SWA/Balsley has recently unveiled the Nelson Mandela Park Master Plan concept for Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The project will be located in a post-industrial area along the harbor that is home to a growing and increasingly diverse immigrant population. Inspired by the natural hydrology and tidal vegetation systems of the nearby river, Nelson Mandela Park Master Plan celebrates the maritime heritage of Rotterdam while harnessing the coast for the benefit of future generations.
The design includes a vision for a “Culture Campus” that will give the park a unique identity within Rotterdam’s park system and waterfront. The park is surrounded by dense urban districts lacking green spaces. SWA/Balsley worked with the City and Arup to create a plan that will serve these adjacent neighborhoods by providing a seven-hectare destination comprising a naturalized shoreline, marsh habitats, multi-purpose lawns, tree groves, and sculpted knolls and overlooks.
Additionally, the design team advocated to create a space large enough to accommodate more community programming. As such, the design features multiple flexible lawn areas for community events, all-age play grounds in a shaded tree grove, a cultural plaza, overlooks, and a marsh walk. The water’s edge was conceived as a dynamic experience and includes innovative tidal pools, wetland habitats, and a local water taxi station and pavilion.
Related Stories
Resiliency | Nov 5, 2020
CRE investors are concerned that cities aren’t resilient enough for climate change
A new ULI-Heitman report states that the biggest challenge to valuation is measuring urban risk mitigation.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 22, 2020
The Weekly show: Universal design in multifamily housing, reimagining urban spaces, back to campus trends
BD+C editors speak with experts from KTGY Architecture + Planning, LS3P, and Omgivning on the October 22 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Urban Planning | Jan 23, 2020
Unicorn Island’s first building nears completion
The building is the first on the 67-hectare island.
AEC Tech | Jan 16, 2020
EC firms with a clear ‘digital roadmap’ should excel in 2020
Deloitte, in new report, lays out a risk mitigation strategy that relies on tech.
Urban Planning | Jan 13, 2020
Henning Larsen designs all-timber neighborhood for Copenhagen
The project hopes to set a standard for how modern communities can live in harmony with nature.
Urban Planning | Jan 8, 2020
BIG partners with Toyota to unveil Toyota Woven City
It will be the world’s first urban incubator dedicated to the advancement of all aspects of mobility.
Urban Planning | Jan 3, 2020
BIG unveils Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm vision
BIG and WXY Architects are co-leading the project.
Urban Planning | Nov 22, 2019
Culdesac Tempe will be the country’s first from-scratch, car-free neighborhood
The neighborhood is scheduled to launch in 2020.
Sustainability | Nov 8, 2019
South Korea plans to build three hydrogen-powered cities by 2022
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is in charge of the project.
Urban Planning | Nov 6, 2019
Does investment in public transit pay off in economic development and growth?
Despite recent data about ridership declines, a new report on mass transit is optimistic.