Vision

Imagine a world where water, instead of being a source of crisis, becomes a tool for resilience. The FLOW Pavilion is more than just a building—it's a beacon of innovation, showing how we can overcome global water challenges through creativity, technology, and community action.

Water challenges accross the globe

The world is facing a water crisis: droughts are ravaging regions like Africa and South Asia, while devastating floods are increasing in Southeast Asia and North America. Even the Netherlands, a global leader in water management, is being tested by rising instances of drought and severe rainfall. These twin challenges—water shortage and water surplus—demand immediate, innovative solutions.

FLOW pavilion: A blueprint for the future

In the Netherlands, the average daily drinking water consumption per person is around 134 liters, totaling 855 million cubic meters annually in residential buildings—two-thirds of total consumption (CBS, 2022; Drinkwaterplatform, 2024). By 2030, demand is expected to rise due to economic growth and population increases. Climate change, with warmer summers, will further boost demand while reducing water availability (Man, 2022). This could result in an additional 100 million cubic meters of demand, a 7% increase within a decade (Van Leerdam et al., 2023).

Meeting this challenge requires either securing additional water supplies or significantly reducing consumption (PWN, 2023). Success will depend on collaboration among water companies, water boards, and municipal, provincial, and national authorities (Van Leerdam et al., 2023).

Compounding this issue, a plan to build 900,000 new homes by 2030 has been adopted, with further housing needs anticipated (Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, 2023b; NOS, 2023). These factors highlight the urgent need for water-sustainable housing and strategies to reduce water demand in existing homes.

The four pillars

  1. Technological Solutions
    The Flow Pavilion integrates advanced systems for efficient rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and purification. It showcases cutting-edge technologies that optimize water usage, turning potential waste into valuable resources.

  2. Nature-Based Solutions
    The pavilion uses natural systems like constructed wetlands, green roofs, and rain gardens to manage water sustainably. These systems help restore vital ecosystems, improving community resilience against floods, droughts, and pollution.

  3. Intangible Solutions
    Interactive exhibits engage visitors, educating them on sustainable water practices and management. The pavilion inspires individuals to adopt water-saving habits in their daily lives, cultivating a culture of conservation.

  4. Social Functionality
    The Pavilion is not only an innovative structure but also a hub for campus engagement, offering:

  • Meeting Spaces: Flexible areas for students, staff, and diverse groups to connect and collaborate in an inclusive environment.

  • Events and Activities: Workshops, exhibitions, and events focused on sustainability, creating opportunities for learning.

  • Community Focus: A welcoming space designed to foster inclusivity, mutual understanding, and a sense of belonging, addressing campus isolation and exclusivity.

Education and collaboration

The FLOW Pavilion isn't just a showcase of technology; it's a living laboratory. Visitors will engage with interactive exhibits, learning how sustainable water practices can be applied in their daily lives. It's a catalyst for change, encouraging collaboration between businesses, governments, and individuals to inspire global solutions.

From local to global

Though rooted in the challenges of South Holland, the FLOW Pavilion is confident to be a model for the world. As water crises intensify, FLOW stands as a symbol of how local solutions can have global reach, positioning the Netherlands once again as a leader in sustainable water management.

Water as a source of resilience

At its core, the FLOW Pavilion embodies this philosophy: water is not a problem, but a powerful resource to build resilience against both drought and flooding. It integrates technology, nature, and society, creating a blueprint for how we can manage water in the future. Join us at FLOW, where innovation meets responsibility, and water is the key to a sustainable tomorrow. Let’s secure the future of water!