ROTTERDAM THE CITY THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
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Author_ Juan Gutierrez Beltran Architect & Designer MS-Urbanism (2015-17)
Tutor_ Dr ir Maurice Harteveld Rotterdam
The city through the looking glass
Q2_ Studio Project
Urbanism Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment
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ROTTERDAM THE CITY THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
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I.1
The Netherlands, Europe
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I.2
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Over the last two months the studio has worked in a collaborative way analyzing the different conditions and particularities of Rotterdam, specifically of the Rotte River surroundings. In an overall level, it seems that the function of the River as a reservoir is efficient, the location has overlapping layers of architectonic styles that makes it highly attractive and even on the peak hours (including market days) the Laurenskwartier seems a pretty lively place. However, on the bias of what is truly happening and what it used to happen before, the Rotte as a river has lost its identity. It has become a technical entity that is powerless of its enigmatic presence as a driver of social and natural encounters.
Rotte River
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The aim of this project is to reclaim the meaning of the river, empowering the essence of a public place for public life, under the premise that small changes in an especific area, could generate huge effects in the global scale. The strategy is to build mental monuments in the collective memory of old and new coming inhabitants, that could last a lifetime.
Laurenskwartier, Rotterdam
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FRAMEWORK
The human behavior studies is the frame in which the project is going to be established in order to engage solution in terms of space, people and time.
MODEL | Guidelines of Design Reseach Techniques http://designresearchtechniques.com/casestudies/behaviouralmapping/ Place-Centred Behavioural Mapping Does not require “tracking’” of each individual’s movement through a space. Rather, the area is rapidly surveyed at once and all behaviours are noted on a map. Subsequent “snapshots” can be taken at intervals to help identify consistent patterns. Useful for determining how various areas within the space are used. HUMAN BEHAVIOR STUDIES
Chart-based This method simply tallies behaviors on a chart, often in conjunction with time data, rather than locating them on a map of the environment. Useful when features of the environment are not the primary focus. Trace measures Observing the physical evidence of activities, typically as erosion (e.g. wear patterns or “desire trails” on a lawn) or accretion (e.g. use of recycle bins). GIS Tools Technologies that allow for automatically tracking the movement of pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, shopping carts, etc.
The human behavior studies is the frame in which the project is going to be established in order to engage solution in terms of space, people and time. 6
OBSERVATION
Social developments on the physical space. (Place and individual centered analysis along The Rotte River).
From the small to the big stories. (Marginal narratives and dominant strategies).
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The interaction between the city and the people changes along the river axis. Heritage disruptions are taking place.
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OBSERVATION
Social developments on the physical space. (Place and individual centered analysis along The Rotte River).
The publicness remains in the eyes of the people, who meet, play, walk, work and use the public space as their own.
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I. The Urban Wetlands
II. The Urban Belt
III. The Patchwork
IV. The Swan Neck
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-east-
V. The Water Project
VI. The Engenieered River
VII. The City Axis
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PLACE CENTERED ANALYSIS 7 AREAS ALONG THE RIVER
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DEMOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS SOCIAL ACTORS INVOLVED
DIAGNOSIS
Socio-spatial dynamics conditioned by human behavior.
ROUND - SKATE PARK - PARK PLAY G
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TS EE TR -S
T RKE MA
SQUA RES - PA RKS
- RE STA UR
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HU RC HE S
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O M M UN
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UA LA RE AS
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PAR KS
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TS EE TR -S
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-SUPE R
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- BIK ALKS EW SID
XPLE OM -C
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USE HO
T BOA
USING IAL HO - SOC
MARKET - SHOPS
IGH WAYS - BRID E LANES - H GES SQU ARE S-
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G
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-P AR KI N
S CK LO -B
TR EE TS
S ER OW -T
MA RK ET SS
SPOTED NODES ROTTE RIVER
ENJOYING NATURE WORKING RECREATING
TS LO
OP ST US -B
HO US ES
N TIO STA AIN TR
- NE
ING CENTER - TRAM ST OP - M - SHOPP OURS ETRO IGHB -J
MEETING MOVING LIVING SHOPPING
DYNAMICS TAKING PLACE PLACES FOR INTERACTION
CONFLICT NODES
CRUCIAL CONNECTION NODES
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UN CT ION S
-B UI L
HIGHER LEVEL OF DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
HIGHER LEVEL OF OWNERSHIP
LOWER LEVEL OF DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
LOWER LEVEL OF OWNERSHIP
ROTTE RIVER
DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
ETHNICAL/RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDS
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ROTTE RIVER
OWNERSHIP FEELING DWELLERS INVOLVEMENT
DIAGNOSIS
Socio-spatial dynamics conditioned by human behavior.
