Cities on silt – the inspiring promise of a self-building delta – Venice, Rotterdam, New Orleans

by Han Meyer

In this book, Han Meyer recounts the compelling history of the cities of Venice, Rotterdam, and New Orleans. How have they responded to the dynamic nature of deltas and lagoons? Time and again, efforts were made to combat the process of silting in order to enable economic growth and urban development in these port cities. While often successful, these interventions came at the cost of ecological integrity. With climate change and rising water levels, a new approach is urgently needed. Han Meyer presents a fresh perspective - one in which silt plays a vital role in the natural development of deltas. By harnessing its ‘self-building capacity’, silt helps restore the natural buffer against high water and salt intrusion.

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2025