BlueMindRotterdam
The Noorderkade
Project details
- Year
- 2020
- Programme
- spatial-design
- Practices
- Autonomous
- Minor
- Public & Private
This project focuses on reconnecting Noorderkade and Nieuwe Maas with Rotterdam by redesigning the waterfront. Nieuwe Maas flows through the center of Rotterdam and the northern side of the river is called Noorderkade, consisting out of three parts, Rhijnspoorkade, Boompjeskade and Willemskade. Noorderkade is positioned close to familiar places such as Blaak, Willemsbrug, Coolsingel and Erasmusbrug.
The 1945 bombing destroyed nearly all of Rotterdam, including Noorderkade and most of its historical character (Kleijwegt). Rotterdam has made efforts to redesign Noorderkade. The first effort was in 1990 concerned Boompjeskade (Architectuurgids) and was followed in 2010 by a redesign of Willemskade and Boompjeskade. However, this redesign did not include Rhijnspoorkade and left parts of Noorderkade disconnected from the city and its citizens (Colloge van B en W Rotterdam page 18).
This project focuses on reconnecting Noorderkade and the river with the citizens and visitors of Rotterdam. Reestablishing this connection is important because it will reinvigorate the waterfront and create more public space. The increased use of the waterfront will have a positive effect on people known as ‘Blue mind’, a concept created by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols (J. Nichols).
In order to substantiate this project, I gathered historical fragments of Noorderkade, used field research, and used photography as a method of observation. Furthermore I corresponded with Mrs. L. Bouwman, project manager of the program ‘Rivieroevers’. This program works on creating inviting places and roads parallel to the rivers in Rotterdam (Gemeente Rotterdam).
With this project, I intent to make people more aware of the possibilities that Noorderkade and the river can provide for Rotterdam.
See my website for more information.