Benthem Crouwel Architects has been selected as the architect for the reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk, together with West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture,
![reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Benthem-Crouwel-Architects-selected-for-the-reinforcement-of-the-Afsluitdijk-02-876x493.jpg)
The project, which includes not only strengthening the Dike but also increasing the water discharge capacity, is expected to start late 2018.
![reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Benthem-Crouwel-Architects-selected-for-the-reinforcement-of-the-Afsluitdijk-01-876x438.jpg)
The name level is a palindrome, based on the dutch phrase: “LELY’S Erfgoed Veiliggsteld”. It refers also to the water level management of the Ijsselmeer and the turning of high tide, two important functions of the Afsluitdijk.
![reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Benthem-Crouwel-Architects-selected-for-the-reinforcement-of-the-Afsluitdijk-03-876x493.jpg)
The Afsluitdijk is an icon of hydraulic engineering. The 32-kilometre long water barrier (the longest dam in Europe), completed in 1932, has been protecting the Netherlands from flooding for almost 90 years.
![reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Benthem-Crouwel-Architects-selected-for-the-reinforcement-of-the-Afsluitdijk-04-876x1239.jpg)
It is a unique and impressive feat of Dutch engineering, and with the Chinese Wall, is one of the two man-made structures on Earth that can be seen from space.
![reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Benthem-Crouwel-Architects-selected-for-the-reinforcement-of-the-Afsluitdijk-05-876x1239.jpg)
With respect for the hydraulic heritage and the iconic emotional value of the Afsluitdijk, Benthem Crouwel Architects will design various reinforcements and renovations: reinforcement of the dike.
![reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Benthem-Crouwel-Architects-selected-for-the-reinforcement-of-the-Afsluitdijk-06-876x438.jpg)
New pumping stations to pump water out of the IJsselmeer into the Wadden Sea even at high tide, a fish migration river and a new bike path on the seaward side.
![reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Benthem-Crouwel-Architects-selected-for-the-reinforcement-of-the-Afsluitdijk-07-876x438.jpg)
The famous Dudok monument will also be updated. With the strengthening of the Afsluitdijk, a priceless construction with an inestimable practical, emotional and historical value to the Dutch will be ready for the future. Source and images Courtesy of Benthem Crouwel Architects.