project realised for
CITYFöRSTER
Hoe Willen Wij Bouwen
M4H 2030
06.2024
A thematic line of URBANISM in the joint exhibition organized by KeileCollectif discussing the question 'How do we build future-proof in a time when there is high pressure to build homes and workspaces quickly and affordably?' By linking this question to the planning in M4H, the exhibition offers an impetus to the realization of a climate-positive living environment from 2030 onwards; the year in which the first residential areas on the Merwe piers in M4H will be ready.
SEE RESEARCH
The historic port area of the Merwevierhavens (M4H) in Rotterdam will soon begin an extensive redevelopment. Once deeply embedded in the maritime world of the Port of Rotterdam, the area is now transitioning towards new futures. Industry is moving away, and new developments will transform the area towards into a vibrant mixed-use urban district. The planning framework envisions a circular economy, smart mobility and sustainable energy concepts, among other things.
The Merwevierhavens (M4H) in Rotterdam is on the verge of redevelopment. With a rich industrial history, the harbour area is now moving towards new futures. Industry is moving away, and redevelopment is planned to revitalize this innercity site into a vibrant new mixed-use area. Keilecollectief took this opportunity to ask itself “How do we want to build in the future?”
This exhibition is a production of answers and further questions. It portrays building cultures of past, present and (hopeful) futures, and disects the question into the themes architecture, materials, urbanism, and landscape. The question “how do we want to build?” or rather “how do we want to build cities?”, entails the bigger question “how do we want to live in future cities?”
Cityförster‘s contribution to the answer is two-fold. In a historical timeline of 1900-2050 we analyse the relations between socio-economic trends, spatial policy and iconic societal developments.
This exhibition is a production of answers and further questions. It portrays building cultures of past, present and (hopeful) futures, and disects the question into the themes architecture, materials, urbanism, and landscape. The question “how do we want to build?” or rather “how do we want to build cities?”, entails the bigger question “how do we want to live in future cities?”
Cityförster‘s contribution to the answer is two-fold. In a historical timeline of 1900-2050 we analyse the relations between socio-economic trends, spatial policy and iconic societal developments.
clearly policies determine a certain quality and style of life, and that our economy of growth has resulted in enormous climate impacts.
On the other hand, research into 4 case studies shows that high-density, innercity neighbourhoods are most cost-efficient for the community. This hints also at a lower ecological footprint of these neighbourhoods, ánd its residents. Looking at the future, we propose spatial planning based on “sufficiency”: cities for a lifestyle with enough, instead of everything.
Community-based designs, compact homes, biobased buildings and shared facilities should enable a sustainable lifestyle for all residents. This rationale, that minimizes emissions of buildings, cities, residents, is what we call Carbon-Based Urbanism.
Community-based designs, compact homes, biobased buildings and shared facilities should enable a sustainable lifestyle for all residents. This rationale, that minimizes emissions of buildings, cities, residents, is what we call Carbon-Based Urbanism.