ZONE OF INTEREST J
ZONE OF INTEREST I
ZONE OF INTEREST H
ZONE OF INTEREST G
ZONE OF INTEREST F
ZONE OF INTEREST E
ZONE OF INTEREST D
ZONE OF INTEREST C
ZONE OF INTEREST B
ZONE OF INTEREST A
FABRICS WITH SIMILAR IDENTITY
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ROTTE RIVER
DEMOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS SOCIAL ACTORS INVOLVED
THE ROTTE RIVER
USING SPACE FOR MAKING PLACE
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Rotterdam with Amsterdam are recognized as the most international metropolis in The Netherlands. They attract millions of tourists, students and workers from all over the world and this is easily perceived in its urban daily life. The strong commercial/ labor synergies and the modern architectonic language makes of the City Center of Rotterdam a ground for multiple interactions between people with heterogeneous backgrounds.
14 Centered Place Analysis - 236 people counted | 10 different places mapped | 3 days of Field Work - Tuesday (09:00 to 12:00), Friday (14:00 to 17:00), Saturday (16:00 to 19:00)
To the extent that we leave Rotterdam’s City Center and we submerge in the periphery of the urban fabrics, groups of people with specific social, religious and economic backgrounds start appearing with higher intensity. The far we are from the Urban core, the higher sense of ownership within the people.
DIAGNOSIS
Socio-spatial dynamics conditioned by human behavior.
15 Centered Place Analysis - 236 people counted | 10 different places mapped | 3 days of Field Work - Tuesday (09:00 to 12:00), Friday (14:00 to 17:00), Saturday (16:00 to 19:00)
Violette / Clementi Boutique
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BOTTOM UP Cities systems - perception aproach
Sense of belonging of a community of creative and cultural entrepeneurs (fashion, styling, graphic design) that believes that this space could become an important place in the close future. Urban participation.
DIAGNOSIS
Socio-spatial dynamics conditioned by human behavior.
REFLECTIVE DIALOGUES
Conceptualization of the socio-spatial processes that are taking place along the water front of the Rotte. The spaces become places when actors intervene in time.
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Fieldwork / Observation: General impressions, highlighting the conflicts and opportunities of the Rotte River Area.
RESEARCH QUESTION
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RESEARCH QUESTION How can a specific spatial intervention in the Rotte River enhance the urban livability of the place in order to drive a sense of belonging amongst the citizens? Concepts: Spatial Intervention | Urban Livability | Sense of Belonging
SWOT ANALYSIS
Physical and visual connection to the city center Architectonical and historical values Calm and safe environment High flow of people (pedestrians, bikes and vehicles) Attractive environment on market days Easy access to public transport systems (bus, metro and train)
STRENGTHS OPPORTUNITIES Emergence of a community of creative and cultural entrepreneurs Reinforce the public space as a vibrant urban place Enhance the biodiversity and natural environment Establish the sector as a commercial and residential corridor Generate an identity towards the river, the neighborhood and the city Derive a urban renovation and regeneration pioneer project
Minimum accessibility (road system and bike lanes) Stagnated commercial activities Lack of urban vitality Disconnection with the neighborhood dynamic At night becomes a desolated landscape Absence of biodiversity ecosystems
WEAKNESSES THREATS
Urban life diminishes becoming a not to go neighborhood Real state crisis because of the housing and stores vacancy Urban sprawl into the countryside instead of urban renovation The place lost its historical and cultural meaning
The conclusions and diagnosis regarding the interaction between the actors and the place (Laurenkwartier) is the starting point for elaborating a set of tools, that could lead us into the spatial strategy. For that reason, a SWOT analysis is made in order to determine which aspects and qualities should be reinforced, disrupted or should remain the same.
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THE 12 KEY QUALITY CRITERIA
Protection against traffic and accidents - feeling safe -Protection for pedestrians -Eliminating fear of traffic
Opportunities to walk -No obstacles -Accesible to everyone
Protection against crime and violence - feeling secure -Overlapping functions day and night -Lively public realm
Protection against unpleasant sensory experiences -Weather -Pollution
Opportunities to stand/stay -Edge effect/attractive zones -Supports for standing
Opportunities to sit -Good place to sit -Involve weather and people
JAN GEHL (1936) SENSES SCALE AND 12 QUALITY CRITERIA Birgitte Svarre and GEHL Arquitects | Internet | http://gehlarchitects.com
Opportunities to see -Reasonable viewing distances -Unhindered views
Opportunities to talk and listen -Low noise levels -Street furniture ‘talkscapes’
Opportunities for play and exercise -Play and street entertainament all time -Physical activity, exercise
Physical Environment - Demands | Necessary Activities: Events that take place, no matter what are the conditions of the physical surroundings. Optional Activities: Occurs if there is a wish to do so and if time and space make it possible.
