Madelon Jansen

Veenendaal als metropool van de Food Valley

Veenendaal as a metropolis of the Food Valley

The Netherlands is facing major challenges due to climate change and a growing population. The country will be confronted with extreme flooding, drought, heat stress and urbanisation. Migration from the cities in the west will put pressure on the centre of the Netherlands, the ‘Food Valley’.

There is a great need for housing and space for nature is necessary to be able to (continue to) suppress heat stress. Restoring and preserving the ‘green structure’ requires actions and a new perspective on urbanisation and spatial developments.

With its location at the beginning of the Food Valley, along the A12 motorway and right next to the station of the same name, Veenendaal – De Klomp is the perfect location for densification. As a new development location and one of the NOVEX locations in the Netherlands, this project will serve as a pilot with financial support from the government to motivate innovation.

The 15-minute city is becoming increasingly important for a healthy city, with functions close by and a focus on a healthy lifestyle. By creating connections for slow traffic and thus motivating cycling and walking, the city will be set to motion.

The Food Valley plays an important role in the development of Veenendaal - De Klomp. As one of the five main cities, it will provide facilities and employment opportunities related to the Food Valley. By combining functions and integrating the 15-minute city, Veenendaal - De Klomp will become the hotspot of the Valley.

The urban development plan allows for innovative methods of food production, (residential) construction and forms of collectivity. Each neighbourhood has its own character with a suitable design. The growing of crops will be made visible and accessible, which will create awareness about healthy eating and knowledge of the growth process.

With all functions close by and food being produced, Veenendaal - De Klomp and, on a larger scale, the ‘Food Valley’ will be self-sufficient. This will enable Veenendaal - De Klomp to overcome the pressure from the aforementioned urgency of the transformation task.

Developing and designing with an eye to the future, looking at the various scenarios that are predicted, plans are being developed that anticipate the needs of the future.


Graduation date: 11 November 2024
Graduation committee: Herman Zonderland (mentor), Léa Soret, Han Dijk 
Additional members for the exam: Marijke Bruinsma, Sander Maurits