• location: Rotterdam (Show on map)
  • program: Public Square and Childrens Playground
  • client: OBR, Municipality of Rotterdam -with support of Stimuleringsfonds voor Architectuur
  • design: 2006 - 2007
  • completed: 2007
  • design team: Monica Adams, Juliette Bekkering, Josse Popma, Mark Notenboom, Michel Leunis, photos by DigiDaan

 

The design for a school, sport and public square is a pilot project, resulting from a research into the potential of playgrounds for the public domain in 2007.  The square is located on the Mullerpier in Rotterdam. It is a schoolyard for the primary school nearby, as well a public square. In the vicinity of the square are different functions, such as a home for elderly people, a business centre, a theatre and housing. In the original urban plan the square was q green oases in the neighborhood. The reality was a empty plane of asphalt. Because there was no attraction, it was hardly used by the neighborhood. Also for the school children there was hardly any variety in the means to play.

The proposal was set up in co-operation with the school, parents, and people from the neighborhood. The plan accommodates a sports square where the older children can play more competitive plays, and a smaller square where all children, but especially the younger ones, can play safely in a divers way.

Around the square is a green hedge, which together with the green rubber underground with a pattern of leaves, relates to the theme of ' a secret garden' . This was one of the demands for the projects, set up with the main participants on forehand. More green, shelter and means to play is what the square offers today. The final result challenges children to play in different ways, while adults are invited to use the square as an outdoor accommodation in their neighborhood.
 

PUBLICATIONS

  • Public Playground Rotterdam, World of the Child Heart, September 2014

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  • Public Playground part of Korean documentary about playgrounds in public spaces, January 2014

  • Goed Schoolplein Stimuleert Creativiteit, in Stedenbouw & Architectuur nr 6, October 2013

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  • Playground on Mullerpier, Bekkering Adams Architects, Playground Design, 2012

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  • Public Playground, Bekkering Adams Architects, Play, Indoor and Outdoor, 2011

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  • Brede School De Schatkamer, De Geheime Tuin, in de Architect, nr 41, November 2010

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  • Public Playground: Randvoorwaarden voor een goed (school)speelplein, in Lay-Out 05, December 2008

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  • Van lege asfaltvlakte naar Geheime Tuin in Stadstimmer nieuws nr 03, 2007

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WHO WE ARE

We are an internationally operating, dynamic and versatile architectural office, looking and working with an open mind towards our future society.  With an enthusiastic team of architects and designers we work on innovative and sustainable projects with a strong identity, defined by expressive architecture with a tactile expression of material and detail.

Adress

Mathenesserlaan 257
3021HD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
T: 00 31 6 510 67480
info@bekkeringarchitects.nl

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