jan scorelbrug
achterhavenbrug
20 original bridge houses are scattered around Rotterdam like candy at Halloween trick or treat. These mini-icons define spaces in the city where different historic and infrastructural layers intertwine.
Once machined by physical human power to open and close bridges, these ‘houses’ are now mostly automated and thus unhabited. Together they form an urban heritage network. Each house is unique by location, size and architectural design.
They are one of a kind.
In my final thesis for my studies in Human Geography and Planning I put the focus on the current position of these bridge houses within the larger context of urban (heritage) planning and development. Why and in what way are the citizens of Rotterdam involved in re-use ambitions? And even more important, have ambitions been translated into successful actions? My thesis project provides (attempts to) answers – please contact me if you’re interested in reading my conclusions.
Resulting from thorough literature research, 16 interviews with involved citizens, and my own observations, I have developed my own love and ambition for these icons. I am currently in collaboration with architect Maria Vera van Embden Andres (http://www.mariavera.nl/), who has transformed four bridge houses on the Koninginnebrug into light art installations, to further explore opportunities to redefine the relevance and value of these houses within contemporary Rotterdam.
aimeebaars.com 