Green-blue framework North Holland

North Holland faces the challenge of restoring the balance between nature, water and human use of its landscapes and making them future-proof. The province boasts rich and diverse landscapes, yet many green and blue structures have become fragmented and do not function sufficiently as a cohesive system. At the same time, challenges regarding biodiversity, climate adaptation, water quality, and livability are increasing. Driven by this urgency, Smartland conducted design-based research into a robust and future-proof green-blue framework for the entire province that better connects nature and recreation areas with landscape structures.

Through GIS analyses, local knowledge and design-based research, we investigated how existing structures can be strengthened and better connected. The project resulted in an integrated 'vision' for a provincial network of existing and new green and blue structures: from dunes, peat meadow areas and dikes to urban parks, creek ridges and waterways. In doing so, we developed concrete spatial building blocks and strategic 'specials,' such as ecological links, village forests and landscape recreation zones. The framework not only forms an ecological backbone for nature restoration and climate adaptation, but also strengthens the identity, experienceability and quality of life of the North Holland landscape.

The design research has been given a prominent place in the Provincial Environmental Vision (2026) and serves as input for the Landscape Strategy (2026) and the update of the Landscape & Cultural History Guidelines (2026).

Location: Noord-Holland, NL

Type: Design research

Status: Delivered 2025

Client: Province North Holland

Team: Smartland