In a small and forward-thinking country like the Netherlands, space as a resource is already being explored in the mainstream and is something that the United States should consider, especially in urban areas as they try to bring green space back into it. De Groen Kaap is another example of viewing space as a resource. Located in Katendracht, De Groen Kaap is a recent housing development with plans to transform the neighborhood. Once home to the high class and summer houses for the Rotterdam elite, the residents of this neighborhood were displaced during the beginning of the 20th century as the city planned to expand the Port of Rotterdam, also located in Katendracht. They built new housing developments suitable for sailors and the working class which led to an increase in crime, gambling, and prostitution in the neighborhood. After operating under these conditions for most of the century, Katendracht was not a highly sought-after neighborhood and began to experience disinvestment.
Beginning in 2010, with the Port of Rotterdam no longer there, the city began to invest in this neighborhood once again in hopes of bringing it back to its former glory. De Groen Kaap features 5 blocks of new buildings, made to capture the attention of people with various lifestyles. It consists of apartments, penthouses, and townhouses, as well as a couple commercial spaces and parking garages. This area was rebuilt with their environment in mind and features walking paths through communal courtyards that connected this whole area. They also designed 7,600 square meters of rooftop gardens with a water buffering system to allow the various species of plants and trees to continue their growth.
No comments:
Post a Comment