Who builds towards a green future on a daily basis? To show how big ideas and visions find their way into reality, "Botanical Monuments" is part of this edition of the biennial: a collection of Rotterdams community initiatives around urban nature. They represent the ambition of the IABR to change the relationship between architecture and nature. But how does this ambition come to life in and around the city, who are the people behind big visions and what can we learn from them? Sabine and Jocelyn create the series "Hope Sowers" and engage with those taking steps towards an architecture that, in collaboration with nature, builds for future generations.
Yes, you read that right: hidden within Rotterdam lies a swamp, known as the Arie Berkelaar Path, or as the locals call it, Charlois Swamp. On the winding, 120-meter-long path, we meet musician John Hill, the initiator who has taken it upon himself to maintain this park. Originally from Ireland, John has a deep connection with nature and has channeled his passion to rejuvenate the swamp. “The path was established in 2014 but had fallen into disrepair. It was rediscovered by flute-playing locals from Charlois Swamp, including myself, who began using the place for their music due to its beautiful acoustics. This inspired us to make it more accessible and gradually breathe new life into it,” John explains.
The first question, of course, is how do you manage a swamp? "It was initially a challenge due to a lack of experience," John shares. "Fortunately, the Land Swamp Fund provided a lot of valuable information and now about fifteen volunteers from the neighborhood come weekly to pick up trash and prune." He continues, "It's remarkable what our work has done for the area's biodiversity. With laying tiles, cleaning, and protecting nesting geese - last year we had one, this year already thirteen - the swamp has been transformed. Moreover, forty percent of the swamp is now water, and fifty frogs have settled in."
Walking on the path feels like stepping out of the city. This was also the vision of Arie Berkelaar, who originally laid the path, to create a paradise for both humans and animals. John Hill adds, "Arie's vision was always to create a place where humans and nature could coexist harmoniously. I try to keep that dream alive by making the area accessible and sociable." Originally there was a straight path, but due to nuisance from fast-food delivery riders on electric bikes speeding through, the area was not relaxing. "That's why the path has now been modified with more curves, creating a calmer and more inviting atmosphere," explains Hill. Now, in the summer, families come to picnic, locals make music, and in the winter, you can skate or paddle.
The maintenance of the path is currently the main unifying factor for the people who come here. Daily maintenance includes combating litter, pruning, and preventing overgrowth to keep the path walkable. "How did we bring our community together? It actually happened quite organically," John shares. "The swamp now attracts people who want to contribute from their own experience and interest, spontaneously forming a community. We are also starting with social media soon to share this example more broadly and to show how citizens themselves can manage a piece of land, something that is often unknown. We always cycle past green spaces but don't realize that if you really want to, you can actually build a relationship with it.”
From a roadside to a swamp accessible to city dwellers: this initiative shows how urban green spaces, regardless of scale or form, can be utilized in new and creative ways. "In Ireland, there is a strong relationship with nature, but there is less opportunity to take action in conservation yourself. People often don't realize that they can manage a piece of land in a city if they want to. With Charlois Swamp, we want to show that it's possible and how to do it," says Hill. "It's wonderful to see how this area has become a meeting place for people of all ages, but especially how nature management and community come together."
Curious about Charlois Swamp? Click here for their spot on the Botanical Monuments route. Opening hours, activities, and more information can be found here.
