WORKSHOP 2 Rotterdam / NL 24 februar 2012
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Organizers
EUROPEAN FORUM FOR ARCHITECTURAL POLICIES FORUM EUROPﾃ右N DES POLITIQUES ARCHITECTURALES
platform for european architecture
www.underconstructions.eu
Participants Dirk Bervelt Architectuur Lokaal, Amsterdam, NL Rob Docter EFAP – President, General Director of the Berlage Institute, Rotterdam, NL Salomon Frausto Head of Public Programs Berlage Institute, Rotterdam, NL Hedwig Heinsman DUS Architects, Amsterdam, NL Celia Picard wonderland, platform for european architecture, Vienna, AT partner project manager of underconstructions Yvette Masson-Zanussi EFAP a.i.s.b.l, manager, Bruxelles, BE project manager of underconstructions Hannes Schreckensberger wonderland, platform for european architecture, Vienna, AT partner project manager of underconstructions Marco Stathopoulos EFAP a.i.s.b.l, manager assistant, Bruxelles, BE project manager assistant of underconstructions
Contact www.underconstructions.eu send@underconstructions.eu
Workshop
The second Underconstructions workshop was hosted at the Berlage Institute, Rotterdam / NL on the 24th of February, 2012. The aim of this workshop was to identify tools bringing innovation to architecture and urban planning practices on a local level. Underconstructions isn’t a scientific report. It functions as an observatory, detecting and collecting innovative projects and processes throughout Europe. Wonderland, platform for European architecture, stated that the selected projects and processes are evidence of the diverse landscape of European architecture practices. Hedwig Heinsman of DUS architects gave a presentation at the workshop. His presentation focused on their unique strategy of transformation regarding the Wierden neighborhood in Almere/ The Netherlands. The ensuing discussion focused on the examination and exploration of such local implementation projects and the potentials as well as the legal obstacles involved. The project displays the role of the architecture team as a mediator striving to create a common accord and while integrating the diverse interests of the stakeholders involved (the inhabitants, the building and loan association, and the local authority). The project also displays how this methodology can create social coherence through a sensible transformation of an impersonal dwelling area.
Dirk Bervelt of the Dutch non-governmental building and culture insti-
In conclusion, EFAP underlined that Underconstructions is a network
tution ‘Architecture Lokaal’, focused on their work as a consultant for
of partners highlighting the vital movement of innovative projects and
public authorities. He stated that there are big discrepancies in Europe
processes in Europe beyond the constraints of ordinary architecture
among countries on the issue of building culture. He also explained the
practice. It presents tools which are reproducible. Underconstructions
political significance and impact of the work they did. He presented the
aims to strengthen all actors involved in architectural innovation in
best practices around The Netherlands and demonstrated further ways
Europe.
of identifying innovative projects and processes. The shortlisted selection of the “Call for projects and practices” was reviewed by peers and academically discussed in the presence of Rob Docter, director of the Berlage Institute and Salomon Frausto, head of public program of the Berlage Institute Following this meeting and the intensive discussion which took place, the Underconstructions online data base was set up. The data base utilizes an organic structure by using tags as an interactive system of coordination. It links projects with various backgrounds, heritages, contexts and time lines in order to maintain a diverse selection, as opposed to a strict method of categorization. This flexible structure makes it possible to compare various displayed approaches and point out analogies. The database gathers various approaches, making them accessible and visible in a unique way.