Positive sensory experience
Scale -Buildings and spaces designed to human scale
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-Shelter from wind/breeze -Sun/shade, heat/coolness
-Good desgin and detailing -Trees, plants and water
Social Activities: Depends strictly on the presence of others in the public space. People itself are the main factor that engages other people to be in public spaces. Various Outdoor Activities: Public places are being used in a proper way for the necessary activities. Thus if it generates a comfortable environment optional activities will follow.
THEORY / FRAMEWORK
Theories and methods become our conceptual basis in order to define accurate guidelines and a succesful strategy.
Cities as Ecosystems |
Jacobs approached cities as living beings and ecosystems. She suggested that over time, buildings, streets and neighborhoods function as dynamic organisms, changing in response to how people interact with them. She explained how each element of a city – sidewalks, parks, neighborhoods, government, economy – functions together synergistically, in the same manner as the natural ecosystem. This understanding helps us discern how cities work, how they break down, and how they could be better structured.
Mixed-Use Development | JANE JACOBS (1916 - 2006) PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES Theorical Perspectives | Internet | http://www.pps.org/reference/jjacobs-2/
Jacobs advocated for “mixed-use” urban development – the integration of different building types and uses, whether residential or commercial, old or new. According to this idea, cities depend on a diversity of buildings, residences, businesses and other non-residential uses, as well as people of different ages using areas at different times of day, to create community vitality. She saw cities as being “organic, spontaneous, and untidy,” and views the intermingling of city uses and users as crucial to economic and urban development.
Cities as Ecosystems |
Jacobs approached cities as living beings and ecosystems. She suggested that over time, buildings, streets and neighborhoods function as dynamic organisms, changing in response to how people interact with them. She explained how each element of a city – sidewalks, parks, neighborhoods, government, economy – functions together synergistically, in the same manner as the natural ecosystem. This understanding helps us discern how cities work, how they break down, and how they could be better structured.
Cities as Ecosystems |
Jacobs approached cities as living beings and ecosystems. She suggested that over time, buildings, streets and neighborhoods function as dynamic organisms, changing in response to how people interact with them. She explained how each element of a city – sidewalks, parks, neighborhoods, government, economy – functions together synergistically, in the same manner as the natural ecosystem. This understanding helps us discern how cities work, how they break down, and how they could be better structured. 21
The aim of this project is to diffuse the limits between the private and public spheres along the Rotte River, through a spatial intervention that disconnects (the visual) to connect (the physical). Water becomes a mirror that transforms the awareness of the citizens towards a past that in the present is shaping their future, in order to enhance cultural, social and economical synergies in the city Center.
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CONCEPT /STRATEGY
Reclaim the memory of the old City substance in order to shape the meaning of the future Rotterdam.
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Rotterdam’s history, mainly Zandstraatkwartier could be synthesized in three chapters. The first chapter talks about the bustling neighborhood were sailors and artist met between the alleys of the old red light district. The second one is framed under the devastation of the Second World War. The third is based in the inspiring reconstruction of a society that is emerging from the ashes to set a precedent what they are capable of. We want to reinforce this speech; we want to transform the collective memory of todays inhabitants through the legacy of former generations.
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The River Reflections - The water curtain act as an element that disconnects the physical senses to connect the emotional experiences. The Rotte recovers its identity, it becomes a place that has memory.
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The number of trees is low due to the minimum percentage of green lands in this part of the city and the high amount of techinal elements in the subsoil. For this reason, some new trees will be planted along the river, using concrete boxes rich in soil and mineral.
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The number of trees is low due to the minimum percentage of green lands in this part of the city and the high amount of techinal elements in the subsoil. For this reason, some new trees will be planted along the river, using concrete boxes rich in soil and mineral.
DESIGN APROACH
Brainstorming and skecthing of the design aproximation.
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1.
2. 4.
3.
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DESIGN APROACH
Brainstorming and skecthing of the design aproximation.
1.
3.
Between the sidewalk and the river, a fringe of grassland is located, taking advantage of lack of infrastructure elements under the soil. This zone will provide more porosity and permeability for the water that shifts into the ground. The river will also develop 2 creeks that will separate the black and grey water from the unpolluted.
The number of trees is low due to the minimum percentage of green lands in this part of the city and the high amount of techinal elements in the subsoil. For this reason, some new trees will be planted along the river, using concrete boxes rich in soil and mineral.
