Day 2 sits on my podium as my favorite day so far. Waking up early in the morning to go see what the Netherlands is most known for, their Tulip fields, was more than just a sight to see. Tulip fields that went on for miles and miles, layering the ground with different colors, was an other worldly view. Leaving the fields and driving straight to the beach was also a defining moment of the day, as it wasn’t even part of the itinerary. Having free time and getting to witness a coastal Dutch town that isn’t overrun by tourists but rather locals, shared a new environment for us that we weren’t used to.
However, I think the highlight of my day was Schoonschip, the floating city. This city, designed in 2019, is the largest city suspended in water across the entirety of Europe. Almost 50 houses sit on top of floating concrete bases in the water, specifically engineered to thrive in their environment. Being able to rise and fall with the tide, these technically and creatively designed houses suit the role of a sustainable neighborhood. With every single house having solar panels to power their homes, the neighborhood itself was a marvel of how sustainable engineering can be used to re-establish what it means to live in a community. After this, we were able to spend time visiting the Dutch architectural company, EDGE. Known for their heavily sustainable and forward-thinking motives, these office spaces are some of the most meticulously designed spaces a person will ever see. Overrun with ways to reduce its environmental impact, this building proves itself to be deserving of one of the highest BREEAM sustainability scores in history.
