Rotterdam Architecture Month lands on raw quay of Schiemond

It is already an unpolished part of the city. And the abandoned quay behind the Schiehaven halls is already an inaccessible and neglected strip. Rotterdam Architectuur Maand will transform the raw spot into a lively festival heart throughout June. Built with reused materials, supported by local makers and infused with the energy of the neighbourhood.

Schiemond has post-war social housing to luxury new buildings on the Lloydkade. And in between those extremes lies Schiehaven-Noord - an area that should grow into a sustainable, inclusive city district, matching Rotterdam's climate ambitions. Before these ambitions can be realised, Rotterdam Architecture Month will test this area. It is precisely the unpolished atmosphere that makes this part of Schiemond a place where experiment, encounter and real stories can be given space.

In collaboration with local partners such as Placebased, Gore Tengels and ArchitectuurMAKEN, the quay behind the Schiehavenhallen will transform into a vibrant festival and test site from 1 to 30 June. A place where visitors, local residents and makers can discover together. But where, of course, you can also just enjoy the view with a snack and drink in your hand.

Working with what is there

Seating elements and planters are created from wood that was already on the quay. Gore Tengels provides the greenery. ArchitectuurMAKEN uses residual materials to create a stand and stage where visitors can sit, listen, watch or just do nothing. The New Institute donated a batch of Douglas fir wood to Rotterdam Architecture Month for this purpose. Together with Studio Method, ArchitectuurMAKEN is also designing an architectural starling pavilion. Everything built is temporary, circular and designed for a second life on or near the quay.

Photo project: This is my neighbourhood

On the initiative of AIR (Architectuur Instituut Rotterdam) in collaboration with the Groene Connectie, the daily life in Schiemond and the Lloydkwartier in pictures. The photo book This is my neighbourhood uses images to show the soul of the neighbourhood: children in the street, neighbours in the garden or views from the flat. This creates a warm and recognisable portrait of a neighbourhood in transition. The project emphasises the human dimension in urban development.

Grand Opening Party at Crown Quarter on June 1

RA Month kicks off on 1 June with a festive opening party in the Kroonkwartier. The Schiehavenhallen and the Kroon will open their doors to the public with a programme full of surprise concerts, performances, a design market with local makers, open studios, creative workshops and guided tours. The Veerhuis is also participating. Operator Radio will make a special radio show live from the Schiehavenhallen and then provide the musical vibes with a DJ set. There is also plenty to do for children.