Stories that make you pause Edition #1
March/April 2016
ReGeneration
Klaus Art House
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ReGeneration
WE ARE
ABOUT
IMAGE
INFORMATION
Our name comes from the Japanese word for
Aditya Kumar
Contact us
comma, because at ToTen we aim to produce
Hatem Mahbouli
Questions, comments, general information:
journalism which will make you pause.
Jelle Boontje
info@to10.nl
The print issue of ToTen comes out every
Joan Nispen tot Sevenaer
Become a contributor: info@to10.nl
two months and is distributed around Leiden,
Kasper van Steveninck (cover)
Sales: sales@to10.nl
The Hague and Rotterdam, while our website
Maite Virouland
(www.to10.nl) and social media are updated daily.
Maxime Zech
Website
Thomas Cytrynowicz
www.to10.nl
DESIGN
WORD
Roularta Media Group info@roularta.be
Ailie Conor Anneloes van Iwaarden
Melina Durinck
Annemarie Jansen
Claudia Galgau (assistant)
Disclaimer
Arto Salojarvi
Remy Rond (logo design)
Š2016 ToTen Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accu-
Catalina Iorga Christian Schwieter Cissie Fu
TEAM
racy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved.
Eline Chivot Justyna Wlodarczyk
Ailie Conor
Kristian Kristensen
Ana Marija Prpic
Laura Dragulin
Annemarie Jansen
Leonie Holly
Arto Salojarvi
Luiz Sanchez
Irina Sokolova
Maxime Zech
Jantien Slettenhaar
Molly Quell
Leonie Holly
Nicole Small
Rosy Brega Special thanks to Simone Branson-Harper for intiating inclusive citizen journalism in The Hague
ToTen
2
The new era of FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY Friends of the Family, the rising folk collective from the Hague is already known for their bombastic performances where pulling fans on stage isn’t out of the ordinary. Now, for their second album, they are reaching far beyond the barriers of folk, preaching the various artists that have inspired their musical lives. Their swift change in style also shows in the album artwork, from foggy forests and mysterious lakes to the buzzing city lights. We met in an old warehouse in Rotterdam West called the Keilewerf, where they are building their own studio.
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Tell me, how has the process of writing and recording your second album been going? Has it been different from the first in approach? We went from recording in 6 hours to 6 months. There couldn’t be a bigger difference in approach. For the first album we simply recorded already existing songs that we played on stage for multiple years. For the second album we built the songs brick by brick in the studio over a longer period of time. That way, we allowed the music to arise and develop as we went. During this process we really
' Because of the time we had to experiment in the studio, we discovered sounds far beyond our usual genre.'
got to know and understand our instruments and how they relate to one another in the band and tried to capture that on tape.
What can people expect of the style of the new album? The first album was mostly one sound and feeling. This time, every song has its own story and atmosphere. Because of the time we had to experiment in the studio, we discovered sounds far beyond our usual genre.
Have you guys already decided on a title? We considered multiple titles but ended up with what made this album its own; ‘Time’. Because of the long time in the studio, but also the years of experience with music, and each other. The point we have reached now makes us able to reflect on the past and understand why things happened or did not happen. Also the songs revolve around time. Although we made most songs from scratch in the studio, other songs have existed in some form for a longer time. For example ‘Child Hands’, which was the first song that Gijs (lead vocal) has ever written.
So, are there any exciting events coming up? Certainly! Although we cannot announce everything yet, we will be playing at various festivals in and outside the Netherlands. What we can announce is the second edition of our own festival ‘Once Upon A Time In The West’ which will take place from 26th to 28th of August in Rotterdam West! Words by Annemarie Jansen Images by Kasper van Steveninck
ToTen
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Impact city
Breaking Up Silos for a Better Tomorrow
Have you ever taken a stroll through your local supermarket and wondered about what happens to all those products that are not bought before the sell-by date? Anna Menenti of The Hague's Impact Economy Programme sums up the project as follows: “The purpose is to inspire, inform and connect. With this we aim to connect different people with different backgrounds by breaking down silos and ultimately to facilitate the next step in the development process.”
After all, we’re all aware that most products are still
The platform itself covers a wide array of topics,
edible even days beyond that date. Well, the sombre
ranging from Art & Design to
answer is that most products are discarded, no matter
Circular Economy and even Cyber Security, where
if they are still perfectly suitable for consumption. In
experts, innovators and novices alike can inform
fact, around 14% of all food in the Netherlands ends
themselves and get connected. The Hague proves to
up in the trash. The Dutch government estimates that
be a great location for such an endeavour: start-ups,
every individual consumer wastes around 50kg of food
NGO’s, art schools, and embassies are all found within
every year, which is equivalent to about €150. There
cycling distance, including Europe’s largest cyber
must be a way to avoid all this waste! A small team of
security cluster, The Hague Security Delta campus.
young entrepreneurs might just have the solution:
Impact City is supported by a variety of partners, such
Edibles (ediblenow.nl) is an app-based market place
as, among others, the municipality of The Hague,
that gives sellers the opportunity to market products
the Humanity House and Leiden University, which
that are about to pass the sell-by date, providing a
offers both Bachelors and Masters courses in Social
direct link to consumers. It’s a win-win-win situation,
Entrepreneurship at its campus in The Hague. All
where sellers mitigate their losses, consumers benefit
these partners work together to provide strong basis of
from lower prices and society at large becomes more
networks within the region and beyond.
Sustainability, the
sustainable and eco-friendly. Ideas such as these are all around us, but the problem
Did all this talk on innovation get your creative juices
remains that individuals often lack the capacities to
flowing? Have a solution to a pressing problem that you
make their ideas come to life. Wouldn’t it be great if, as
want to talk about? Check out more stories and ideas
a society, we could tap into this hidden potential? This
like Edibles at impactcity.nl and get in touch. A feature
is where Impact City comes into play.
on the Impact City platform may be the first step to making your ground-breaking idea a reality.
Impact
City
is
a
platform
for
entrepreneurs,
journalists, researchers, creative thinkers, students and businessman alike that aim to make the world a better place. What seems like a grand statement is,
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innovative organizations in The Hague
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at its core, driven by a simple concept: the Impact Economy. It is about connecting creative individuals with governments, companies and research centres to translate their ideas into viable solutions and thus make a real impact on local, national and even an international scale. This concept of connecting different stakeholders and industries is key in coming up with sustainable solutions for a better tomorrow.
Words by Christian Schwieter
The of the city
Like every form of regeneration, the art of Alejandro Echeverría helps old transition towards new. The skin of the city changes, year by year, but in his pictures the change shape-shifts for the greater good. “La piel de ciudad” exhibition speaks of Oaxaca, a city
speaks about its inhabitants, words captured in thick
of fighters, in colours, textures and shapes of all sorts.
adobe walls. These walls reflect us, even when we are
At first glimpse, you would be tempted to think that his
incomprehensible. There are some moments, certain
pictures are paintings. But Alejandro Echeverría is just
colors, fades, inciting us to ask, what the hell happened
the witness of the artists and rioters that co-jointly tell
here? (...) The eye of the photographer invites us to the
the story of a city.
daily practice of discovery.”
