via Stichting Groenlicht
Slow urbanism: Testcase Erasmusveld
Wednesday 29 June 2011, 5:30 PM
Location: Het Magazijn, Esperantoplein 19, The Hague
Entry: free
Slow urbanism is a form of urban and area development that resembles gardening: it requires patience, attention, restraint, and proper timing. The Erasmusveld in The Hague is ideally suited for this approach. The area is a residual space with allotment gardens and sports fields, nestled between the Vinex neighborhood Wateringseveld and the post-war neighborhood Morgenstond in the southern part of The Hague. Such residual areas can be of great value to the surrounding neighborhoods by providing energy, composting waste, and offering amenities that are otherwise unavailable. In a compact and varied program, several speakers from architecture, urban planning, and visual arts will share their visions on Erasmusveld and the opportunities they see in this area. A debate and a drink will close the evening.
Due to the financial crisis, the municipality of The Hague had to scale back its investments in several urban development projects, including Erasmusveld. This is unfortunate because there are various plans that could offer this area a unique future. From the perspectives of area development, sustainability, art, and food, Erasmusveld is a unique and promising neighborhood. Sustainability should be independent of economic cycles, as it is not a luxury, but a necessity. Stroom and Groenlicht see plenty of opportunities in and around a sustainable Erasmusveld. As part of the "Foodprint. Food for the city" program, Stroom Den Haag will organize a public event on location in the fall of 2011, featuring art, design, and architecture related to food, sustainability, engagement, and the livable city. A preview of this event will be held on Wednesday 29 June.
Stichting Groenlicht will present its vision for the development of Erasmusveld, where energy and smart management of resources and flows play a central role, as well as the interaction between ecology and real estate development. Speakers include Tom Weghorst (TCN), Ronald Cozijn (TEBODIN), Denis Oudendijk (Refunc), Peter de Rooden (Stroom Den Haag). Finally, the audience, led by Hans Kuiper, will be invited to brainstorm about opportunities for Erasmusveld and how to realize them.
The program is organized in collaboration with Stichting Groenlicht and the Haags Milieucentrum.