R&D project- Creating space for artists - Oude Noord, Rotterdam

CREATING SPACE FOR ARTISTS - OUDE NOORD

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Socio - spatial processes in the city - Q2 design studio Department of Urbanism - TU Delft

Tutor - Birgit Hausleitner

Sumanth Subbarao 4518713 January 2016

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PREFACE

Socio - spatial process in the city is the research and design studio where spatial design is obtained with respect to human scale while understanding the processes involved for socio spatial transformation in the city. The process included a group study of the North region of the city of Rotterdam. The study included analysing spatial quality, public life, social index, urban morphology, functions and building type,demography etc. A field trip was conducted to analysis number of footprints in certain location at different times to understand the quality of space and obtain a problem statement. After an induvidual analyis a design proposal is made along with materilisation and lighting design.

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Project Location - Rotterdam Noord

Cities have the capacity of providing something for everybody, only becaus and only when, they are created by everybody -Jane Jacobs 4

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

crreating temporary spaces

commercial function around Oude Noord SWOT ANALYSIS SPATIAL ANALYSIS

Exisiting spatial quality

Movement, space and functtion SPATIAL STRATEGY

Elements to improve spatial quality Flexibility FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY AND TARGET GROUPS

Detail plans, sections, references - spot A

Functionality of space for artists

Detail plans, sections, references - spot B

Functionality of Parklets

Detail plans, sections, reference - spot C MATERILISATION LIGHTING SOURCES APPENDIX

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CREATING SPACE FOR ARTISTS - OUDE NOORD PROJECT STATEMENT

The design solution aims at providing a boost the exisiting Artistic community who face lack of housing and demand due to gentrification and poor community participation in the area. The solution aims at providing a temporary network of spaces for artists and creative community combined with increased spatial quality to encourage local community involvement in social activities. The project aims to create a water front development along the river Rotte which was previously negleted. Thus a space for the artist and a new attraction for the neighbourhood.

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The oude noord and the new crooswijk area is undergoing the process of urban regeneration. In this light, new forms of gentrification are becoming a regular strategy in former urban renewal areas, mainly dominated by social housing. Gentrification is ‘the process by which buildings or residential areas are improved over time, which leads to increasing house prices and an influx of wealthier residents, who force out the poorer population’.

Though gentrification is basically driven by the private sector, urban regeneration and renewal processes are very dependent on governmental national and local policies. Currently due to economic crisis in 2008 the process of urban renewal has taken a complete halt with part of old social housing already demolished but lacks new structures due to lack of funding. However this transition in urban renewal has created a window for young entrepreneurs and low in- income groups to be provided with temporary housing. The community in large is the creative and artists community, who are in large numbers around the new crooswijk and oude noord region. Social housing with low rentals are the most suited place for the artist’s community.

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To understand the dynamics of the community I had conducted personal interviews with some artists who live in the new crooswijk region. The social housing in which they are living in is owned by a non – profit company who provide low rental housing for a short period. Due to lack of space most of the artist share their workspace or galleries in other location or city centre, where they feel they can attract more people for their business and their profession. As part of plan definition, I am considering the development of the area with the strategy for a city or region as a whole (2)‘Using the area as a springboard’ meant emphasizing the development of special target groups such as young people, members of ethnic groups, the long-term unemployed, single parent families and the homeless.

one of the exisiting river front deck in Oude Noord

‘Creating an enterprising area’ meant empowerment and making small-scale investment in new media, art and culture, secondary tourism and a support for starting entrepreneurs what if, the area was renewed such that the artists and the creative community had a space to live and a space to work all in one place so that they can sustain their entrepreneurship and help create shared economy, thus renew the community and help encourage other low income groups to start small businesses on their own.