The centre of many revolutionary movements, Oaxaca
Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, in 1958, Alejandro Echeverría,
is endeared to its older ways, keeping transformation as
is an economist by education, and an abstract,
inaccessible as possible. As a Mexican writer says: “In
somewhat minimalistic photograph by choice. He
Oaxaca, a protester will paint a wall, the government
previously had national exhibitions in MACAY in
will be behind him to cover it up and Alejandro will be
Yucatan, Casa Lamm in Mexico City, Museum of
right behind with his camera”.
Contemporary Art in Oaxaca; and international exhibitions in the US, Paris and Italy.
When asked about the muse of this exhibition, Alejandro Echeverría vividly portrays the political
Hosted by Café Cultura, in Rotterdam, this exhibition
and social situation of this city, touristically-open,
will enthral you from the beginning. Whether you
yet closed to change: “People of Oaxaca are scared
are there for a Mexican bite with a glass of Mezcal,
of regeneration, they want the city untouched, as
or feel the need to surround yourself with a different
they remember it. So regeneration is embodied on
atmosphere, the whole setting will charm you. The
the walls. The fights are, many times, provoked by
exhibitions runs till 19 April.
ideas of change coming from the government. There is also a mistrust in the government, due to Mexican corruption. Therefore, the walls become the words of the people, and the government censoring becomes the inspiration of my work”. The best way to describe the “Skin of the City” is through the words of the writer, Fernando Lobo: “…
Words by Laura Dragulin
cracks, oxidation, and moisture, the eroded city also
Images by Alejandro Echeverría
ToTen
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THE MAN IN THE Jan Toorop at the PAINTED MASK Gemeentemuseum The Hague
Think of any renowned artist, and he or she has reinvented him or herself many times over. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), for example, started out quite blue but quickly added some colour as well as surreal and expressionist elements to his palette. And what about Piet Mondriaan (18721944), known for his red, yellow, and blue blocks in grids? He started out experimenting with (impressionist) landscapes and windmills. But Jan Toorop (1858-1928) has taken reinvention to a whole different level, as the new exhibition Jan Toorop at the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague clearly shows. From the 26th of February to the 29th of May, over 150 works of art are showcased in endless boldly coloured rooms. Jan Toorop, Self-Portrait, 1915 Black chalk on paper, 23.3 x 20 cm, Collection Gemeentemuseum Den Haag
It’s probably sacrilege on all kinds of levels, but Jan
have been sketched and painted by Toorop in a million
material or, for example, the heavenly and the earthly’.
Toorop might well have been the David Bowie (1947-
different ways. Whether painted lying down under one
And this focus on opposing forces shines bright
2016) of his time, though perhaps without Bowie's
of his iconic weeping willows, intricately sketched in
throughout the whole of Toorop’s oeuvre.
iconic fashion sense.. Toorop’s ability to journey freely
art nouveau flowing lines or emanating almost saintly
from one style to another is not unlike the music genre-
devoutness in his later paintings, the woman is central
There’s something for everybody in this exhibition; Jan
defying and genre-hopping Bowie. Arguably the least
to much of Toorop’s art. But although women feature in
Toorop has many reincarnations and has effectively
well-known of the Dutch famous artists (but no less
most of his paintings, it is the human being in general
put on different masks throughout his painting life.
important), Toorop was a man of the world; born in
that fascinates Toorop. Sometimes he places people
Meet a man consistently transforming, developing,
Indonesia and well-travelled (in Europe especially).
in their ‘natural habits’ going about their daily lives,
reorganising thoughts and images as part of an open
He was generally well-respected amongst his peers for
on other occasions they are exported to mystical and
dialogue with the ever-changing world around him. As
his innovative approach to art. Just to mention a few
dreamlike worlds far beyond the earthly.
such, it is a very modern exhibition; a stimulating show
of the styles he mastered and personalised: Realism,
full of variety. If ever there was an artist you’d like to
Art Nouveau, Symbolism, Neo-Impressionism and
This vast array of styles leaves the viewer in a somewhat
see ‘strutting his artistic stuff’ throughout the ages, it
Pointillism.
confused state of bewilderment, but the overall
is Jan Toorop.
theme does give some comfort to the potentially The first rooms start out easy enough with softly toned
overwhelmed. As the introductory text of the exhibition
paintings depicting hard rural life as well as the browns
catalogue by guest-curator Gerard van Wezel explains
and greys of urban poverty. Another room exudes
(freely translated by yours truly): ‘Toorop was led by
dreamy romance with paintings of Toorop’s wife, Annie
the thought that life is a painful struggle (…) between
Words by Anneloes van Iwaarden
Hall, wearing various white floaty dresses. Women
good and evil, passion and calmness, spiritual vs. the
Images by Gemeentemuseum
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Jan Toorop (26/02 – 29/05), Gemeentemuseum The Hague
The first time I heard a Dutch person describe an activity as “giving them energy,” it was a life and career coach who incorporated crystals and aromatics as part of her sessions. To my native American-English speaking ears, the phrase (and her practice) sounded like a lot of nonsense and woo. Then I heard a cynical colleague who once declared that science was his religion describe a project as “costing too much energy.” Since then, it’s a phrase I have heard the Dutch from all walks of life use. In Dutch, one might say “Dit project geeft me energie” but native English speakers never say “This project gives me energy.” While not technically incorrect, it connotes something ethereal that wouldn’t be used to describe a professional situation. My initial assumptions about the speaker who used the phrase may have turned out to be correct, but very often the assumptions we make about people aren’t. We’ve all had the notion of “not judging a book by its cover” drilled into us since primary school. But what about not judging a language by its cover? Thoughtfulness, Meditation, Fire, 1923 Pencil and black and coloured chalk, heightened with white, on thin card pasted onto cardboard, 36.8 x 41.5 cm, Kunsthandel Studio 2000
Nuances, connotations, implications makeup a huge part of communication. When Brits describe something as “very interesting” they often mean essentially the opposite. Americans will also use the word interesting to mean something weird or strange, if we’re trying to be polite. Non-native speakers, understandably, find this confusing. Imagine being in a business meeting with someone from Britain, America and the Netherlands. They all describe the proposal before them as “very interesting,” so one isn’t interested, one finds it weird and one wants to move forward. When my Dutch colleagues say to me in English that a project gives them energy, I still wonder if they are going to break out the fairy dust next. I wonder how this taints my interactions with them. Do I judge their other proposals harshly because it's difficult for me to see beyond this terminology? What other phrases or words have I misinterpreted? And what do they hear me say that they find silly or strange? Unfortunately, I have yet to find a decent English language substitute for “Dit project geeft me energie.” Perhaps it is one of those untranslatable phrases. Or perhaps thinking about it is taking up too much of my energy.
Desire and Satisfaction, 1893 Pencil, black chalk, yellow and blue pastels, heightened with white, on beige paper on card, 76 x 90 cm, Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Words by Molly Quell
ToTen
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HIDDEN GEMS IN DELFT
The city of Delft, nestled between Rotterdam and The Hague, is more famous for its hand painted blue tiles than its food scene. But once you dig a little deeper (and get off the touristy Markt) you can find some very delicious food.