2.
4.
The rainwater is filtered through green natural fibers located on the facades of the buildings, benefiting the quality of the water that goes into the river. This water could be pumped back again to the building for different uses such as toilet flushing washing clothes and others.
The underground infrastructure for the METRO reduce dramatically the possibilities of having an open green land in this area. For this reason, electrical, telecommunications cables and gas pipes will be shifted to the border of the street. This allows the existence of a floatable garden that may enhance the biodiversity in the river.
PROPOSAL - TECHNICAL COMPONENTS
ROTTE RIVER - DISCOVERING THE URBAN NATURE
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GROUND LEVEL PLAN ESC 1:1800
B’
A
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A’
URBAN DESIGN
Definition of the Urban Project / Socio-Spatial intervention
B 31
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URBAN DESIGN
Definition of the Urban Project / Socio-Spatial intervention
URBAN SECTION A-A’ ESC 1:1000
URBAN SECTION B-B’ ESC 1:1000
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AREA A - THE GARDEN ESC 1:250
C’
C
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URBAN DESIGN
Definition of the Urban Project / Socio-Spatial intervention
SECTION C-C’ ESC 1:250
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AREA B - THE THEATER ESC 1:250
D’
D
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URBAN DESIGN
Definition of the Urban Project / Socio-Spatial intervention
SECTION D-D’ ESC 1:250
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AREA C - THE CATWALK ESC 1:250
E’
E
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URBAN DESIGN
Definition of the Urban Project / Socio-Spatial intervention
SECTION E-E’ ESC 1:250
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PATTERNS_ JOGGING, WALKING, BIKING, DRIVING, SITTING, PLAYING, INTERWEAVING
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R
THE TH EA TE
THE CA TW A
LK
PATTERNS_ JOGGING, WALKING, BIKING, SITTING, PLAYING, INTERWEAVING, WATCHING, SHARING
DYNAMICS
PATTERNS_ JOGGING, WALKING, BIKING, SITTING, SHOPING, INTERWEAVING, SHARING
N
THE GA RD E
THE BR ID GE
A system of small public places along the water front will trigger the possibilities of social encounters.
PATTERNS_ JOGGING, WALKING, BIKING, SITTING, PLAYING, INTERWEAVING, SHARING
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The purpose of the project is to elaborate a flexible strategy that is part of both top-down and bottom-up processes in order to enhance the livability of the Lawrenskwartier and in the long term, of Rotterdam. A strategic plan, is based on three main spheres: People, Space and Economy with the aim of developing a circular systemic approach which could trigger the urban regeneration in terms of public awareness, social cohesion and economical activation. The following processes are illustrating specific strategies that should be adopted along the coming years in order to make positive effects with small changes.
SPATIAL PROCESSES 1. Development of technical and spatial studies and plans. 2. Verification and modification of the technical networks (sewage, water supply, electricity cables, gas pipes and others). 3. Demolition of old bridge (wood recycling process) and adjustment of structures and installations for future intervention. 4. Assembling of new bridge system and setting urban furniture. 5. Installation of water pipes and light projectors. 6. Project Culmination – Open to the public 42
SOCIAL PROCESSES 1. Convocation of local communities to become part of the project. 2. Elaborate workshops to find possible spatial and functional strategies. 3. Invite external actors to participate in the project. For instance, private investors. 4. Share the project to the stakeholders, illustrating the local and metropolitan needs. 5. Start for the small interventions with local communities, to end with big plans with the Public Private Partnerships. 6. Develop campaigns to reinforce the concept of the new Laurenskwartier and its historical awareness.
ECONOMICAL PROCESSES 1. Define the budget required for the different stages of the intervention. 2. Formulate strategies for involving the shop-owners or tenants in the project. 3. Establish alliances with Private local and external investors to elaborate a model of PPP. 4. Generate revenue to the Municipality through the rent of new properties developed in the project. 5. Generate revenue to the local resident and shop-owners due to the increase of the real state value.
DEVELOPMENT PHASES
Elaboration of the methods and phases to accomplish the goals
DYNAMICS INTENSITY LEVELS EXPECTED | TIMETABLE
Interactions in Terms of Spatial Dynamics (Place Sphere)
Interactions in Terms of Social Dynamics (Human Sphere)
Interactions in Terms of Economical Dynamics (Economic Sphere)
Interactions in Terms of Spatial and Social Dynamics
Interactions in Terms of Spatial and Economical Dynamics
Interactions in Terms of Social and Economical Dynamics
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STAGE 1 - 2016-2018 2 years process - Define initiatives with local communities enhancing the identity of the district. - Promote proposal to external investors and developers.