As part of the planning area, I have considered working along the river front of the river Rotte, starting from the noordplein, along the street of zagmolenkade and parts of the linke rotte towards new crooswijk. The streets of zwaanshals, Woelwijkstraat and Zagmolenstraat are part of the Rotterdam noord shopping circuit with

several shops cafes and restaurants, but however these streets rather end prematurely towards the river front with very low spatial quality and poor public life. The facades of the building along the noordplein and zagmolenkade once faced the busy harbor which housed several warehouses along the river front bustling with activity during the weekend markets.

However such sort of an image is almost erased. Considering the situation of the current artist’s community, my main target groups for their requirement of space, I have embraced the idea of temporal where a flexible water front development program provides a spatial quality for artist, and a multi-use recreational space for the rest of the communities. A win- win situation for both.

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With an active land policy, the municipality takes the initiative to develop the land along the water front the initial cost are minimum but the cost benefits are higher. (4)Unlike a master plan, a vision process does not lock a project into a prescribed solution.

It is a citizen-led initiative that outlines a set of goals–ideals to strive for–that set the stage for people to think boldly, make breakthroughs, and achieve new possibilities for their waterfront. Because a vision is adaptable and can be implemented gradually, starting with small experiments, it often becomes bolder as public enthusiasm for making changes builds and the transformation gains credibility. Creating destination along the waterfront enables a genuine community-led process to take root. Once these destinations have been identified, then nearby residents, businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders begin to define the uses and activities they want to see at each place.

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By adopting the model of the business improvement district that have been so successful in many downtowns, A “Waterfront improvement district” could forge partnerships between waterfront businesses and organizations and those in the surrounding district, so that waterfront programming–such as temporary exhibits of local artists or music by local musicians–reflects the community and gives the place a unique character. This could act as a low level revenue generator for the municipality for the day to day management of the waterfront. Thus this type of development is not only a community led initiative but a life support for the creative community. (5)According to feasibility studies by Philips Koppel’s, a well-planned, well-managed public space has a positive impact on the price of nearby dwellings. This increase in price can be tapped by the municipality in generating more revenues

Functional Zones COMMERCIAL FUNCTION IN THE AREA

The majority of the project area consist of housing area’s. But there are a lot of street with retail in As part of group analysis, thetocommercial prothem, especially thethe Oude Noorden seems be an attractive for all kindtoofknow shops. gramneighbourhood of the area is mapped the busyness The diversity of the area’s increases when you get of each area. Noordplein has number of commericloser to the city centre with social and cultural cal North spacemainly around it zones. The contains big private zones in the form of industry or cemeteries.

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eye perspective. If you are walking through the different district of Rotterdam Nord you hardly recognize the diversity in programm. Everything looks monoton, except the three shopping streets.

The following map shows the function of commercial space.

shop

office

meeting point bar church etc.

school

housing

industry

sports

kindergarden high school

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SWOT ANALYSIS The following is a SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat) made after conducting interviews with the Artist community of the locality.

STRENGTH AND OPPORTUNITIES The Artist commmunity is quiet spread out in the area. Some of the artist share their studio space with fellow artists. some of them have stuido/ living as the rent is affordable.

The artist scene is slowly picking up in Rotterdam North and many artists are oving from Amsterdam to Rotterdam.

Presence of Young community and affordable rents encourages new artists to setyp their studio.

Locations of low rent and affordable living spaces. Any new community development would help young artists (startups) for setting up their industries.

Presence of art galleries along the shopping gids

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THREATS AND WEAKNESS Gentrification poses a major threat for the artists. they are forced to move out and an alternate accomodation is provided. This does not provide a permanent studio/living space for artists Some of the neighbourhoods are less safe

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Affordable rent means more and more artists in the locatlity. some artists combine and create through a common workspace. This could also help them to establish their profession. However somtimes with no initial capital and Support, it is also difficult to survive in the artist community. Also with a increasing number of artists succesful in a paticular field could also lead to competetion and survival of the fittest.

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SPATIAL analysis Noordplein - Zaagmolenkade

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ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SPATIAL QUALITY

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Noordplein with very low spatial quality

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Underutilised river front

Numorous amount of parking garages

The following map shows the visual spaccal quality of the area around Noordplein and Zaagmolenkade.