Not too far off the Markt though as Malee, located just
Thuis by Ladera is a so called “living room” restaurant
If you’re searching for a restaurant with more options,
one block away from the Nieuwe Kerk, serves Thai
which operates on the first floor (and the garden)
De Beierd is also located in the city center. Skip their
food. It’s owner, Tante Malee (as she calls herself )
of the owner's home. If you’ve ever wanted a Dutch
regular menu and order something from the daily
moved from Thailand to the Netherlands in 1979 and
grandmother to invite you over for dinner, here’s
specials. They range in price from under ten euros to
has been operating the restaurant since 2005. It’s a
your opportunity. Located near the picturesque
around twenty. The menu is mostly Dutch (stamppot
three course, prix fixe menu, though they do have a
Oostportburg, they have a small and very inexpensive
and chicken sate make frequent appearances) but can
vegetarian option. The food is delicious and Tante
menu. Get the stamppot if it's available.
range from pasta to curry, depending on what the chef
Malee may even greet you with a hug.
feels like serving.
In the opposite direction of the city center is Huszar
Finally, the Theater de Veste, which is more famous
which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can
for its ballet and comedians than its food. But,
get a surprisingly delicious omelette in a country not
semi-regularly, they turn the space over to a pop-up
known for its breakfast. The evening meal options
restaurant. Currently two chefs from Italy are serving
are also good and pair them with a beer, as their beer
up delicious pasta but previous editions have seen
menu highlights a number of local breweries.
Indonesian and Mediterranean and even a collective
Words by Molly Quell
of female chefs from around the globe.
Images by Maxime Zech
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Lest we forget...
It’s an essential part of the human condition; the constant drive to rejuvenate, regenerate and re-invent. But what if the subject seems to never end (or show any signs of improvement)? It’s not the brightest of pictures to show, nor the easiest of stories to tell, but Humanity House has managed to stay innovative, fresh and above all, relentless in its efforts to encourage understanding and raise awareness about humanitarian issues. How? By continuously showing, talking about and letting us experience ‘the human’ behind the headlines.
‘We always try to tell the stories of the people themselves, and we look at new as well as ongoing conflicts.’
And let’s face it, it’s exactly these headlines that become old, even faster than a new pair of sunglasses goes out of fashion. Contrary to the sunglasses, however, the headlines Humanity House show-off, have nothing to do with keeping on trend. As Head of Programming and Exhibitions Frederiek Biemans points out: ‘some issues just don’t go away even though you no longer see them on the news, but they’re still important and still deserve our attention.’ Worldwide conflict and disaster may be common, but being able to address them in a meaningful manner is definitely not. ‘We always try to tell the stories of the people themselves, and we look at new as well as ongoing conflicts,’ Biemans says. ‘Right now you can see Dirk-Jan Visser’s photography exhibit ‘Collateral’ about the people still living in Ukraine. But don’t forget that Syria has been in conflict for the past 5 years. So on the 22nd of March we’re screening Mani Yassir Benchela’s documentary ‘This is Exile, Diaries of Child Refugees’. This multi-faceted and very human approach to addressing complex and abstract issues is probably why Humanity House is consistently able to attract both young and old. In the end, Humanity House always puts the human back at the very heart of everything and everyone. Words by Anneloes van Iwaarden
Humanity House, Prinsegracht 8, The Hague, www.humanityhouse.org/en
Image by Dirk-Jan Visser, Courtesy of Humanity House
ToTen
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Regeneration;
the ability to reinvent, reshape and even live a second life. We should all be so lucky. A country with limited space, buildings in the Netherlands are constantly required to update. However rebuilding is not always the answer. Existing structures are increasingly being repurposed, their appearance remaining the same while their purpose is given an overhaul.
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For our flagship issue ToTen has looked at some buildings in Zuid-Holland which best embody the spirit of regeneration. Each of these spaces impress us with their distinct character, their aesthetic and the way they create a sense of community spirit. From marketplaces, to nightclubs, to living spaces regenerated buildings are increasingly a way to make the best use of space, while preserving local history.
Elektriciteitsfabriek It’s hard to imagine now that when the Electriciteitsfabriek was first built it was in an undiscovered area of The Hague, far outside the city centre and isolated by the canals. Nowadays it is surrounded by some of the most upcoming and vibrant areas of the city where art and culture is booming, and the old factory building even plays a huge part in expanding and facilitating the art boom within the area. When it was built and designed in the early 1900’s it was probably not the intention of architect A.A. Schadee that it would ever, ever be used in such a way but since 2012 it has become one of the most original, stimulating, Berlin-like raw art stages to be established in The Hague. Due to its big and versatile space the building has played host to many exciting art exhibitions, installations, performances and music events and this year is no different with an electrifying line up in the next few months. The interesting acoustics of the huge empty building will be lending it’s industrial feel for some of the diverse acts for Rewire festival taking place in April as well as hosting the Kamerkoor Kwintessens (Chambre Choir) lead by Raoul Boesten at the end of May. De Electriciteitsfabriek is located on De Constant Rebecqueplein 20, The Hague. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming events so you don’t miss your chance to visit this must-see venue.
Words by Leony Holly Images by ElectriciteitsFabriek
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Aditya Kumar
FENIX FOOD FACTORY In Katendrecht boasting views over the river Maas you can find Fenix Food Factory.
Open Wednesday to Sunday you can visit craft brewers Kaapse Brouwers for some
Formerly the city’s red light district, the area has recently seen the regeneration and
local microbrewed beers. Booij Kaasmakers is also popular thanks to their artisanal
re-appropriation of many of its buildings and warehouses, ushering in artisans,
cheese, as is Cider Cider with their wide range of cider and poire. The emphasis is on
creative and businesses.
high quality, locally produced products, so consumers know what they are getting,
Fenix Food Factory is housed in one such warehouse; over 100 years old it was
and how it got there. With its distinct industrial feel Fenix Food Factory is a symbiosis
previously used for goods storage. Now it is a place to come for locally sourced food
of old and new, and an immensely popular regenerated space. (AC)
and produce, taking the traditional concept of a market square and giving it a Roffa twist.
