Unveiling the Past of Land Reclamation

Land reclamation is the process of creating new land over oceans, seas, rivers, and other water bodies. Over time, there have been several methods to reclaim land - polder construction, canal construction, diking, wooden pile foundation, landfilling, and dredging.

Land reclamation has been in practice for a long time, here are some prominent examples of reclaimed projects through time -?

1. Ancient Mesopotamia (4000-2000 BCE):?

Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Kuwait). The extensive system of canals served a bi-fold purpose, efficient irrigation and enabling trade and commerce?through its transport routes, setting the foundation for early urbanisation.?

• Technique: Diversion of river waters and construction of canals.
• Purpose: Irrigation for agriculture and trade routes.
• Land Reclaimed: Extensive canal systems.

2. Netherlands (12th-17th centuries): Flander and Zeeland

Land reclamation and the Netherlands are synonymous together. Agricultural expansion wasnt the only driving force for the dutch land reclamation, but also by its need to protect the population from recurring flooding, which lead them to develop advanced water management systems. As of today, 26% of their land area is below sea level, while 21% of the population lives in these areas.?

• Techniques: Diking, Polder creation, windmill-powered drainage.
• Purpose: Agricultural expansion, flood protection.
• Land Reclaimed: From Flander and Zeeland to Beemster Polder until the end of the 17th century. The latter was drained and turned into arable land, providing new agricultural opportunities.

3. Venice, Italy (16th-17th centuries):

Riva degli Schiavoni was one of the most significant early reclamation projects, a waterfront area along the Grand Canal. The project played a vital role in creating additional space for buildings and public activities. The use of wooden pile foundation as a land reclamation strategy laid the foundation to the city, as well as the ornate and elegant architecture that stands to this day.?

• Techniques: Construction of wooden pile foundations.
• Purpose: Urban expansion, port development.
• Land Reclaimed: Urban areas and port facilities.

4. Mumbai, India (17th - 21th century):

Mumbai was initially 7 islands. Over time with land reclamation of tidal flats, low hills, and salt pans these 7 islands became present-day Mumbai.?

• Technique: Filling tidal areas, salt pans with reclaimed materials.
• Purpose: Urban expansion, port development, Agricultural land.
• Land Reclaimed: Transformation of seven islands into a single landmass.

5. Boston, USA (17th century):

The supply of fill material needed to create new land for Back bay project was taken from the construction of the?Boston subway system. This efficient reuse lowered the cost and expense overall. The objective for reclaiming the tidal flats extending beyond urban growth of the city, it created a consequential impact on the city’s economic potential by hosting trading activities as well as maritime commerce.

• Technique: Filling tidal flats with soil and debris.
• Purpose: Urban growth, economic expansion.
• Land Reclaimed: Approximately 780 acres.

6. Singapore (19th-21st centuries):

As one of the smallest countries globally, Singapore has expanded its total land area from 578 km2 in 1822 to 726 km2 today, leading to a 25% increase in its land area. The reclamation laid the foundation for necessary infrastructure such as the Changi Airport which contributes to its economic growth.?

• Techniques: Landfilling, dyke construction.
• Purpose: Urban development, port expansion.
• Land Reclaimed: Airport expansion, urban development, biodiversity.

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7. Dubai, UAE (21st century):?

Dubai islands are built with the sand imported from Australia. The local desert sand is too smooth for the construction of artificial islands because it's refined by the wind.

• Technique: Landfilling, palm island construction.
• Purpose: Tourism, luxury development.
• Land Reclaimed: Artificial islands.

8. Ningbo, China (21st century):

Beilun Port is situated in the deepwater harbor of Ningbo-Zhoushan, making it one of the largest and busiest deepwater ports in the world. Its natural depth allows it to accommodate large vessels and handle a wide range of cargo. Besides increase in capacity, the port was intendedly placed to propel Ningbo as a major maritime hub, this surged the trade and shipping industry leading to the economic growth of the province.?

• Techniques: Deep seabed reclamation, dike construction.
• Purpose: Port expansion, economic growth.
• Land Reclaimed: Over 700 hectares.

9. Tokyo Bay, Japan (21st century):?

The reclamation wasnt just a feat to showcase the engineering prowess of Japan, but acted as the economic engines. By facilitating commercial and residential uses on the highly demanded real-estate, the reclamation echoes Tokyo’s global importance as a cultural and financial hotspot.?

• Techniques: Landfilling, soil improvement.
• Purpose: Urban development, infrastructure.
• Land Reclaimed: Artificial islands.

Conclusion

Throughout history, there's significant evidence of land reclamations' vital role in civilization-building, reshaping coastlines, and expanding habitable areas. Current overcrowding in coastal cities and anticipated population growth highlight the ongoing need for new land. Existing methods inspire LAIA to introduce innovative approaches, enhancing coastal habitability for future generations.

What are your thoughts on the current trend of Land Reclamation?

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