The spaces are underutilised with very low community interaction spaces. A need for regeneration of public space is required.

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Cafe seating

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ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SPATIAL QUALITY

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The urban street and the square lacks connection to water. the function of Noordplein is limited and only utilized for weekend markets Cafes have outdoor seating but lacks quality of public space. some of the seating areas feels like street encroachments,blocking free flow of pedestrians very minimal benches around the square Facades closed due to parking. They posses no relation to river very poor utilization of water front. very minimal benches. bollards and street poles act as parking for bicycles.

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ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SPATIAL QUALITY

Minimal benches and bollards to block passage of cars.

Trees along the river front used as bicycle parking. the water front do not posses any function. An under utilized terrace space is present The facades of the building are blocked by car garages.

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ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SPATIAL QUALITY

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Underground waste bins present which adds to poor spatial usage.

Although some terrace space is created along the water it lacks spatial quality. there is no relationship to water. it feels like encroachment of pavement space. commercial spaces are confined within indoor. no scope for extension or spill over spaces.

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MOVEMENT, SPACE AND FUNCTION

Frequent movement of people Possible connections

MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

Towards Oude Noord (Tram Route)

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Towards Crooswijk (Tram Route)

Flow of space Flow of traffic Possible connection that can be created

Towards Rotterdam Central

TRAFFIC FLOW

Towards Rotterdam Central (Tram Route)

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Commercial / shopping Cafe/ restaurant Gallery/ Studio Residential

EXISITNG FUNCTION

The river which provided harbor activities in the past somehow lacks connection to the area in the present years. A possible connection between the commercial businesses and the river front could be made to improve the spatial quality of the region.

The Zwaanshals and the Noordmolenkade has the highest concentration of business and commercial activity but somehow lacks the spatial quality of public space.

The Noordplein is active during the weekend markets. The rest of the week it remains as a transit for people passing from the city center to the Noord region.

Most of the traffic and public transport flow on the other bank of the river.

However there is good connection to the shopping street and the market area.

There is a good mix of function around the region. A good number of creative community have their galleries and studios around the location 25

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SPATIAL strategy Noordplein - Zaagmolenkade

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The problem statement defines the requirement of functional spaces for Artist and creative community by also improving the spatial quality of the neighbourhood.

I have tried to include temporary structure in my design to create more flexible multifunctional public space.

The 3 main Design elements are

CONNECTIVITY USAGE OF PARKLETS - TO CREATE TEMPORARY MULTIUTILITY SPACES USING SHIPPING CONTAINERS AS TEMPORARY STRUCTURES FOR ARTISTS. 28

Linker rottekade

Crooswijksestraat

R O T T E

Zwaanshals

Zaagmolenkade

casas

noordplein

A graphic representation of the prevailing activity and connections required.

Possible connection leading people from the commercial business streets to the river Exisiting road structure with pedestrian and road traffic majority movement of people Create a north south axial connection but also reguvinate the river front by improving spatial quality

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ELEMENTS TO IMPROVE SPATIAL QUALITY - Parklets

A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people using the street. Usually parklets are installed on parking lanes and use several parking spaces. Parklets typically extend out from the sidewalk at the level of the sidewalk to the width of the adjacent parking space

Parklets are intended for people. Parklets offer a place to stop, to sit, and to rest while taking in the activities of the street. In instances where a parklet is not intended to accommodate people, it may provide greenery, art, or some other visual amenity

Initial conceptual sketches for Noordplein area

The idea is to create promonades. one which flows along the water (by extending the exisiting promonade) the second promonade is along the road accessible to all users.

The containers act as the dynamic and static elements creating temporary spaces for artists.

The static containers are alighned perpendicular to the river front. the position of containers respond to the plaza.