ON THE ROOFTOP OP HET DAK is a quirky bistro, set amid a rooftop farm in Rotterdam. Open for breakfast and lunch on Wednesdays from 10:00 till 16:00, this is a vegetarian and organic place that sources many of its fresh ingredients and herbs grown on the same roof. The lunchroom easily accommodates 30 hungry foodies and serves everything from fennel kedgeree and smoked haddock, to a beet burger with chimichurri sauce, and even a surprisingly filling lentil, kale and shiitake soup among many other mouth-watering dishes. A big favourite is the banana bread with salty caramel. The chef, Valerie Kuster cooks the most yummy creations. Reaching beyond fresh, eclectic food, the lunchroom- farm is also a stage for modern art, culture, education and music, stimulating on-going collaborations with other creative minds like Valerie’s. Op het Dak is situated in the first harvestable roof in The Netherlands “the DakAkker”, and one of the biggest rooftop farms in Europe -the result of an initiative to regenerate the area around Hofplein, in the centre of Rotterdam that for many years was dominated by abandoned open spaces and vacant high rise buildings. The rooftop farm is regularly open for public activities: like harvest festivals, dinners and workshops for children and students. (LD) Schieblock Building, Schiekade 189, Rotterdam Sophia van den Hoek
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KEILEWERF Another warehouse storing more than just goods is Keilewerf, an innovation of Stichting Treehouse. Colourfully decorated with graffiti this building stands out on the corner of Vierhavenstraat and Keileweg. It is a creative hub currently home to around 35 entrepreneurs. Here you can find musicians, surfboard builders, marble artists, even a food truck company; pretty much every manner of craftsman under the sun. According to director Bas van den Berg it is considered the ‘kraamkamer’ in the area, “giving space to young and ambitious entrepreneurs”. Keilewerf was an unused, empty warehouse until the 1000m2 space was repurposed in 2014 and turned into this incubation chamber for Rotterdam’s creative businesses with three times the available space. Unlike other office or atelier spaces, the open and spacious layout facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing between tenants, something van den Berg believes makes Keilewerf standout. They give regular tours, for those who want to check out Keilewerf and see the masters at work. (AC)
Aditya Kumar
MAASSILO An imposing building found on the southside of Maashaven is the infamous Maassilo. It was one of the largest grain silos in Europe when it was conceived in 1906 and it remained functional until the 80s. Now over 100 years old this grain silo and elevator was part of the Rotterdam granary until 2003 when it was taken over, renovated and repurposed. Since it opened in 2004, Maassilo has become a staple part of Rotterdam’s nightlife. Retaining many of the original features for a gritty industrial feel the building is a nightclub and event location boasting a diverse line-up. It is known particularly for alternative music events, with a capacity of up to 5000 people. Maassilo’s continued popularity highlights the appeal of repurposed industrial structures. (AC)
Aditya Kumar
Images by Aditya Kumar, www.lazyshutter.com
ToTen
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MEELFABRIEK From spacious lofts to innovative office spaces; these are some the plans for the renovation of De Meelfabriek in Leiden, an industrial complex situated near the historical city center. The first phase began in 2015, with the construction of apartments for young professionals, and is expected to be completed by 2017. De Meelfabriek was opened in 1884, and its steam-powered flour mill operated for over 100 years before being shut down in 1988. It was purchased in 1998 by Ab van der Wiel, who now wants to create a new and bristling part of town. By stripping the structures’ façade and installing glass it has become more energy efficient and transparent. Each building in the complex had its own function when it was operational, and so too will each renovated building have its own architectural character. The project plans to create social cohesion by making space for specialty shops and creative businesses serving not only future residents of De Meelfabriek, but also the wider community. Construction is expected to continue in two phases, with the first phase being the construction of lofts, apartments and offices, and the second phase being shops and other amenities. Words by Luiz Sanchez Images by Klaus Art House
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THROWING OPEN THE DOORS OF CONTEMPORARY ART
We take a look at NEST, an art exhibition space in The Hague with a vision of making contemporary art something that can enrich the lives of anyone and everyone. For some people, art can be a confusing and perhaps
One of its more recent collections invited 3 artists
as schoolgroup visits to the exhibits. "One of our goals
even intimidating prospect. We can easily fret about
with very distinct experiences of faith to reflect on the
is to make art a normal part of children's lives, so they
what we ought to be thinking or feeling about an object
influence of religion, and its associated traditions, on
grow up feeling connected to art, not removed from it
of art, as if there existed a singular or 'correct' reaction,
their lives and work. Another prompted artists to share
or intimidated by it", explains Van der Lingen.
lest we look foolish. But just as our unique set of human
their view of how individuals adapt to modern life,
experiences leads us to have different outlooks on life,
often cultivating a different persona to that of their true
The NEST team is currently preparing for its next major
it follows that the way we react to another's perspective
'secret' self.
exhibit, showcasing new work by Swiss artist Simon Senn, a video artist who creates films about social
can also vary person to person. "We strive for an interesting diversity in the themes",
dynamics, frequently in areas of geopolitical tension.
Director of The Hague's NEST, an exhibition space for
says Van der Lingen. The diversity of creations is
The upcoming exhibit uses the refugee camps of Calais
contemporary art, Eelco van der Lingen, explains the
further expanded by the broad range of mediums used
as a backdrop to explore the human condition.
important role art can play in everyday life. "Art is one
by exhibiting artists. Ranging from painting, sculpture,
of humankind's great forms of personal expression.
drawing and photography to installation, video, digital
Just as the written word can allow us to appreciate
and performance art, NEST encourages creative avant-
that different viewpoints exist, so too can art. There
garde approaches to personal expression.
Nest, De Constant Rebecqueplein, The Hague
is no requirement to agree with the viewpoint being put forward, but it can expand our horizons to simply
"Art is unconstrained by norms of beauty and it's not
consider another perspective".
confined to the narrow parameters of 'decoration'. We want artists to feel free to express themselves and that
Van der Lingen is passionate about NEST's mission to
includes the materials they choose to use. It's what
help make art accessible to everyone. "Art shouldn't be
makes contemporary art so fascinating".
just for a segment of the community, it's for everyone. We want to help people feel comfortable to explore
To help break down the barriers to art for wider
how art makes them feel".
audiences, NEST offers a variety of activities to help the community interact with art. Visitors to the exhibitions
NEST distinguishes itself from other art galleries by
are met with the welcoming offer of a beverage, and are
devoting itself to temporary exhibitions.
Breathing
free to either wander and contemplate the artworks
new life into a large space formerly part of a local
at leisure, or to take part in a guided tour, or even
electrical plant, NEST reinvents itself up to ten times a
participate in regular discussion groups.
year with an ever-changing collection of contemporary
proudly fosters an interest in art for children, through
Words by Nicole Small
art, always centred around a different theme.
Verwend Nest, a programme of fun workshops, as well
Images by Jhoeko, Sarah & Charles Bricks / 2015
NEST also
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Leiden’s residents team up with municipality and action group to work on “city garden,” Singelpark. In Leiden, citizen’s initiative group StadsLab has devised a dream that combines the efforts of the municipality, local residents, volunteers, and organizations and will make the city even more attractive, sustainable, innovative, and connected than it already is. The Singelpark will become the longest city park of The Netherlands, forming a link between local communities as well as the well-known Hortus botanicus, Sterrenwacht, Museum Volkenkunde, Leiden University, and the windmills that are located along the historic, six-kilometer long canal. The idea is to link together the existing green areas to create an exciting and vibrant circular park. Because the star-shaped Leidse singels have been around since 1659, and served their time as the city’s first line of defense, the longest city moat in Europe, some parts of it are difficult to access and have fallen into disrepair. The park’s action group, The Friends of the Singelpark, also want to use the project to breathe life into these areas and give them a cohesive and durable structure. By restoring monuments and uncovering hidden treasures, the park will also become a lifeline connecting Leiden’s history to its bright future, and sustain Leiden’s pride in being the City of Discoveries. Many residents of Leiden will agree that the city is nothing if not a community. Even though it’s a large city that attracts a lot of tourists and students, there is still a persistent, village-y feeling of ‘home’ here. The Singelpark planning committee agrees, and has teamed up with local volunteers and organizations to really make the Singelpark a local initiative where residents can create a unique space for themselves. The park offers culture, sport, nature and history, and is a great place to catch up with friends or meet new people. A large motivator for the park’s organizers is the idea to make it a “green lung” for the city. Residents may sometimes feel a little bit claustrophobic due to the fact that Leiden has one of the most densely populated inner cities in the country. With the help of new bridges and paths, the park will offer an uninterrupted, band of therapeutic green that will hug the inner city’s blues away, which will return Leiden to the impression that those like William Aglionby (1669) had of Leiden back in the day: “Leyden was in a wood, or [a] Wood in Leyden.” The Friends of the Singelpark have also teamed up with the Hortus botanicus to curate a diverse collection of trees and plants from around the world. This will help to establish the vision of ‘Botanical City Park,’ an outcome of the teamwork from landscape architecture firms Studio Karst from Zürich and Lola Landscape Architects from Rotterdam, who have won the bid to work on the Singelpark. This year, the designs for the five Singelpark bridges will be finalized, and construction will begin in 2017. Along with participation from the Friends of the Singelpark and the estimated 13 million Euro the municipality has reserved for the project, Leiden’s Singelpark is sure to attract international, but most importantly, local visitors.