DEVELOPMENT STAGES
Three different stages that establish in a suitable way the singularities of each of the components implemented during the whole process: public space and buildings, under the framework of financial and social equilibrium.
STAGE 2 - 2018- 2021 3 years process - Consolidation of the cooperation model (Public Private Partnership). - Develop strategic public space focus in the local and global scale.
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Additional Components: Residential, Offices, Hotel, Parking, Commercial - Buildings.
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STAGE 3 - 2021-2026 5 years process - Development of the urban renovation and renewal project. - Positioning the Laurenskwartier and the Rotte River as hot spot in Rotterdam.
FUNCTIONAL DEFINITION PRE-FABRICATED CONCRETE TILES
STONE TILES
NATIONAL BLACK STEEL
RECYCLED LOCAL WOOD
4.5 m
9m
The built as a living organism for natural and social encounters.
Sustainability The platforms and the shelter are made of the recycled wood of the old bridges system located along the area of intervention. This encourage environmental responsible solutions by the side of an affordable production process.
Flexibility Taking into account that socio-spatial dynamics change over time, its vital that this project could become adaptable to future necessities. For this reason, the intervention is made by prefabricated elements that could be use with a different purpose in the future.
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URBAN FURNITURE
STREET LIGHTS
BIKE PARKING
Elements that trough their multifunctional and dynamic qualities, will strengthen the enjoyable environments along the River. Contributing with the natural interactions between the public place (Rotte River) and the actors (Old Rotterdamers, New coming Rotterdamers and visitors).
TRASH CANS
PERMANENT BENCH
FLOATING BENCH
48 Set of furniture images found in search engines.
ESCOSYSTEMS & BIODIVERSITY
Species of aquatic - floating plants that could be integrated in the water gardens, as the basis for new biodiverse microclimates along the Rotte River. These water front gardens will attract insects, birds and other especies empowering the landscape and enhancing social environmental future.
49 Set of birds and plants images found in search engines.
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As Jan Gehl mentioned: “The final destination should not be visible from the starting point of the walk. Otherwise it would make pedestrians feel anxious while they are slowly coming towards the visible goal in the distance�. The public space becomes a place to discover, to get lost. A place where you find old friends and meet new people. A place where you find yourself beside the looking glass.
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The Rotter River recovers its status quo and becomes a visionary public space for public life, sustaining permanent and moving interactions in the social, economical and cultural sphere.
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The reflections along the River expose two worlds that have coexisted in the same place but in different times. The Rotte River, as the origin of Rotterdam, becomes a living statement of the past, of the present and of the future.
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“Arriving at each new city, the traveler finds again a past of his that he did not know he had: the foreignness of what you no longer are or no longer possess lies in wait for you in foreign, unpossessed places.� Italo Calvino
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Image References I.1 - Netherlands Map - Bing Maps, 2016
Bibliography - Mak, Arienne & Stouten, Paul. (2014) Urban Regeneration in Rotterdam: Economic and Social Values.
I.2 - Rotterdam Map - Bing Maps, 2016 I.3 - Laurenskwartier Map - Bing Maps, 2016 I.4 - Rotterdam Rotte River Overview - Bing Maps, 2016 I.5 - Rotterdam Delftsevaart - Detroit Publishing Company, 1895 I.6 - Zandstraat Kwartier - Collection Stadsarchief Rotterdam, 1908 I.7 - Rotterdam Alley I - B.H.W. Berssenbrugge,1908
- Stouten, Paul (2012) The New Charter of Athens: Towards Sustainable Neighbourhoods. - Jacobs, Brian (2000) Strategy and Partnership in Cities and Regions, Economic Development and Urban Regeneration in Pittsburgh, Birmingham and Rotterdam, Hampshire: MacMillan. - Florida, Richard (2012) The rise of the creative class. - Gehl, Jan (2003) Life Between buildings, Using Public Space, Copenhagen.
I.8 - Binnenrotte - Collection Stadsarchief Rotterdam, 1908 - Cendrars, Blaise (1977) Rotterdam / Cold Turkey Press. - ASC (2006) Making Places: creating sustainable communities. A teachers guide to sustainable communities, Leeds: Academy for Sustainable Communities
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Special Thanks Maurice Harteveld Q2 / Tutor and Coordinator Collaborators External Assistents + Urbanism Partners Daniela Duque, Familia y amigos Por su apoyo incondicional Bogot谩 y Colombia Por la eterna inspiraci贸n
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ROTTERDAM THE CITY THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
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