A initil sketch showing the elements were the floating containers could dock next to the promonade. This is explained in page -

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FLEXIBILITY - shipping containers Transformation into 2 storied gallery space, or artist residence space Water and Heat can be extracted form the river. The outer face of the containers can be used as large graffiti walls.

Cafes, Restaurant spaces. The terrace of the container can be used as an extended deck as a seating arrangement for the cafe. Several cafes can be placed along the line of the water front. the cafes are also mobile and can be moved to various locations along the river front.

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Containers as Galery space. More than 2 containers can be added for an extended gallery space. The space is flexible with addition and subtraction of containers.

Artist studio spaces. Some of the containers could be used as studio spaces were each contiainer could become a private studio or a shared space between various artists. Hee again several containers could be combined to create a large studio space or a space were workshops could be held. the containers could have special opening to let light from above

FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY AND TARGET GROUPS.

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Spot A focuses more for the artist. The containers act as studios, galleries or exhibition spaces. In terms of spatial flexibility- more number of floating containers could be added to form an extended exhibition space

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Diagram 3 shows a module of parklet and its impact on the qualty of public space. Parklets are placed keeping in mind the program of the facade. The key target groups include the general public and visitors.

Spot B (diagram-4) shows a more unifunctional space with a public space provided for kids around the community. It also host a flexible floating play area, which could transform into a skating rink during winter season.

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Diagram 2 and 3 shows the spatial flexibiliy when the gallery is not functional. the space tranforms into a floating cafeteria attracting tourists or general public. As a summer program it could work as open air movie theatre 33

Spot C is tranformed into a high quality community space.

It provides space for communty activities like group yoga, a floating swimming pool, community gatherings etc. It also host space for cafeteria and parklets which could act as outdoor advertisment spaces working with the program of the building.

Local community

FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY AND TARGET GROUPS.

Plaza - A space to interact

Summer

Local community

Family Outings to enjoy the river front during summer A meeting point for the community

Winter

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Local community

Floating Pool Cafe seating

Visitors /community

Events/ promotions

Cafe seating

meeting point for local community space for group yoga classes

Street food shops (oliballen)

PARKLETS FUNCTIONS Community gardens

Kids play area

Visitors /community

Meeting spots/ cafe seating small promotional events

Street food shops (oliballen)

Floating ice skating rink

LEGEND Gallery visitors from local community or from other parts of the city Movie nights which can attract people from other parts of city

Artists

Visitors

Artist can curate their exhibitions, galleries

Activity spots for Local community Activity spots for Artists Activity spots for Visitors Movement of visitors Movement of Local community

During non exhibition season, the space could be 35 climate controlled and used as studios, workshops

space can be utilised as cafe attracting several communities

Movement of Floating Containers

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SPOT -A Plan to 1:500 scale The followoing plan shows the design interventions at Spot -A. As explained in the functional flexibility the spot hosts a number of activities. some of the key elements are: To create a continuity and an axis towards the river front, a flooring pattern is observed which leads pedestrians from the shopping street of Noordmolenkade to the river Rotte, thus creating a spatial connection.

A public promenade is created which could host various activities.

Art wall - benches with double as art walls for temporary display Stepped terrace could act as n open air theater Low level promenade along the river The idea of the floating containers is to create a dynamic multi-utility space which provides a temporary location for several activities

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REFERENCE IMAGES

Renderings showing the gallery locations along with the central plaza

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Cross section along the plaza and the river

Stepped plaza with the movie night in progress

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FUNCTIONALITY OF SPACE FOR THE ARTIST COMMUNITY.

STUDIO WITH A SINGLE GALLERY SPACE

STUDIO WITH AN EXTENDED GALLERY SPACE 40

The following set of diagrams explain the flexibility and functionality of space created for thee artist community. With the idea of temporarility estabilished by the utilization of shipping containers, the flexibility of the space could be explained i the following 3 diagrams.