Words and image by Maxime Zeck
17
ReGeneration
ToTen
18
Spinning Sessions in the Zolderkamer
Walking through Bink 36 one Wednesday it was just a regular evening for any industrial estate. Almost everything was closing, and people were heading home. That was until I was struck by the electrifying atmosphere booming through some double doors as they swung open to Club PIP. Inside I met Moos Van Belkon, surrounded by his team of enthusiastic DJs preparing for their upcoming event, De Zolderkamer III, to be held the following weekend in the same venue.
This was the third time the team were building up the
The original idea was to give aspiring DJs the
Festival this summer in up to three venues. These
‘techno house’ since the Zolderkamer Sessies was
opportunity to play on high quality equipment (CDB
are works in progress but be sure to keep an eye on
established. The team of DJs, with some guidance from
2000 Pioneer), that they may not have the ability to
PIP, along with the Zolderkamer Sessies to see what
Van Belkon, build the whole party area up from zero,
invest in themselves, as well as to meet and exchange
exciting events are in store for the coming months that
and perform to their audience B2B (meaning when
with other DJs to help develop their skills. What’s
you definitely won’t want to miss.
one DJ is spinning a track the next one is sourcing their
also quite original about the concept, Van Belkon
next track to follow on). This naturally brings both
explained, is that when the DJ is playing on a regular
challenges and excitement to DJs who may have never
Zolderkamer Sessies night they have the speakers
performed before. It is set up in this format so as many
facing towards themselves, rather than the regular
DJs as possible have the opportunity to play, and as Van
style facing the audience, so that they can experience
Belkon suggests; ‘it can either inspire or challenge you
their full set as an audience member would. This
depending on what your neighbour will play beside
whole experimental experience makes for more of an
you’, thus helping the DJs develop and learn no matter
exhilarating and alternative performance both for DJ
what beat is thrown at them.
and audience alike.
The idea of the Zolderkamer Sessies was created by
Although
one of the founders of PIP, David Schoch, along with
Wednesday are free for anyone who wants to walk in
Van Belkon, who has nearly 30 years DJing experience
and enjoy the buzz, Van Belkon is working on opening
playing at festivals like Sziget in Budapest every year as
up the night in a cafe open-mic style for DJs so that
well as featuring on Radio Tonka in The Hague, where
more people feel welcome to sit back with a beer and
they are hoping to soon set up a Zolderkamer hour to
enjoy while DJs experiment. He is also working, with
Words by Leonie Holly
give some air time to the DJs too.
others, towards organising a Zolderkamer Sessies
Images by Jelle Boontje
19
ReGeneration
the
Zolderkamer
Sessies
held
every
REGENERATION TOWEAR Speaking of regeneration, generations of women know that in the world of fashion, history tends to repeat itself. You have probably noticed how certain outfits and fabrics come back in style quite regularly – every three to five years, but also every other decade and some even across centuries!
Let’s go back in time… In the 1950’s and the 1960’s, green and black tartan patterns, oh so British, shaped many looks. It was so popular that they were featured in two consecutive Vogue’s September issues: in 1956, with Gretchen Harris on the cover, and again in September 1957. And something about the pattern and woolen fabric still conveys that retro chic ‘je ne sais quoi’. Lately, we’ve been seeing it again in high street stores and collections. So let’s see how to style and wear tartan…
Nail the retro chic look
Be urban retro
First off: nail the retro chic look the
For a more casual look, wear it the urban
smart way… perfect to wear at work.
way! Keep the black tights, but slip into
The selection includes a blue and black
a pair of comfortable black platform
tartan dress, a pair of black suede heels,
loafers.
and a black suede clutch.
Finally, match it with a shopper made out of a vintage jacket, a ‘new’ modern item designed with ‘old’ recycling in mind. And what better than a purse or a shopper designed with original leather fabric?
Words by Eline Chivot Styling and bag design by Creative by JW, www.creativebyjw.nl Images by Maite Virouleaud, Lumière Blanche, www.lumiereblanch.eu
ToTen
20
on the
Reinkenstraat
W’IJS This Lunchroom with cozy and linear décor provides a friendly and good feeling backdrop to remarkable food. Based on high quality ingredients, coffees, juices and lunches on offer are second to none
In the Duinoord area of The Hague, a quaint shopping street has been emerging as one of the best new food places to shop or eat. The specialised shops, cookware and restaurants found here are turning this street into a culinaire route. Come here for amazing quality foods, discover the best delis and food shops offering everything from organic, fresh seasonal produce to gourmet foods. Try some of the lunchrooms or restaurants for inspired fare, the Reikenstraat is a must-visit destination for any discerning foodie.
and the love and care with which the fresh food is selected and
SUCRÉ SALÉ
'T OUDE AMBACHT
It’s virtually impossible to pass by this store and not stop at the
This is for sure one of the best butchers in The Hague. The owners are
wonderful smell of freshly baked French food. A bakery, patisserie
passionate about the history of the shop, which was set up in the 40’s,
and traiteur, Sucré Salé is a real immersion into the best of French
they have maintained the original features and feel of the place, yet
cuisine. The counter (Sucre) displays delectable sweets, unbeatable
with modern and high standards of machinery. This place was known
chocolate and fruit tarts and many other characteristic patisseries;
for its amazing craftsmanship, from the former butchers who also
among the viennoiseries are the perfect croissants; in the bread-
taught the craft, hence the name. At present they have increased the
pains section the French baguettes, are truly the real deal.
reputation even further, in terms of quality of the self-made products,
The Salé counter is a feast of ready-made specialties and they vary
winning prizes throughout the years. Their sourced meat is free-
their weekly menu, from terrines to pâtés, rillettes, and so much more.
range and they prepare themselves a whole variety of hams, bacons,
At the rear of the shop you can watch the chefs, Jean Marc Rousseau
sausages, roasts and too much more to mention. However, they’re not
and Denis Botrot prepare the daily delicacies for you to take home.
