M4H (Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

In the “structuurviese stadhavens Rotterdam” the Merwe- and the Vier-harbor (M4H) are distinct to be the center of the new” Clean Tech” delta city. A temporary use and a trendsetting transformation of the existing waterfronts, buildings and plots are the formulated design principles for this area.

Merwe-harbor is holding a key role in a huge image campaign of the city of Rotterdam "stadshaven 2035". By its long waterfronts and its typical atmosphere the former harbor areas are predestinated for creating a huge variety of different life- and work habitats .  The characteristics of this new quarter are a direct relation with the water and the recognizable former harbor atmosphere, which could be described as  tough, crude, fascinating and colorful. In combination with new knowledge centers on the former RDM-wharf and the Port-Velley in the Waal-harbor, a new small scaled (Clean Tech) economy should be the transformation hub and therefore attract young professionals (pioneers – trendsetters – followers) from the suburbs of the Randstad as well as worldwide.

The harbor area should be transformed within the next 20 – 30 years into a new city quarter. The sustainable transformation of Merwe harbor has  started already informal  or collective by creative labeled activities (for example Alelier van Lieshout , Stichting Voedseltuin Rotterdam, Uit je Eigen Stad etc.)

The assignment:
You start analyzing the spatial structure of transformed harbor areas in Rotterdam (like for example the Wilhelmina pier, the Müllerpier, RDM wharf, Quarantine Island a.s.o.) and the transformation areas of "stadshaven 2035".
By comparing this developments with each other you will develop a suitable concept and a design strategy for the transformation of Merwe harbor area into an urban area. You will develop a fitting program on a location in the harbor area.

Course contents

Competences
 In this urban nomads program you will develop 3 professional competences: Analysis, Concept and Urban Strategy.
During 10 weeks  (3 week of Christmas holydays ) you will work continuously and integral on these competences. You work individual and you will get weekly feedback in classes on your products. This project includes 1 design week in Rotterdam / Deventer  and a final presentation.

Feedback on products:
Once a  week (see schedule) you get individual feedback on the design products in the studio of urban nomads. Feedback is at the design studio in Rotterdam on Wednesday afternoon.

Design week:
In the design week (16.11.2015 – 29.11.2015) we will visit the different locations the Stadshaven 2035 locations. A workshop with lectures will be organized where you get input, feedback and work on your concept.

Final presentation:
At the end of the course you present your project to professionals.

Portfolio assessment, certification:
After the final presentation your portfolio will be accessed by certificated assessors on the 3 competences. You will receive a certificate.

Schedule

Concept schedule (November 2015 –January 2016)
                     November                                    December                                    January
week 47     design week                week 50     urban strategy            week 2    urban strategy
week 48      portfolio                       week 51     urban strategy            week 3     final presentation
week 49      concept                                                                                   week 4    portfolio assessment

Sign in

Period:
november 2015 - january 2016

Work load:
20 hours per week

Costs
€ 3800.-
Luchtfoto, creating on the edge - programmabureau Stadshavens Rotterdam

Partners

Saxion University of Applied Sciences, department of urban design

Design week

At the design week (week 47)  you will study the different locations of the Stadshavens 2035 development.  We will visit the location and you will get insight into the current developments. You will analyze these at our design studio in Rotterdam and finally develop a concept for Merve harbor and present it. 

Results

Final presentation of your analyses and your urban design: 3 A1  / A0 posters  to be submitted both on paper an in digital form. This posters give insight in your analyses,  your concept  and the new design for Merve habour.

A personal portfolio assessment:           
A successful final presentation allows you to get a portfolio assessment of 3 professional  competences (Analysis, Concept, and Urban Strategy). The results of this assessment will be certificated.
Merwehaven 2015