This article was previously published in the Dutch journal GWW Totaal.
Within MFQW, research is being carried out into how the replacement and renovation of quay walls can be combined with other urban challenges, such as the energy and heating transition, climate adaptation, strengthening biodiversity and improving quality of life. After a research and design phase, the project is now moving into practice. From 2027 onwards, the first multifunctional components will be realised and tested in Amsterdam.
The replacement of quay walls will be a major task for many Dutch municipalities over the coming decades. At the same time, pressure on public space is increasing. Space is needed for underground infrastructure, measures to address heat and water nuisance, and space for greenery and a healthy living environment. MFQW is investigating how the necessary restoration of quay walls can be used to bring several urban challenges together within a single project.
The project does not develop a standard design that can be applied at every location. The available space, structural situation and surroundings differ from one location to another. Within the project, design principles and multifunctional building blocks have therefore been developed that can be combined differently at each location, depending on the challenges and the space available.
Towards integrated designs
The research is divided into six thematic areas: structures and materials, utilities, aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, climate adaptation, heritage and design research (Research through Design). Elements from these thematic areas have been brought together in four generic designs: renovation and replacement for both narrow and wide canal profiles.
The generic design for replacing a wide quay wall profile, integrating multiple functions: space for trees and floating green islands to enhance biodiversity, recreational opportunities to improve urban quality of life, and modular boxes that can be flexibly used as utility spaces. Credits: Bas Kramer.
The designs were developed using the Research through Design methodology. A particular feature of this approach was that all the disciplines involved, from researchers and designers to municipal specialists, managers and market parties, were involved from the beginning of the process. This meant that new insights could be directly incorporated and considered. In multidisciplinary design workshops, structural, ecological, spatial and technical aspects were brought together in the integrated designs.
From design to practice
After the design phase comes the next step: application in practice. Within MFQW, this is being done through a Living Lab approach. This means that innovations are not only designed, but also actually applied. This includes within regular quay wall restoration projects. In this way, the selected solutions become part of an actual renovation or replacement project and can be monitored under practical conditions.
This implementation phase is particularly valuable. Implementing innovations requires more than a good design. The division of responsibilities, permits, procurement, management, commercial parties and integration into existing municipal processes also determine whether an innovation can ultimately be applied. By actually implementing innovations, these aspects become visible and solutions can be developed further than would be possible on the drawing board.
From 2027 onwards, this will take place at two locations in Amsterdam, among others: Marnixkade and the Amstel. The locations differ in their structural starting conditions. At Marnixkade, the quay wall will be replaced, while at the Amstel, the quay wall will be renovated. At each location, components will be selected that fit the available space, the structural possibilities and the project schedule.
More than one hundred multifunctional building blocks and innovations have now been developed within MFQW. Not all of these innovations can be applied at Marnixkade or along the Amstel. For this reason, a selection of these innovations will also be tested at other locations in Amsterdam in the coming years. These include applications such as aquathermal energy, vertical vegetation, floating islands and heat-stress reduction.
Marnixkade: space for new functions
Space for trees
Marnixkade is the project's first test site. Here, a quay wall that is more than 130 years old will be replaced. One of the main innovations is a modified version of the combi wall: the optimised combi wall. By making the structure slimmer, more space is created behind the quay wall. Within MFQW, this space is used for tree roots, giving trees a considerably larger growing area and allowing them to develop into healthy, mature trees. The innovation therefore contributes not only to a more sustainable quay wall structure, but also to broader urban challenges such as reducing heat stress. Large, healthy trees play a crucial role in this, while many existing quay walls currently provide insufficient space for them to grow.
Modular boxes
The new quay wall will also include modular boxes. These function as flexible technical spaces. Their eventual function is currently being investigated. In the future, they could, for example, be used for a transformer station, water storage, energy storage or other technical installations. By placing these facilities underground, space above ground remains available for an attractive design of the public space. Making the underground space available now also anticipates the future demand for space resulting from the various transitions.
Ecological design
The ecological design is also part of the project. The brick wall will include features that allow wall vegetation to grow. Floating islands will be created in front of the quay wall to strengthen biodiversity and the connection with other areas. At the same time, research is being carried out into how well these islands can withstand wave action.
Marnixkade is heavily used by boat traffic, as are many other locations in Amsterdam, which makes the robustness of such solutions essential for large-scale application. Along the waterside, there will also be a wide green strip with more trees, more space for roots to grow and less paved surface.
A design for integrating modular boxes into a wide quay wall profile as flexible technical utility spaces. In this example, the box contains a central heat pump to support an aquathermal energy system in the quay wall. Credit: Bas Kramer.
Amstel: multifunctional within renovation
The second practical location is along the Amstel. Here, the existing quay wall will be renovated. Because the existing structure will be retained, there is less space available for additional functions than with a full replacement.
The structure will largely be retained and reinforced with grout-injected piles. These are steel tubes that are installed in the ground without causing vibration and are then filled with grout, a mixture of cement, sand and water. This technique makes it possible to strengthen the foundation of the quay wall with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
Within Multifunctional Quay Walls, work is being carried out on additional growing space for trees, more biodiversity on and along the quay, and a water filtration system that should improve water quality.
Design of a passive drainage and filtration system for a wide quay wall profile, in which rainwater is filtered before being discharged into the canal. Credit: Bas Kramer.
From design to urban application
Over the coming years, it will become clear how the different multifunctional components function as part of an actual quay wall and how innovations can be successfully incorporated into the day-to-day practice of design, construction and management. The experiences from the test locations and the wider research in the city will therefore form an important step towards the next generation of multifunctional quay walls.
The Multifunctional Quay Walls project is part of the National Growth Fund programme Future-proof Living Environment. The City of Amsterdam, AMS Institute, researchers and designers from TU Delft, the University of Amsterdam and Wageningen University & Research, as well as practitioners from municipalities, engineering firms and contractors, are working together on the project. Amsterdam is a test site for developing, testing and improving solutions from the MFQW project. Read more about the Multifunctioal Quay Wall project here.
