at the Het Waterbouwdispuut Symposium at Delft University of Technology, the next generation of hydraulic engineers gathered to explore how we shape water-resilient cities in the face of climate change, land subsidence, and rapid urbanization.

At Blue21, we were proud to contribute across the board:

Rutger de Graaf and Rui Gomes presented our innovative engineering solutions for floating developments — from inland waterways to coastal zones and even offshore — emphasizing the need for integrated, adaptive, and ecologically responsible design.

Anna Louka joined an engaging panel discussion alongside Simon Johannes Stark, Oriol Colomés, Sridhar Subramani, Marcel ’t Hart, and Han Vrijling, advocating for a scalable and resilient approach to floating urbanism that addresses both inland risks and offshore potential.

Our message was clear:
Floating cities are no longer just a vision — they are a necessity that must be integrated into city models.
The path forward requires a clear legal framework and strong multi-sector collaboration: from engineers and policymakers to investors and insurers, ensuring structural resilience, social acceptance, and long-term viability.

A sincere thank you to Maria Pregnolato, Davide Wüthrich, and Siebren Busch for organizing such an inspiring event, to all fellow panelists and speakers for advancing this urgent and exciting conversation, and to the students who brought fresh ideas and energy to the dialogue.

Let’s keep pushing boundaries:
True climate adaptation means more than protecting what we have — it calls for forward-thinking solutions that work with water, not against it. Floating urbanism offers exactly that: a resilient, scalable response to the challenges of a rapidly changing planet.

Want to be part of this transformation?
Support our mission HERE through our Eyevestor | the share company campaign for Bluelands B.V. and help turn floating projects into a global reality