TEAM UPDATE ROTTERDAM

Team Rotterdam, led by Esther Munoz-Grootveld, researches the neighborhood the Oude Noorden. Lena, Kalkidan, Lisanne, Juris and Bobinne are taking a closer look at the gentrification in this area. How can community building and finding common ground help navigate the neighbourhood through this process of change?

Strong communities are characterized by a common pride. Therefore, the team is starting a conversation with inhabitants to ask them: what do you like most about the Oude Noorden? What are you most proud of? And what is your best memory within the neighborhood? By doing so, the team will focus on creating a sense of unity by creating a common ground.

During their fieldtrip, the team sought the advice of some experts on co-creation, to learn more on how to start such a conversation. They had Q&A’s with artist Alicia Framis and Kim de Haas from MAMA, both experts in the field of co-creation. In the afternoon, the designers took part in a workshop with Maarten Bakker from Studio de Bakkerij - a cultural living room in Rotterdam Noord. He sent them on a lunch assignment to start their process of connecting. The day ended with a meet & greet with Rambler Studios, an organisation that builds communities around the world and empowers young talents through street fashion.