20 Years of EcoShape Building with Nature: A Congress Celebrating Two Decades of Innovation

Almost 20 years ago, EcoShape | Building with Nature was established as a unique and innovative consortium, bringing together the Dutch Diamond — contractors, consultancy, knowledge institutes and government — to develop a new design philosophy centred on building with nature instead of against nature. Since then, EcoShape has come a long way, with many large pilots and developments, new working methods, major research projects and numerous smaller studies. Today, EcoShape remains active and engaged, while the Building with Nature approach is becoming more relevant than ever.

On 17 November 2026, EcoShape invites partners and interested professionals to celebrate its 20th year of Building with Nature during an inspirational and informative day. The programme will highlight almost 20 years of Building with Nature, showcase the results achieved so far through the Building with Nature III programme, and provide opportunities for EcoShape and its partners to exchange ideas and discuss interesting topics. Ample time will also be available for networking and making new connections, reflecting an important lesson from 20 years of EcoShape: communication and trust are the essence of cooperation.

Programme at a glance

Morning

  • 20 years of Building with Nature: Keynote speakers reflect on the past, present and future from Dutch and international perspectives.
  • The Building with Nature III programme: New inspiration and results.

Afternoon

  • Parallel sessions: Interesting, challenging and inspirational sessions covering a wide variety of Building with Nature-related topics.

If you are interested in attending, please register your interest by completing the form below. Please note that submitting the form does not constitute confirmed registration; further information and an invitation to attend will be shared by email following the review of expressions of interest.

Register your interest to attend 20 Years of EcoShape | Building with Nature