just a regular butcher; they also make and sell delicious salads, soups
Delicious food, plus wines, cheeses and other goodies. Perfect! Vive la
and readymade meals to take away. The deli section has a range of
France! — Reinkenstraat 18
spreads and bits for all tastes, and they are always finding specialties
prepared is reflected in their presentation. Try the Flammkuchen, a pizza–like specialty from the Alsace region, characterized by its incredibly thin, crisp, and blistered crust. This is probably the best you will taste in The Hague- W’ijs makes flammkuchen with organic flour and with a range of toppings –sweet, savory or vegetarian. Finally, why the name W’IJS? Because they have an incredible selection of artisanal gelato ice cream, up to twenty-four different flavours, in which they are passionate about the ingredients. This is a recommended stop for ice-cream lovers of all ages. With extended opening times throughout the summer, you’re sure to never have to ignore that ice cream craving. — Reinkenstraat 61
to add from Holland and abroad. If it’s taking you too long to decide what to buy here, order one of their yummy sandwiches and fresh juices while you take in the selection. — Reinkenstraat 10
21
ReGeneration
(Advertorial)
GOEDETEN
LA MESA COOKING & DINING
Combining organic, healthy and tasty food is the mission of GoedEten,
Amongst all these food delights is this cooking store on the
and it delivers! GoedEten buys its products from organic wholesalers
Reinkenstraat, where you can find a large stock of cooking utensils,
and chooses to directly approach small suppliers of organic products
glasses, plates, tableware, all selected with a great eye-for detail. Their
for the purchase of local products. The result of these products and
selection is based on good price to quality ratio. They sell sustainable
superb cooking is an explosion of your sensory taste buds. Their menu
and high-quality cooking utensils but also fun must-have kitchen
is a daily affair, based on the freshest of seasonal ingredients, which
gadgets and table accesorries. In brief, this is a wonderful shop for food
you can take home or stay and eat. With the range of their products,
lovers, whether to prepare food at home, present it in cool tableware
they can take into account different diets including gluten free and
or to buy gift baskets that are both equally useful and impressive. La
lactose intolerances. They offer everything from vegetarian, meat or
Mesa also has a very good choice of tasty olive oils and vinegars, spices,
vegan dishes but their speciality in all corners is healthy comfort food.
teas, and their speciality sauces and chutneys are a must try. On top
GoedEten also offers home catering for whatever the occasion. This
of all this they regularly organise fun cooking workshops in the store,
organic deli offers specialities such as bread Van Menno, cheese from
for professional chefs and experts, a fun way to meet new people and
De Kaasfabriek as well as organic wines and anything from milk to
improve rusty skills. Keep an eye on their website for more details.
spices and all the essentials you need in your everyday kitchen. Make
Foodies, what’s not to love here? — Reinkenstraat 30
sure to come to this organic hotspot in The Hague, where they’re bound to get your taste buds tingling. —Reinkenstraat 66K
FOOTS
CARMAN & CO.
Time for a funky break. The Music Café Foots crew knows how to
We could not overlook this interiors, gifts and lifestyle store. Full of
show you a good time. Renowned in The Hague for high quality pub
personal touches, Carman & Co reflects Heidi, the shop’s owner’s
food, they have a down-to-earth solid food concept (famous for their
bright personality. The shop space in a somewhat English Liberty
chicken sate), burgers and spare ribs, using organic meats for their
style yet the products sold here are a collection of mainly modern
dishes and served with delicious salads. Their kitchen is open to
Dutch designs and some special Danish and English ones. (Foodies,
10pm. Foots has a traditional pub feel, dark wood and cozy corners,
check out the beautiful kitchen textiles and dishes By Anorak on
but also a surprising airy and bright garden that opens its doors as
sale here). The eclectic collection includes homeware, accessories,
soon as winter is over, plus a small terrace in the front. This hip den
beautiful cards, a babycare section and a quirky selection of books
offers a selection of beers and wines, that are affordable, good music
for little people and grown-ups. There are few places where children
and a fun vibes. Every Wednesday they organise music gigs with a
and shopping mix well, but this is an outstanding example of a child-
variety of musicians, so check out their programme on their Facebook
and-parent-friendly environment. Playthings are sprinkled around
@FootsEetcafe. Fun for all ages. — Reinkenstraat 8
the shop, making the experience a magical one for children. But the most incredible part is a little doorway to a Narnia styled room in the back with cupboards full of puzzles, beautiful books and smart toys. — Reinkenstraat 77
ToTen
22
Rotterdam is raising the bar
A drink and a show is a classic night out, and this is what The Performance Bar will be bringing to Rotterdam. However at this show you won’t just find a man in a tuxedo tickling the ivories, and you (probably) won’t be drinking a Manhattan. The Performance Bar is, as the name suggests, a bar but
The original idea for the bar was conceived in 2014 at
with a few additional features. It not only functions as
Theatre Festival de Parade Utrecht. In 2015 a crowd
a stage, but is equipped with a musical organ and even
funded, more sustainable, version toured the country
a bath, and describes itself as ‘blurring the boundaries
with De Parade. This year, in collaboration with WORM
between café and theatre, bar and stage, artist and
Rotterdam the performance bar will have an extended
audience’. In the past it has played host to a myriad
residency at one physical location.
of artists, from dancers to sculptors and even a very talented rat.
Opening its doors at Boomgaardstraat 69 on April 1, after a teaser at Museumnacht 010, The Performance
It is an initiative of Rotterdam based art duo Daniel
Bar promises an evening of adventure, ‘presenting
van den Broeke and Florian Borstlap. Van den Broeke,
everything from the low-brow to the profound’, all
A.K.A. Daan Draait, is a multi-disciplinary artist who
before you can finish your beer.
works with everything from performance to film, and even does a little DJing on the side. Borstlap is
For an immersive night out full of art, performance and
described as an autonomous artist and performer who,
intrigue then jump down the rabbit hole and head to
when he isn’t creating and collaborating on projects,
The Performance Bar. You never know what you might
Words by Ailie Conor
moonlights as a ship’s captain.
find.
Images by The Performance Bar
23
ReGeneration
EDITORS CHOICE EVENTS Movies that Matter | 18.-26. March
to new jazz and sound art. For tickets
The annual film and debate festival
and information about the line-up, visit
returns for its 18th edition in The
www.rewirefestival.nl
Hague with some seventy films and documentaries focusing on human
TEDxDelft | 15 April
rights, peace and justice. For more
TEDxDelft is holding its main event
information and full programme, visit
this year on Leonardo da Vinci’s
www.moviesthatmatter.nl
Birthday. In light of this, the theme for 2016 is Celebrate the Universal Genius.
Robert Glasper at Bird Rotterdam | 29. March
There will be a full day of speakers and
American jazz pianist and Grammy
tickets are limited and already on sale,
award winner (2012) is on tour in
so head to tedxdelft.nl/tickets to book
Europe and will be performing at Bird-
yours.
entertainment. But be quick, as the
SUNDAY THOUGHT
Rotterdam. Check out this performance venue and their agenda, including rising
Kings Day | 27. April
artist Juna performing on 21. April.
Life I Live, a free music Festival in The
www.bird-rotterdam.nl
Hague starts the night before, on 26 April. On the following day, actual Kings
Rewire Festival | 1.-3. April
Day, The Crown Festival will be held at
The annual festival for adventurous
Willemsplein, next to the Erasmusbrug,
music will once again take place in The
Rotterdam.
Hague from April 1st to April 3rd, offering
www.kroonfestival.nl. More music and
a world class programme featuring more
markets are held in Delft & Leiden and
than 100 concerts at venues across the
cities across NL.
