I-Lent Riverpark Nijmegen

I-Lent Riverpark - 120ha.

The project of the Waal River in Nijmegen takes a key position in the national river safety program ‘Room for the River’. It is the most comprehensive and complex case in a series of projects. Besides the water management measures (construction of a side channel with inlet work, relocating dikes and nature development) the construction of three special bridges and the development of an inhabited island in the river makes this project unique. In Nijmegen the ambition of integrating the twin objective ‘Improving Water safety and Environmental quality’ is really achieved. The design is made up of three different layers: 1. build, 2. grow and 3. fluctuation. The layer ‘build’ is precise and concrete, with bridges, paths and quays. The growth of the green landscape is not precisely predictable. Under the influence of river dynamics, grazing, vegetation development and human use, a varied and variegated landscape will slowly emerge and change over time. The fluctuation of the water levels through the seasons is the third layer. This means the character and appearance of the river park and its accessibility are always different, following the seasons. The construction of the trails at different heights responds to this “water calendar”. One of the bridges "The Zalige bridge" – nominated for the Dutch Design Awards 2018 - is the best example of this dialogue between men, technique and nature.