4.03 STRATEGY
The strategy how to implement design of vision of the area works in three main layers, starting with historical one. Main idea how to recreate historical meaning of the area is to emphasize on the river Rotte and its former extension. In this way, it is possible to make area recognizable from the nearby location. As today Blaak Street is a barrier separating city centre from old harbor area, people driving this street would notice connection between project area and harbor like it was in the past. Because of existing situation of wide traffic street and level difference it is impossible to extend water of Rotte River through Square 1940 towards the harbor, therefore another solution to that is provided: pedestrian bridge. It would work as psychological and physical connection between two water bodies and two public places – Memorial Square 1940 and newly designed public place and the end of Rotte River (near Rabo bank building). What is more bridge would work as a connection between Maritime Museum and the History Museum of Rotterdam. Another water extension of Rotte River is designed between newly build Market Hall and market square near Blaak train station. Extended water would fulfill empty space between buildings suggesting waterfront on both sides set public facilities on the ground floor on newly build buildings. As it is also impossible to extend the water through the market square and Blaak street, proposed alternative to this is wet square. During market closed days the fountains in the former water area would remind citizens of how Rotterdam water system was developed. And during market days, the fountains would be turn off making sure there are no obstacles for the market to take place as usual. Second strategy design layer – integrating public places into existing urban pattern creating new links (pedestrian bridges across water) and improving old ones (designing ramps to improve walk-ability, etc.)
PUBLIC PLACES
NEW CONNECTIONS
EXTENDED RIVER ROTTE
CURRENT URBAN PATTERN
Third strategy design layer – improvement of existing public places (explanation in Design chapter.) Different layers of vision of the project area. Source: made by the author.
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