Placemaking Week Europe 2024 - Rotterdam

Flat rooftops offer a wealth of underutilised, high-potential space in urban environments worldwide. In Rotterdam, both temporary and permanent initiatives have begun to transform these spaces into vibrant hubs of urban sustainability. 

The cultural organisation 'Rotterdam Rooftop Days' explores this potential through their creative programming, showcased in the eponymous annual festival. In this session, we will visit a centrally located Rotterdam rooftop currently awaiting large-scale redevelopment. 

Participants will delve into the history of the site and its surroundings, while also exploring future plans for the site. Together, we will envision placemaking possibilities that emphasise community engagement, urban biodiversity, and enriching urban development through cultural programming. 

Accessibility Info: location requires participants to climb stairs

Capacity: 20 people (first come, first served)

Starting Point: Roodkapje Garage

Important note: In order to participate in the PodWalk activity, it is necessary to bring your own mobile phone with headphones/earbuds and a working internet connection. We do not provide any equipment ourselves.

Join in on a guided PodWalk Tour, hosted by Sander Ummelen from the Holy Houses Rotterdam Organisation!

Holy Houses and Placemaking in the City: Podwalk Cool Zuid investigates the urban development in Rotterdam's Cool-Zuid neighbourhood, where thousands of additional homes will be built, and new residents will move into the area soon. Amid this urban development, there are four varying church buildings. What role do these buildings play in the neighbourhood, and how will their role change in the face of this development?

Heilige Huisjes Rotterdam is creating a PodWalk that tells the story of these places in a changing urban landscape and gives the listener the chance to experience the neighbourhood of Cool Zuid in a new way. Composed of interviews and contemplative commentary, the PodWalk will be presented through a publicly accessible neighbourhood tour.

Podwalk: Holy Houses and the City - Heilige Huisjes Rotterdam

Like most Western cities, Rotterdam aims to be hospitable and inclusive—a city where everybody feels welcome, has the opportunity to participate in public life and can move around freely and safely, regardless of race, gender, or age. How is this ambition reflected in Rotterdam's public spaces?
Join the Public Space Detective Walkshop led by Floor van Ditzhuyzen (urban researcher) and Pedro Gil Farias(interaction designer) to explore, question, and discuss the (im)possibility of a city for all.