Bos.Polder.Plein

Bospolder is a vulnerable neighbourhood in Rotterdam West, where one-third of the children live below poverty levels. Public authorities are dedicating efforts to improve these figures through multiple programs; unfortunately, they have little capacity to improve the quality of Bospolder’s public space.

We have assembled an enthousiastic team to follow the neighbours’ lead and transform a huge existing asphalt square into a welcoming and active square for everybody. After all, what we want is nothing more than: a bos, a polder and a square!

Currently, Bospolder is experiencing rapid processes of gentrification that are displacing the local communities from the neighbourhood. It is, therefore, crucial to develop proper public spaces where community interaction can take place. Bospolderplein can play a fundamental role due to its central position, its size and its capacity to integrate nature and increase biodiversity.

An inclusive and creative process that involves everyone.

A thorough analysis of current square’s usage, its historical evolution, and its climate allowed us to determine the needs and wishes of both its current and potential future users. To engage everyone in the dynamics of the square, we organised a series of small-scale interventions and events. This organic process improves the square and, above all, fosters a resilient and motivated community.

We also developed a customized communication strategy to reach everybody through a website, flyers, design wokshops, lunches... Always with a positive and creative attitude to overcome the challenges of the modest budgets we are dealing with.

A green and active space to improve both social and ecological conditions.

Bospolderplein is not merely a square; it is also a street. Our design recovers the original diagonal path to re-connect with the daily routine of the neighbours and maximise social interaction. Along this diagonal, we have created attractive spaces to ensure that as many people as possible share the square for as long as possible.

Green is not just a colour, it is a tool to maximise interaction.

We require everyone’s participation to improve the neighborhood and safeguard the planet. Creating nice, green spaces alone is insufficient; we need a deep cultural shift. Marielle, one of the neighbours expert in planting, has developed an ecological strip for enjoying and exploring nature all year round. These collective gardening moments will help fortify the necessary and critical bonds among us. Saving the planet is sharing it.

© 2024 COFO

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