project19:Frontpage
RECONNECT : DISTRIBUTE : MATERIALISE
author(s):Jonathan Davidson (JD)
Summary
Reconnect : Distribute : Materialise
The site lies in Heijplaat to the south-west of central Rotterdam – within the former RDM docks and submarine yard situated on the southern bank of the Nieuwe Mass river and at the head of man-made industrial peninsula. Having fallen into disuse with the closure of the shipyard in the mid-90s, the area is being regenerated as a campus under the banner Research - Design - Manufacture. This has created a new educational and small business focus, but how will the future growth of the area be sustained?
This agenda has 3 initial areas of exploration:
Reconnect_
With only two river crossings in the area – the Benelux and Maas tunnels – there is a 13km journey by road to reach the northern bank of the Nieuwe Maas from the site – only 500m away as the crow flies. How can the site be linked more readily with the districts to the north, thereby attracting users into and beyond the surrounding dock?
Possible options – cable car, flexible/dynamic bridge, tunnel?
Distribute_
This intervention is one of over 30 planned for the wider dock – how can these disparate foci be linked and given the supporting infrastructure to grow organically? Access to the water, the land and to each other must be considered, key services provided, whilst public and green space must be introduced and not forsaken.
Possible options – infrastructure hub, maintenance and logistics modules, service/energy provision, floating walkways/park/gardens?
Materialise_
Further to the enabling elements above, what catalysts can be introduced into the dock to attract users and encourage them to linger and remain longer term? Education and industrial activities already exist but what about other uses?
Possible options – entertainment venue, floating market, exhibition/cultural space?
Connections
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