Rotterdam is investing in 7 urban projects that will provide the city with new green lungs. These urban projects aim to contribute to the transition to a climate-proof city. In addition, let’s not forget that there are already existing green areas on the edges of the city and that there are numerous green initiatives from Rotterdammers.

By making these visible and connecting them, the city could possibly transform into a true National Park. In a public discussion with experts and interested parties, we will discuss the importance and potential of green initiatives for the future of the city! During this meeting, several green initiatives will be highlighted.

Stadspark West

These include the initiative Stadspark West, an investigation into the value and significance of an existing urban landscape. This green wedge becomes surprisingly legible when you show the allotments, facilities and initiatives in the greenery side by side. The urban landscape is intersected by several urban networks, accommodates many recreational and sports facilities and has diverse uses. Together with stakeholders and users, Stadspark West explores the significance of this area as one city park. A design study of this valuable urban nature that contributes to a future-proof Rotterdam.

Other initiators are association Groen010 who have developed the Verbindgroen010 map, an initiative of the Green Connection in Rotterdam West. This connection not only works as an inspiring roadmap, it above all connects the green initiatives in Delfshaven. Besides the obvious values such as an attractive green outdoor space and social cohesion, such a connection also brings mental health, education, reduced (heat) stress, cleaner air and contributes to climate adaptation, among other things. The map shows the richness of all the green that already exists (more than 700 green spots are already on the map) and is a basis for more mutual cooperation between green initiatives and other stakeholders such as the municipality, water boards and housing corporations.

Volkstuinen – Allotment Complexes

In this talk, we also highlight the design research focused on Rotterdam’s allotments. These special biotopes are often intertwined with the frayed edges of the city and are characterised by urban nature, self-building and self-organisation. Because of the great need for housing and roads, and the scarcity of land, the municipality has several garden complexes in mind as building sites. The allotment complexes have united within the Platform Rotterdamse Volkstuinen. Given the pressure on these grounds and the fact that unknown makes unloved, the photo exhibition ‘Gedroomde Stadsnatuur’ documents this allotment culture. Design practice Dérive builds on this with the launch of the design research ‘Allotment Complex as City Garden Park’, in which they are researching allotments with a collective in an imaginative way.

Connecting green initiatives, allotment complexes and existing green structures is essential for sustainable urban development in Rotterdam. It is time to start seeing the city as a nature reserve with humans as an integral part of the ecosystem.

Program

• Welcome and introduction
• Conversation I – Green initiatives in the city
• Conversation II – Values of allotment gardens
• Closing and drinks

Practical Info

• If you visit this program, it is not necessary to buy a separate admission ticket for the festival heart. A ticket for this program already gives you access to the floating festival heart.
• Please report to the welcome desk of the Rotterdam Architecture Month at the square in front of the Maassilo. Here, scan your ticket and receive a wristband that will grant you access to the program in the floating festival heart. If you arrive 30 minutes before the start of the program, you can also take a route through the festival heart.
• IMPORTANT! Do not go directly to the floating platforms without a (program) wristband, as you will not be granted access.