Inverse explores sustainable development in Rotterdam

Online magazine Inverse investigates why the city of Rotterdam has stopped fighting the ongoing battle with water and decided to embrace the opportunities that water-based development creates for the future. Freelance journalist Lauren Razavi interviews Blue21 co-founder and director of project development at DeltaSync, Karina Czapiewska about her vision on urban environments in response to current challenges such as climate change and urban growth.

“We realized we have to look differently at how we develop our urban environments for future residents” Czapiewska explains. “Populations are growing and cities have to grow with them. Our concept is less destruction and more innovation, for the benefit of the next generation.”

The Floating Pavilion which was initiated by DeltaSync, is just one example of innovative design that characterizes Rotterdam’s architecture. Both the Head of Urban Planning for the City of Rotterdam, Mattijs van Ruijven and spokesperson for the Port of Rotterdam Authority Sjaak Poppe, share how the local government is working together with architects, artists, developers, entrepreneurs and community groups to combat climate change and reduce CO₂ emissions while continuing to develop innovative projects like the Floating Pavilion.

Read the full article on Inverse.com

Image: www.nudgesustainabilityhub.com

Cartoonist draws Floating Pavilion

Cartoonist and politician Wietske Jonker-ter Veld recently made these beautiful watercolors of the Floating Pavilion and the floating forest in the Rijnhaven.

She was visiting Rotterdam with a grandchild from her village to show her the city and was positively surprised by this sight. Jonker-ter Veld is passionate about water and nature since she was a little child and has ever since been very active in politics and environmental issues.

Thank you Wietske for offering us a new perspective!

About Wietske Jonker-Ter Veld (interview in Dutch)

 

2015 11 12 Rotterdam drijvende bollen 053