Tickets
available
at
city, from cotemporary electronic music
U P C O M I N G S I N G E R - S O N G W R I T E R W I T H E D S H E E R A N A S O N E O F H I S B I G G E S T FA N S
9 APRIL 2016 L I V E A T PA A R D V A N T R O J E W W W . PA A R D . N L
ToTen
24
URBAN FARMING isn’t hype, but a LASTING TREND Back in 2012 the Municipality of The Hague published its ambitious Food Strategy, whose goals included a greener environment through the proliferation of spaces such as rooftop and schoolyard gardens, and a boost to small-scale economies by helping convert empty plots and derelict office buildings into urban farms. UF002 De Schilde, a project of Swiss company Urban Farmers and Europe’s largest
more green soil around, they ensure that water is more easily absorbed during heavy
aquaponic rooftop farm, is set to open on May 20 in a former Philips factory. Add
rainfall.
that to The Hague’s 100 plus community gardens and you got yourself a city well on it way to becoming an urban agriculture model for metropolitan areas around the
A great example of a sustainable farm with a social mission is Mens en Tuin
world.
(mensentuin.nl), which, in addition to using organic compost to grow bees, fruit,
To better understand why urban farming is here to stay, we sat down with Tom
vegetables and flowers, provides care and therapy to people suffering from mental
Voorma, Project Manager for Urban Faming and Food Strategy in the Municipality of
disabilities.
The Hague’s Department for Nature and Environmental Education.
How is the Municipality supporting the growth of urban farming? What’s been the main driver of urban farming in The Hague?
Starting up an urban farm is a very time consuming activity, and most people
As we visited all community gardens in the city, we quickly realized that urban
doing this also have full-time jobs or need help navigating bureaucracy.
farming isn’t hype, but a lasting trend. It’s very much a bottom-up phenomenon
That’s why we launched stadslandbouwdenhaag.nl in November 2015, as a growing
coming from small neighborhood communities. Although The Hague has many
resource that combines the immense knowledge accumulated by those already
great parks, smaller public spaces such as local markets, where you could chat with
running community gardens with the Municipality’s expertise.
your neighbors, are no longer that common. During our visits we kept hearing the
In addition to an interactive map showing all urban farms in the Hague, visitors
same thing: that people wanted to recreate the intimate feel of these public spaces
can quickly find out what permits they need to obtain from the Municipality, how
through inviting, green surroundings.
they can finance their community gardens, which local retailers can distribute their product, and much more.
Why does urban farming matter to this city?
Within just a few years since the adoption of Municipality’s Food Strategy, we can
Urban farms foster community spirit and benefit everyone. For instance, elderly
proudly say that The Hague is leading nationally in terms of a centralised online
citizens now have an incentive to get out of their houses, children can watch food
resource for urban farming.
grow, and ICT professionals who need to unplug can get their hands dirty.
The Hague will soon be home to UF002 De Schilde, Europe’s largest commercial
As for the environment, gardens help prevent the formation of an urban heat island
aquaponic rooftop farm.
- a city that that warms up much more than surrounding rural areas – and, with
25
ReGeneration
Stories that Count A year after the New University Movement waxed and waned across Dutch research universities, students and staff have more or less settled back into regular rhythms of academic labour and knowledge production as the bureaucratisation of higher education continues. Folklorist Zora Neale Hurston, loved and loathed for her anthropological study of voodoo in Tell My Horse, may well have observed that institutions, like “[g]ods[,] always behave like the people who make them.” Are we thus helplessly cursed, or might we recast the spell? For inspiration, we can consider Jacques Rancière’s The Ignorant Schoolmaster, in which the philosopher retells the story of Joseph Jacotot, an exiled schoolteacher whose unusual method, premised on equality of intelligence, not only exposed explication as a pedagogical myth that divided the capable from the incapable, but also made strides with literacy during the French Restoration. (Jacotot’s naïveté, in the best sense, hardly fait école.) Or we can look to Stefano Harney and Fred Moten, whose recent advocacy for the undercommons—rather than a commons which, to them, is a self-defeating and ultimately exclusionary pursuit—refuse arbitrary recognition in favour of taking apart, instead of taking part, to reveal the dissemblages of neo-liberal state apparatuses. (Harney’s and Moten’s School For Study is struggling against the recapitulation
How will it impact the future of farming in the city?
of university structures.)
I feel De Schilde will help give locals a sense of pride in The Hague as a leader in urban agriculture. It brings food production back into a city where gardens were
Or we can take courage in the educational turn in artistic and curatorial
once ubiquitous.
practices which put ethical and political concerns on a par with
With a large part of its surface reserved for visitors, De Schilde also has huge
aesthetic and intellectual judgements. Art and anarchy have never
educational value. Farmers, for instance, can witness first hand what it’s like to grow
questioned institutional authority more directly than through projects
both fresh fish and vegetables in a closed-loop system.
such as University of Trash, The Public School, The Mountain School of Arts, The Silent University, Copenhagen Free University, School of
Dutch specialists have been travelling to far-flung places such as Abu Dhabi to
Panamerican Unrest, and Bruce High Quality Foundation University.
share their water management expertise. Maybe now urban planners from vertically
(Black Mountain College, for one, is currently enjoying another
developed cities in countries such China, will come to us and look to De Schilde as
retrospective which tries to crack the code of how this unaccredited
inspiration on transforming their rooftops into food oases.
art school of 1933 – 1957 thrived as a school where art was central.) To recount these stories is to account for their triumphs and failures; to count these moments which broke from systematic and institutional constraints in thought and practice is to make space to experience and experiment with the possible. Those who savour the sparse, spacious prose of Penelope Fitzgerald may recall this elusive hypothesis in her novel The Blue Flower: “If a story begins with finding, it must end with searching.” Since this story is about to end, what will you seek?
Words by Catalina Iorga Images by Urban farming
Words by Cissie Fu
ToTen
26
TOWARDS DUTCH REGENERATION OR
GENTRIFICATION? If you’re into scanning through articles on how much the human race has done to mess with Mother Earth, you’ve probably read somewhere that cities are responsible for 75% of global energy consumption and 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. The Randstad in particular is a hotspot of consumption, waste generation, pollution and energy use. However, the renovation of our energyvorous residential and commercial dwellings has begun to be viewed as a chance to seize economic, societal and environmental opportunities, and some city governments are taking steps in this direction. I wanted to look into this, because I don’t advocate that we should go back to living in the wild. I love urban stuff too much.
TOWARDS RENOVATION: THE ECONOMY AND CLIMATE CHANGE AS DRIVERS Buildings typically last for a long time, and we have large stocks of these in Europe and in the Netherlands. Investments toward renovation have generally remained low. But in the context of our never-ending economic crisis, they have started to shift from new constructions to the rehabilitation and maintenance of buildings. Meeting climate change mitigation goals also implies making substantial investments in retrofitting existing buildings – a less expensive way to cut down on emissions than construction. Retrofitting comes with lower maintenance costs and lower energy expenditure of the existing building stock.
CHANGING THE ROLE OF OUR BUILDINGS Look around. The world of work and leisure is evolving. Rapidly evolving information technology and the interconnectivity of global business are fundamentally changing locational constraints. More and more companies are offering flexible working arrangements. Teleworking is on the rise in the Netherlands, with the most common arrangement being to work one day per week from home – that day you usually spend having the munchies and emptying your fridge of food.
