COST E53 CONFERENCE EXCURSION 30 OCTOBER 2008 9.00 Departure from the Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, Delft 10.00-13.15 Program at the Leidsche Rijn Information Centre: Presentations about steam drying of beach, use of hardwoods in waterworks and the planning of a new city. Lunch After lunch there is a possibility to leave the excursion. The train station Utrecht Terwijde is near the Leidsche Rijn Information Centre. 13.15-16.00 Guided tour through Leidsche Rijn, after that visit of a wood drying company in Houten. Transportation to the nearest train station (Houten) can be organized around 15.15. 16.00-18.00 Visit to the waterworks in Gorinchem 18.00-22.00 Visit to the shipyard The Delft in Rotterdam. Guided tour at the shipyard with a buffet diner directly after the tour. 22.00-22.30 The bus will return to Delft.
Leidsche Rijn New City
Floating houses in Leidsche Rijn. In a country such as the Netherlands where there is such an abundance of water, ground is getting scarcer and more expensive. This means building on water is becoming an attractive alternative in many places, not only in terms of the landscape and urban development, but also architecturally and financially. ABC Arkenbouw has carried out a number of unique projects, from floating harbour pavilions to office spaces. ABC has the expertise to take your plans from start to finish and on to implementation. Below is selection of their projects.
Houten Wood drying
Gorinchem Lock gates
Lingehaven Gorinchem FOOT-PASSENGER FERRIES Over water, the shortest and nicest way to travel! The Gorinchem foot-passenger ferries travel back and forth between the beautiful forti fied cities of Gorinchem and Woudrichem and the Brabant village of Sleeuwijk. In the summer months, we will also take you to Loevestein Castle and the 19th century Fort Vuren. Enjoy this original way to discover the local area. The ferry service is available to pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. The ferry trip in itself is quite an experience! Sitting on the sun deck of the Gorinchem VIII ferry you have a magnificent view of the banks, beaches, river forelands and fortifications. You are travelling on the most heavily-trafficked river in Europe, the waterway between Rotterdam and Germany But the trip is not just a pleasurable journey; it is also one of the most direct connections between the provinces of South Holland, Brabant and Gelderland!
The Fortified Triangle The unique thing about the Gorinchem ferry service is that it operates in the Fortified Triangle, between three medieval fortresses and a fort along the New Dutch Waterline. Gorinchem, Woudrichem, Loevestein and Fort Vuren together form this Fortified Triangle. The trip will take you through areas of tranquillity space and history with three rivers in three provinces. www.vesting3hoek.nl New Dutch Waterline The Netherlands is famous for its age-long struggle with water But water has some times been an ally a fact that is less well-known. During times of war for example, land has been flooded intentionally as protection against the enemies. Along the 85 km of the New Dutch Waterline, there are some fine recreational routes; you can ramble, cycle or roller blade past historic buildings and places that are a permanent reminder of this defence line. Simply take a short stroll or embark on a hike of several days. The routes combine beautiful landscape with cultural history tranquillity and water Fort Vuren and Loevestein Castle belong to the New Dutch Waterline, the water defence line which had to stop the enemy advancing westward along the river Waal. Today you can cross the river here by taking the Watertaxi. A ride on the taxi can be reserved no more than 1 hour in advance by calling 06-22 55 82 33. Bicycles are car ried free of charge. www. hollandsewaterlinie.nl Gorinchem Gorinchem is a beautiful fortified city that plays a major role in regional life with its wide range of shops, theatres, cinema, restaurants, bars, outdoor cafés and museum. Every Monday morning, a market is held around the main church and there is late night shopping on Thursdays. It was not without good reason that Gorinchem was nominated for best city centre in the Netherlands in 2005! Take a pleasant stroll around the city and learn about the life of Gorinchem-born Hendrick Hamel, a 17th century bookkeeper with the Dutch East India Company Walk past the many historical buildings in Gorinchem, or hire a scooter and ride along the splendid fortifications. Gorinchem Tourist Information Office +31 (0)183-63 15 25 or www.vvvgorinchem.nl
Rotterdam Shipyard