This panel discussion and workshop, with an introduction by Francine Houben, will discuss the question; How can we find ways to reconnect the city and the port and create healthy and attractive spaces that benefit all residents and workers? How would you transform the dikes?

Imagine… a 10 km long dike park as a nature-inclusive, active, and multifunctional corridor that serves as a connection between a healthy port and healthy neighbourhoods. This green dike would no longer be an obstacle, but a unique and vibrant link between the city and the port. It would promote walking, cycling, gathering, and recreation while also improving biodiversity and reducing heat stress.

With the construction of the Rijnhaven, Maashaven, and Waalhaven, the ports were for a long time the economic and lively heart of Rotterdam. Work and leisure were intertwined. The Watersnoodramp of 1953 called for significant changes, resulting in the construction of dikes, which are put in place as functional infrastructure. The 10 km long dike in Rotterdam Zuid now forms a barrier between neighbourhoods and the ports. The majestic Brielselaan, for example, lost its grandeur.

Program

• introduction by Francine Houben
• panel discussion
• round table workshop for everyone to exchange ideas.

Practical Info

• If you visit this program, it is not necessary to buy a separate admission ticket for the festival heart. A ticket for this program already gives you access to the floating festival heart.
• Please report to the welcome desk of the Rotterdam Architecture Month at the square in front of the Maassilo. Here, scan your ticket and receive a wristband that will grant you access to the program in the floating festival heart. If you arrive 30 minutes before the start of the program, you can also take a route through the festival heart.
• IMPORTANT! Do not go directly to the floating platforms without a (program) wristband, as you will not be granted access.

Go to Instagram page