BUILDING REGENERATION AS A SOLUTION TO SHIFTS IN WORKING AND LIVING PATTERNS Adapting buildings to new uses then becomes necessary. And here, the sustainability of buildings is an opportunity in the sense that it can positively impact our urban quality of life. Things are already happening here in the Netherlands. OK, Rotterdam is known for its unstoppable wave of new constructions built from scratch with incredible designs and innovative techniques, with projects such as the Markthal, and the SkilledIn Office, the Rotterdam, the Timmerhuis and even Central Station, to name a few. There isn’t much to ruin in this city anyway. But with respect to building regeneration, it has also undertaken some initiatives that are worth mentioning.
27
ReGeneration
DUTCH REGENERATION Firstly, buildings can be renovated and converted through adaptive reuse; the process of reusing an old site or a building for a purpose other than that for which it was designed. Secondly, the concept of area regeneration has come to the fore. Over time, the meaning of urban renewal became less about the large scale demolition of existing buildings and new construction, and rather focused on rehabilitation. It can be undertaken successfully by relying mainly on renovation and conversion. Rotterdam’s Do-It-Yourself houses (‘klushuizen’) are a good example of area regeneration – a successful one. Launched in 2004 by the city of Rotterdam, the project aimed at gradually improving
WHERE THE WILD HUMANS ARE
Rotterdam’s underprivileged neighbourhoods through the conversion and renewal of obsolete buildings. The project was a success, gaining public recognition and international publicity
I wish it were easier to be sustainable. I feel like the
(winning the EUROCITIES 2011 Innovation award and featured in the New York Times). The ‘DIY’
worst of the middle-class when I say that, but it’s a real
houses concept became very popular among inhabitants, and contributed to an urban dynamic
problem behind why going green and up-cycling and
based on the participation, organisation and ownership of new residents, individual creativity,
supporting regeneration projects seems to be going
commitment, social inclusiveness and urban diversity. Buying and renovating houses at affordable
very slowly, if at all. Of course I know that growing my
prices was made possible.
own vegetables, installing solar panels, and perhaps even going plastic-free is do-able, but it requires
Cities have the power to regenerate people’s living environments and people’s minds. But like
change. It’s harrrrd, do I have to get dressed for this? I
any other initiative, this may come with secondary effects. What happened in Rotterdam? DIY
don’t wanna. Humans are creatures of habit, especially
houses attracted residents from outside the city, and a well-educated population migrated to a
bad habits.
multicultural environment. Great, but then, one term inevitably comes to mind: gentrification, code word for regeneration. A.k.a., the potential enemy of social diversity and inclusiveness.
The vast majority of the world is full of people trying to hide their bad habits. They do something good every now and then to make them feel like they can
REGENERATION AND GENTRIFICATION: ANY SOLUTIONS?
emerge from the shadows of self-hatred and shame
Projects such as the DIY houses encourage interaction between
modest guy who uses his fame as a platform for all the
higher-income and low-income households in the hope of
environmental and humanitarian causes he believes
strengthening social cohesion. But as wealthier residents move to
in, and seems to consciously operate outside the
low-income neighborhoods, rents and house values increase. As a
Hollywood male beauty standard with his scraggly
result, low-income homeowners and tenants may no longer be able
beach bum beard and his dude-ish belly, but then he’s
to afford to stay in their neighbourhood, and move further away from
also a serial modelizer. So it seems like doing good is a
the city’s vibrant areas.
necessity in the eternal balancing game humans play
and walk in the sun for a while. Take, for instance, Leonardo DiCaprio. Leo seems to be this hard working,
between being good and being destructive or selfish. Policy makers and project developers ought to keep in mind that regeneration of neighbourhoods should not be reflected
The push for sustainability these days seems to be
by a single isolated action transposing a problem from one
a counterweight on one end of the scale against the
area to another. Concretely, a comprehensive approach could
growing accumulation of horrible on the other end.
be supported by running regeneration projects within several
It’s a good thing to think about, and it’s about time
different neighbourhoods simultaneously, to avoid the exclusionary
that sustainability becomes a cold hard policy, but at
displacement of low-income citizens and small businesses from one
the same time it seems like we’re only doing the bare
district to another. Additionally, the involvement of active grassroots
minimum we can get away with. When you truly think
citizen organisations is crucial to ensure the community’s goals and
about why big cities won’t just get a group of at-risk
priorities are respected. These measures may sound cliché or easy
teens together to build houses out of old bottles, tires
to mention. But as logical as they seem, they are not always put in
and plastic that also float (which, if you source your
practice. Yet they could very well prevent regeneration from rhyming
trash locally and use bottles with ‘vintage-y’ tints,
with gentrification.
would make hipsters drool money), you’ll end up in the dark corner of corporate nature that, like the dark
It can’t hurt to remind ourselves that just like building space,
corner of YouTube, can make you scared to go outside
good ideas are not lacking. In the end, converting buildings is like
where the wild humans are.
converting minds: it takes time and effort. But don’t silent revolutions happen this way? Words by Eline Chivot
Words by Maxime Zech
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ONEVOICE The Hague's first refugee-student choir
“Right, let’s get singing!” announced conductor and director Anna-Liisa Springham, as all the excited singers get into position. The refugee crisis has sparked a number of new initiatives, but OneVoice is The Hague's first refugee-student choir and it is auditioning for new members. This small scale project has big dreams. By having students and refugees sing together, OneVoice hopes to offer an alternative vision for society, a society where everyone lives in harmony with one another. By making students and refugees sing together, OneVoice hopes to weaken and break some of the barriers between individuals and groups in society. In this way it is trying to provide a vision of what society could look like if we work together. As director Kristian Kristensen said, “When something as personal and unique as our individual voices are shared and unified into one voice, it creates a safe and trusting environment where important and fragile conversations
“We want all the different voices we can get, we want a totally unique sound.”
can be had.” There is one problem, the choir is in its infancy and there is a lack of diversity in the group. This is what the directors are most keen to change, “We want all the different voices we can get, we want a totally unique sound.” said director Anna-Liisa Springham. The project is designed so that it can be easily replicated. It is a starting platform aimed at encouraging similar projects to arise both in The Netherlands and abroad. As director Camille Steens explained, “In the choir we encourage teaching amongst the members, this we hope will give them the agency to try and create their own similar projects in the future.” The hope is that multidirectional teaching will reveal new dimensions within daily interactions, maximising the potential for individual thought and various means of communication. Despite the diversity of our communities, OneVoice is trying to find out how we can create a collective voice. It seems that this is more than just a choir, it is a community project in the making. Words by Kristian Kristensen
If you want to get in touch with the choir visit http://onevoicethehague.weebly.com/.
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ReGeneration
Images by Thomas Cytrynowicz, Strobe Pictures.
Virtuosi School of Music offers both individual and group lessons on all instruments, for all ages, across all styles including Rock Band, Jazz, Classical, Vocal, Historical Instruments, Music Theory, Songwriting & Composition in The Hague and surrounding region.
Contact us for a trial lesson now Tel: 070 383 4060 Email: admin@virtuosi.nl Web: www.virtuosi.nl Virtuosi School of Music Binckhorstlaan 135 (2e Etage, Lift 2), 2516BA Den Haag
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