We live in a time of resource scarcity. We need to source and reuse materials a more local level and revitalise crafting methods to process them. This meet-up brings together experts for a conversation on the importance crafts and small, local collectives that use them to work up to larger circular action.

Background

The Rotterdam Architecture Month 2026 asks what a circular city actually looks like in practice. As part of the festival month, a Test Site Material Wharf will arise at the Keilewerf M4H area: a working space for material reuse where theory and practice meet. This meet-up zooms in on one of the building blocks of that circular city: local collectives and the craftsmanship to work with them.

While craftsmanship was once fundamental to architecture and construction, Dutch building culture seems to have gradually distanced itself from this know-how. Yet the growing need to reuse, adapt, and transform what already exists offers an opportunity to re-position craftsmanship within contemporary urban design and local resource management.

• How can cities adapt local craftmanship and work with material loops on a more bioregional scale?
• How can local crafts and resources contribute to a new circular economy?
• How can reusing prodcuts and materials revitalise crafts?

About the meet-up

During the meet-up, moderated by Studio ACTE, a few practicioners will share their experience in a panel, after which the conversation opens up to all participants. Central questions are:

• How can small collectives and independent makers drive broader change in how we build?
• What role do designers and institutions play in keeping place-based craft knowledge alive?
• How can working with circular materials strengthen local communities and culture?

This session will be in English.

Practical details

• Location: Test Site Materialenwerf, Keilewerf, Rotterdam
• Walk-in: 13:30
• Meet-up: 14:00 – 16:30
• Drinks: 16:30 – 17:30 uur

The confirmed panel speakers will be announced on this page soon. If you would like to attend, please get in touch with Teus Hagen via t.hagen@airrotterdam.eu.

Photo: Paul Swagerman