The RDD Joint Fact Finding (JFF) exercise will provide a common understanding within the Redesigning Deltas community of the key problems, the related challenges, and the potential for design-based-research to feed into a transformative debate on the vulnerability of the overall water system. In the first part, special attention is paid to the function and evolvement of the Multi-layer safety¹ (MLS) in the Netherlands, and the scaling potential of innovative adaptation measures (with special reference to the De Staart case in Dordrecht).

The JFF provides a first input for a general “baseline” or collective starting point for the 5 design studies within the Redesigning Deltas program. This JFF initiative will deliver:

– A better joint problem definition, representing the collectively experienced challenge; articulate key differences in problem understanding.
– A generally accepted set of guiding principles, pre-conditions & methodologies that define the boundaries of the RDD design initiatives.
– A joint knowledge base that sets the minimum of scientific evidence or input that will have to be incorporated in the exercise.

The Joint Fact Finding will cover three spatial dimensions: the local (implementation) level; the regional level (looking at scaling opportunities); and the national level (relevance for policy reform and effects upon the system). The JFF will facilitate (expert)interviews, hackathons, collective brainstorm session, and dialogues in national and international conferences. Typical questions that may be addressed are:

– To what level are we dealing with a common or collective experience and perception of urgency related to the (threat of) accelerating climate change?
– Where do we stand in terms of involvement of all relevant stakeholders?
– What have been key success factors to overcome past challenges; and what lays ahead of us?
– When dealing with and preparing for climate extremes, are we able and willing to think (way) beyond the present adaptive approaches, including accepting increasing importance of both spatial planning and disaster preparedness?
– Very specifically, how can design and design-based-research help is this debate?

The Joint Fact Finding is considered a continuous learning exercise. It will gradually evolve, with the obtained results and insights shaping its next steps.

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  MLS, Multi Layer Safety, a set of principles that determine the methodology and order of (public) efforts to prevent and minimize the risks and damage by disasters, here very specifically focussed on water security and water nuisance (floods and droughts). MLS is also described in the European Water framework directive. The model consist of: a) Prevention, like dams, dikes, storm surge barriers, water-retaining structures; b) Spatial planning, allowing for the development of a less vulnerable surrounding, c) disaster management, including respons- (teams, evacuation, etc.), restoration, and preparations.