The Dike of the Future?

Fourteen VWO-6 students from Han Fortmann in Heerhugowaard were given the following exam assignment for the subject of Drawing: design the dike of the future.

For inspiration, the students cycled along the Markermeer dikes, where work is currently underway to improve the dikes. From the city beach in Hoorn to Scharwoude, they were given explanations about the various ways to restore the strength of the dikes. Afterwards, they were allowed to let go of all the requirements for safe dikes. The students were given the assignment to let their imaginations run wild and design a dike where anything is possible and everything is allowed. In this digital exhibition, the students offer a new perspective on old dikes.

Markermeer dikes

The reason for choosing this assignment is to reinforce 33 kilometre of kilometre between Hoorn and Amsterdam. After testing, large sections of the dikes were found to be insufficiently stable to protect the 1.2 million inhabitants from flooding. Safe dikes are one of the core tasks of the water board.

Collaboration

This is the sixth time that the water board has collaborated with Han Fortmann (Trinitas College) in Heerhugowaard. Each time, the water board gives the students taking the Drawing course a water-related exam assignment. The results are part of this online exhibition. A jury from the school and the water board selected a Top 3 from the fourteen works. The public then chose the ultimate winner from this Top 3. The winner was Donna Kok's work.