CLIMATE ADAPTATION
in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is recognised both for its innovative and multifunctional climate adaptation solutions and for its transformation of former industrial areas into sustainable, functional urban spaces with different housing types, businesses and cultural functions. Historically, the city has built close to the water and worked with many different types of water management systems. In recent years, it has also developed floating projects built on the water. Rotterdam is Europe’s answer to New York: here, skyscrapers stand side by side with historic warehouses.
ROTTERDAM
In Rotterdam you can learn
Much of this is shaped by the way public and private actors collaborate through PPP models. The Municipality of Rotterdam is a frontrunner in many different strategic development projects, which you and your organisation can gain insight into, for example:
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National water management strategies and their implementation at local level, for example in relation to protecting the Port of Rotterdam and the many residential areas located close to the different harbour zones.
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Political strategies, process management and citizen involvement, for example in relation to mobility, including increased use of cycling and public transport. Rotterdam is also home to Europe’s largest underground bicycle parking facilities, which are designed to feel safe to use around the clock.
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Intensive housing development and densification: the Municipality of Rotterdam’s strategy includes the transformation of several large municipal schools from the 1920s into modern housing complexes, as well as many examples of how the city is densifying the urban fabric through large housing blocks, mixed-use developments and green mobility. As the city’s population grows, new housing is being developed.
A long tradition for transformation and renovation
Rotterdam was heavily bombed during the Second World War, so a large part of the city’s industry, housing stock, etc. was built in the post-war period. For a long time, there has been a focus on preserving and transforming a large part of the cultural heritage, especially into mixed-use projects. An early project by OMA, for example, contains both a city hall, housing and community facilities.
Some of the world’s most recognised international architectural studios are based in Rotterdam, from Rem Koolhaas’ OMA to MVRDV. At MVRDV, transformations also continue, for example with an upcoming large, elongated mixed-use office building in a dense area along railway tracks — with solar panels on the façade and reused building materials. MVRDV is also behind an ambitious housing project: 2 residential towers, with 802 rental homes and approx. 90 owner-occupied homes (in different sizes), with several types of shared functions and a bicycle basement with space for 1,800 bicycles. MVRDV NEXT is the company’s digital innovation centre, which develops open-source systems for calculating CO₂ consumption, for free use.
We organise studio visits for you, for example with presentations on some of the latest transformation projects, on green building operations and on how to develop housing with communities in mind. Smaller developers are also transforming historic properties into owner-occupied homes in a very carefully considered way.
Climate adaptation and recreational solutions
Rotterdam shows how climate challenges can be turned into innovative solutions that combine functionality with recreational qualities. The city functions as a laboratory for climate adaptation and urban transformation, with projects ranging from recreated canals to underground water reservoirs.
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Innovative water management: Underground water storage facilities and rainwater systems protect against flooding while also creating recreational urban spaces, from sports facilities to parks.
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Green roofs and walkways: Coherent green solutions function as a densification strategy, connecting the city’s districts, for example on former railway land.
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Port of Rotterdam: As Europe’s largest laboratory for innovation, the port has tested multifunctional solutions for more than 25 years, adapting to the climate challenges of the future.
Rotterdam can also be combined with project visits in and around Amsterdam; for example, Henning Larsen Architects is currently constructing Europe’s largest logistics building based on a regenerative approach: The building is being constructed in timber/CLT and with straw elements, and the goal is for it to increase the area’s biodiversity by 10%. Or in combination with 1 day in Utrecht, for example focusing on infrastructure projects: Rivers and green belts have been re-established where there were previously motorways, and on mobility strategies, for example the city is home to the world’s largest underground bicycle parking facility (12.000 bicycles).
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INTERESTED IN A PROGRAM
Practical Information
Could some of these topics inspire you/your organisation in relation to what you should prioritise in your work with climate adaptation or renovation/transformation? Contact us and let us talk about what a tailored programme could look like for you.
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Flights and hotel accommodation through a travel agency we collaborate with
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A programme with in-depth project visits, including presentations and dialogue with local professionals, such as developers, public authorities, timber producers, architectural studios, project managers, landscape architects, energy specialists, resident group representatives and others
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Local urban development guides who place the projects and urban districts in context, from their historical background to current trends
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Organisation of cycling tours, museum visits, lunches, dinners and more
For more information and details, contact us to arrange, for example, a 2-day programme.