Rotterdam: Leading in the implementation of small scale solutions for adaptation measures on a large scale
The challenges we face due to the effects of climate change are real, but Rotterdam regards these challenges as an opportunity to improve the city rather than as a threat.
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otterdam is a delta city: it is connected directly to the sea by the river Meuse and Rhine. In 2001 Rotterdam launched its first urban water management plan in order to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change. The city and its urban planners have been dealing mostly with the challenge of too much water ever since. The water is threatening the city from all directions: the rising sea level, rising rivers, fluctuating groundwater and heavy precipitation.
Currently, almost every city around the world is dealing in some way with effects of a change climate. However, what makes Rotterdam’s approach so unique and innovative is that the city aims to address several challenges with one solution. We believe that by creating multifunctionality in our city design we can tackle different problems at the same time.
The Dakpark (Roof Park) is a great example of this multifunctional approach. The shopping mall is built in such a way that it works as a storm surge barrier. In addition, the roof of the mall is a water buffer during downpours and the park creates a nice place for the local people to spend their spare time.
This Dakpark is situated in the district of Bospoldertussendijken. This district is suffering from high unemployment rates, with youth crimes and other social problems as a consequence. The Mayor decided to take this district as an opportunity to redesign and change public spaces into climate resilient plazas where people can meet and by renewing the social housing energy infrastructure into green energy grids. Like this, the City can create jobs and at the same time improve the quality of the neighborhood and make it more future-proof.
Towards the city center are two parking garages that serve as important examples of adaptation: one underneath the Museumplein that contains a 10 million liters of water storage capacity. And one underneath Kruisplein, located in front of the central station. This parking garage is built with an extra space in between its roof to create a water storage capacity of 2-4 million liters, as an extension of the Westersingel.
The Westersingel is a very popular walking boulevard which is designed to create a controlled floodplain, in times of need. It prevents the streets from flooding during cloud bursts, and thanks to its numerous statues and art pieces it offers an attractive walking route towards the museum district.
Just around the corner is the Schouwburgplein. At first this seems to be a normal square, but last year the city decided to test what effect a temporary grass carpet would have on the users of the square. The stony square turned into a park and citizens are discussing with urban planners how to make this a permanent green public space. This fits seamlessly with the ‘7 square endeavor’ project that aims for sustainable squares and is run by the owners of the buildings around it.
Rotterdam always aims to include all stakeholders, both public and private, to optimize public space. After all, only by co-creation it can make 100% of the city surface truly resilient and climate-proof.
Results of this co-creation can be found in the ZoHo district; an area which was appointed as the first climate neutral district in 2012. Every other 200 meters you can find another solution on different levels: such as green roofs like Station Hofbogen that work as a water buffer, smart rain barrels and raingardens on street level and open air/underground solutions like Benthemplein water plaza.
At the southern bank of Rotterdam, is the floating pavilion is located in this former harbor called Rijnhaven, alongside a floating recycled parc. Floating waterfront development is one of Rotterdam’s answers to sea level rise and how to live water instead of fighting against it.
The future floating office for the Global Center’s office will be built here—another example of the Global Center’s commitment to advancing adaptation solutions.
