Open Office Day Guided Tour

On OpenOfficeDay2025, taking place June 21 as part of Rotterdam Architecture Month, we are excited to be part of the OpenBureaudagGuidedTOUR

Join one of the specially curated tours for a behind-the-scenes look at multiple design studios across the city. This is a unique opportunity to explore diverse perspectives in architecture and urban design, and engage in meaningful conversations on specific themes.

📍 Tour Schedule:
2:45 PM – Defacto Urbanism
3:30 PM – architectuur MAKEN
4:30 PM – Studio for New Realities

🎫 Participation is free, but tickets are required. Reserve yours here!

In addition to the guided tour, you can also easily visit our neighbors OD205sl

We look forward to welcoming you!

We are opening our doors!

We are happy to welcome you into our office for OpenOfficeDay2025 on June 21 during Rotterdam Architecture Month.

Stop by and discover what goes into our design process, meet the team, explore our research-by-design approach and our projects in Dutch and international contexts.

Whether you are a student, professional, or just curious, we would love to see you! Do not miss this opportunity to connect!

📅 June 21, 14:00 – 17:00
📍 Schiehavenkade 48

More information about the event: https://lnkd.in/eDQdaV_H

Inventory of spatial plans & investments DPRD

The second six-yearly recalibration of the preferred strategy Rijnmond-Drechtsteden for the region is being prepared from the Delta Programme Rijnmond-Drechtsteden (DPRD), and together with Vereniging Deltametropool, we have been asked to map the inventory of (future) spatial plans and ambitions for the region. The maps are structured according to four (groups of) themes: (1) water and soil, (2) nature and agriculture, (3) energy and economy, (4) urbanization and mobility. The information on the maps makes it possible to investigate conventional area-oriented to what extent the water strategies can be combined with spatial and sectoral policy on the usual themes, in other words to relate bottlenecks but also synergies. An inspiring working session with various stakeholders also took place, where we initially discussed the concept maps, and further elaborated on the water safety strategies in the context of the recalibration of the preferred strategy.

 

Worksessions ”Uitvoeringsprogramma Zuidwestelijke Delta 2050”

As part of the Uitvoeringsprogramma Zuidwestelijke Delta 2050, a series of workshops have been organized in collaboration with Zuidwestelijke Delta to explore long-term, integrated strategies. With nearly 50 stakeholders at the table, we explored how to adapt to a changing climate while balancing safety, nature, the economy, and quality of life.

Jeroen van Herk moderated the session, while Coen Verhoeve provided an overview of the Implementation Programme. Dirk van de Ven reflected on the history and future challenges of the Coast and Voordelta. We also heard inspiring pitches from Leo van Vliet on sustainable tourism and from Roos Bol on nature development through Seascape Voordelta. Anne Loes Nillesen led the interactive work sessions.

The sessions made it clear that tackling complex challenges requires integrated solutions, and the courage to make choices. The workshop is part of a series where we visit the Oosterschelde, Coast and Voordelta, Veerse Meer, Grevelingenmeer and Volkerak-Zoommeer area.

zuidwestelijkedelta worksession coast delta climateadaptation strategy futureperspective

Application of Nature-based Solutions in the Rebero-Karugira Selected Case Study Area

As a continuation of our pre-feasibility study on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in Kigali, we have developed technical guidelines and showcased site-specific design applications in the Rebero-Karugira case study area.

These guidelines serve as practical, complementary tool for integrating NBS into urban planning in Kigali, and becomes a effective source that can be used by engineers, planners, developers, students or local communities to explore a range of possible measures.

We see significant potential to embed NBS within Kigali’s existing urban fabric. A standout example is the integrated constructed drain, which has great potential to reduce flow velocity, serving as both a space for vegetation and a footpath. This not only improves accessibility but also maximizes the use of available space.

Want to learn more about the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in Kigali? The project can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/eBXiAP4s

Commissioned by The World Bank, many thanks for the pleasant cooperation with the client team Duru Oksuz, Douglas Macfarlane, Esther. B Mutamba, and in cooperation with Deltares, Begoña Arellano Jaimerena, Nanco Dolman, and SHER Ingénieurs-Conseils, William Mudahemuka, Jean Ngendahayo

Future Perspectives for North-Brabant

As part of the ”Kennismiddag ontwerpend onderzoek Brabant”, Anne Loes Nillesen presented the design research ‘Sea Clay Area’. In this study, we explore various possible development directions for the North-Brabant area at the transition between the Delta and the High Sandy Soils. Based on three ‘basic approaches’ from the water and soil system (controllability, robustness and adapting land use), we explore the linking opportunities with other spatial transition tasks.

Bringing back a robust stream and creek landscape seems to offer many opportunities for water and soil, as well as for the spatial challenges. The question is how to initiate such a transition. The acquisition of land (step by step) over time for such a robust system requires a large investment and is not necessarily in line with the design of area processes.

The project can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/e_gcvRPC

With many thanks for the pleasant cooperation with the client team Bart van der Westen, Jard van der Lugt and Maartje Thijssen, Patrick de Rooij, Marty Braat, Geert Thyssen, Laurens van Asten, Pieter van Cappelle, Stefan Laro, Hans van Engen, Sarie Buijze and Bart Jansen. And the inspiration of the other area elaborations for the Green Forest Bram Willemse, Seam of Brabant Gepke Heun and River Clay Area Marit Schavemaker

Resilient Economy Towards 2050

Global developments pressure international orientated regions– such as the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH). Geopolitical instability, climate change, labour shortages, and growing inequality pose challenges to the region’s long-term earning capacity and social cohesion.

Commissioned by the Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag (MRDH) and in collaboration with Birch Consultants, we explored how the region can strengthen its economic profile and its resilience towards 2050. Based on expert consultation and the CPB scenarios, we identified key trends and challenges and defined building blocks for a renewed economic vision.

The study supports decision making regarding labour market, innovation, spatial development, and investment — laying the groundwork for a shared long-term agenda. This supports municipalities in navigating uncertainty while shaping a strong and recognizable economic profile for the future.

Sponge Garden Nawassco

Dutch Water Envoy Meike van Ginneken launched our ‘Water as Leverage Sponge Garden’ pilot project in Nakuru. Defacto urbanism designed the sponge garden for the Nakuru water and sanitation Services company NAWASSCO with support of Vei, RVO and the county government of Nakuru.

The transformation of the car park to a sponge garden focuses on capturing and reusing rainwater, while providing a (partly public) green garden space. We are looking forward to soon be able to visit the garden!

Meike van Ginneken Myrko Webers Sandra Schoof Monica Velasco B. Joy Chege, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kenya | UN-Habitat Urban Lab UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)

Learn more about the project here!

Waterinfodag opening program

Tijdens de waterinfodag bestond het openingsprogramma uit pitches en een debat tussen Anne Loes Nillesen en Friso de Zeeuw (onder leiding van Chris Wobben). Ik heb het belang van rekening houden met water en bodem bij woningbouwontwikkelingen onderstreept, en concrete voorbeelden gegeven die inzichtelijk maken waar er extra inspanning nodig is om toekomstbestendig te ontwikkelen, en hoe dit vervolgens zou kunnen. Niet alleen om afwenteling te voorkomen, maar ook om tot nieuwe integrale en aantrekkelijke toekomstperspectieven te komen.

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