STATIC - DYNAMIC The idea is established by placing one element as permanant and the other as floating. The 3 containers in Spot - A ae established as the permanent elements. It consists of two shipping containers staked on top of each other with the lower one playing host to a temporary studio for an artist. The studio space could be rented for a very low amount. The container above works as a gallery space where the artist can hold his gallery or exhibition with the general public, enablin him to grow his profession. A win - win suitation for the general public and the artist.

As part of the dynamic concept the gallery in the above container can be extended by joinig with a floating container to forrm a extended floating pavillon.

In some speecial cases, where an art festival is held, more containers can be floated and combined to form a large extended pavillion where several aryist can share space to open exhibitions, workshops, studios for kids etc. Certainly an activated urban space for the Noordplein residents and citizens for Rotterdam.

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SPOT -B Plan to 1:500 scale The followoing plan shows the design interventions at Spot -B. The 2 elements included here are the Parklets and the Play area for children.

The river front is designed in order to engage children activity. A temporary play ground setup can be enabled in order to provide spots for kids in public spaces.

The dynamic concept of floating containers here is used to provide a floating playground for the kids in the neighborhood.

Parklets - temporary provision of public space. regenerates the spatial quality

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REFERENCE IMAGES

Renderings showing the application of parklets on Zaagmolenkade

derings showing the application of parklets on Zaagmolenkade

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APPLICATION OF PARKLETS The Parkets are simple temporary structures placed along a parking space to enhance the spatial quality of the street. The location of parklets along the Zaagmolenkade parallel to the river front works with the program of the facade. The axonometric representation shows the appliaction of a parklet where it could provide an additional space for cafe seating, A small promotation space for buisnesses or an additional place to sit and relax. Some of the parklets which face residential program can also host urban community gardens.

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REFERENCE IMAGES OF PARKLETS APPLICATION

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SPOT -C Plan to 1:500 scale The followoing plan shows the design interventions at Spot -C. The location is designed for the general community of the neighbourhood with space for more community activities.

Parklets -Space here could be utilised for promotion events. Small exhibition displays Large terraces to provide seating for Cafes , an existing function but with better materialization and spatial quality Large terrace along the river to host several activities

Renderings showing the application of Parklet, terrace areas

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REFERENCE IMAGES

Cross section BB

Cross section CC 48

MATERILISATION As part of the materilisation, simple concrete slabs with small grooves are used as the main pavement for the plaza. The pavement continues on the street at the same level as the pavement thus creating a small bump on the street which naturally slows down the cars.

Concrete pavers

Red concrete pavers are used to create a pattern.

The entire plaza is designed with 2.4m x 2.4m grid with a large groove at the junction of each grid.

A special red paver with conciled LED lights is used along the promenade. These work as visual direction markers.

The stepped ceating is made of granite stone The seating around the tree is built with concrete blocka and finished with timber decking material

LED lights on floor

The promanade along the water is finished with timber decking Plaza flooring materials

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Material for seats around tree

LIGHTING The plaza is well lit with uplighters as well as flood lights.

The ulighters are placed at regular intervels so that they form a visual connection The flood lights have special focus lights with beams at different angles.

A special red paver with conciled LED lights is used along the promenade. These works as a guiding system . along the horizontal axis of the plaza. the lights also guides to the containers.

The promanade along the water has uplighters at specific intervels.

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SOURCES PAGES - 6 -9 1.

EUROPEAN SPATIAL RESEARCH AND POLICY, volume 21 2014 number 1, 10.2478/esrp-2014-0008, Ariënne mak,

Paul stouten urban regeneration in rotterdam: economic and social values 2.

The New Charter of Athens: Towards Sustainable Neighbourhoods?- Paul stouten 3. www.richardsennett.com/site/senn/UploadedResources/The%20Open%20City.pdf 4. http://www.pps.org/reference/turnwaterfrontaround/ 5.

Feasibility study – presentation by Philip koppels at TU Delft 6.

Urban Waterfront Regenerations - Umut Pekin Timur7. on page 10-11 Group Atlas

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APPENDIX Following are the design alternatives or sketches of deisgn process.

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