East Sidelinge 2.0

The East Sidelinge 2.0 project concerns a green urban densification and transformation of a post-war housing area in Rotterdam. The plan consists of about 150 social housing units that together will soon form a healthy, affordable, beautiful and sustainable neighbourhood. Research shows that ‘perceived health’ is more important for satisfaction than income. Our mission is therefore to make the future residents, most of whom have small budgets, feel as healthy as possible, making them more satisfied with their lives. The current post-war ‘stamps’ with concrete buildings and the many trees act as a valuable basis for this.

Together with DOOR architects, Smartland worked on four circular and low-energy buildings with understated architecture and reuse of the typical façade material. The ensemble stand in the middle of a green collective and water storage garden that forms part of the green structure of Kouwenhoek and the Rotterdam Schie. Soon, Oost-Sidelinge 2.0 will be a place that revolves around well-being rather than wealth. The layout of the outdoor space behind and between the four buildings is in line with Lotte Stam-Beese's ideas. This is expressed especially at the rear, where the collectivity of the gardens remains recognisable. The elongation and collective structure are characteristic, but translated to the present time. In the garden, open flowery lawns and adventurous play areas alternate with wadis for rainwater storage. This creates a slight relief of slopes that cushion the difference in height between the building, the wadis and play areas and Ludolf de Jonghstraat.

Three small squares with trees between the blocks alternate the green space with sheltered sitting and playing areas. The greenery in the squares connects to a long and wide strip of greenery at the Oost-Sidelinge façade, so that this side too, together with the garden, participates in the green framework of Kouwenhoek.

Location: Rotterdam, NL

Type: Public space, outdoor space

Surface: 1,5 ha

Status: Start realisation 2024

Client: Woonstad Rotterdam

Team: DOOR architecten, Smartland