• 17:20-18:00 – Discussion.
• 18:00 – Bar open