Placemaking Week Europe 2024 - Rotterdam

Meeting Point: The Blue Carpet on Schouwburgplein (3012 CL Rotterdam, Netherlands)

This workshop focuses on Rotterdam's Schouwburgplein, exploring strategies to transition temporary interventions (such as the Flying Grass Carpet, programming, events, stage, flower boxes, etc.) threatened by budget cuts into sustainable, lasting transformations. This session aims to address the challenge of transitioning from temporary placemaking initiatives to lasting, permanent changes, using Rotterdam's Schouwburgplein as a prime example. Currently facing financial constraints, the United Schouwburgplein Association struggles to sustain programming, jeopardizing community engagement. The temporary intervention Flying Grass Carpet, now in its 7th year, faces uncertainty due to halted plans for redesign and implementation, exacerbated by budgetary issues. Moreover, leakage in the underlying parking garage and the deteriorating roof/floor of the square necessitate urgent action. Participants will collaborate in brainstorming sessions, focusing on the necessary hardware, software, and organizational structures to revitalize the square for future generations. The collective insights will culminate in a comprehensive proposal to be presented to the Municipality of Rotterdam, seeking support for the revitalization efforts.