in the historic polders of kruibeke the flemish government is constructing the largest flood control area to decrease the flood risk in the scheldt estuary and to combine this with new perspectives on integrated water management. the visitor management plan defines the vision and strategy for an optimal balance between the conditions of a nature reserve and flood control area in combination with sustainable recreation. consultation and participation with stakeholders and local organizations were crucial during the design process. during meetings, working visits and workshops and in a cross border cooperation with similar projects in the netherlands and the uk, we produced a development plan for sustainable recreational infrastructure and facilities to implement the concept of sustainable tourism. stefan.schöning.studio was responsible for the design concept, based on the metaphor of the time capsule. this time capsule contains elements of the past, the present and the future. the concept of the capsule was elaborated through the following themes; safety, water, history, future and nature. these themes form the basis for building the typology for the design elements including a watchtower, participation- and experience sites, picnic areas and revaluation of heritage. thanks to the project we turned the public perception about the development from negative to positive.