Wout Velthof

Werkwijk

Work District
A new narrative for industrial areas

Many industrial areas have anonymous buildings and low-quality public spaces. These areas are often isolated on the outskirts of cities and are mostly accessible by car only.

In the past, work and living were closely connected, but over time, due to growth and pollution, we have separated them. This has led to industrial areas becoming more distant from society. As a result, people don’t feel connected to these areas. In short, industrial areas are no longer part of the city, and you only go there if you have to. 

Due to limited space within cities, industrial areas are often seen as good locations for housing. This causes businesses to be pushed out or disappear entirely. However, we underestimate the importance of industry for a healthy economy. Industry is essential for economic diversity, providing jobs and producing our daily needs. To prepare our cities for the future, we need to retain space for industry, and even expand and renew it. We need to integrate industry back into society and create new economic and social value. 

I believe we should design industrial areas as Work Districts to make them part of the city again. In this graduation project, I focus on the industrial areas De Spaanse Polder, ‘s Gravelandsepolder, and Bedrijvenpark Noord-West, located north of Rotterdam and Schiedam.

In a future perspective, I show how this location can transform into a lively Work District. The main principles are densifying, enlivening and connecting. The Work District will have different ecosystems with unique identities and economic activities. By greening public spaces, adding public functions, creating good connections with the surroundings, and encouraging cooperation, the Work District will become a place where employees, residents and visitors enjoy coming. It will be a place that promotes interaction and innovation, giving industry a new role in society. 

 

Graduation date: 29 mei 2024
Graduation committee: Hein Coumou (mentor), Bernardina Borra, Jan Maarten van Hemert 
Additional members for the exam: Marco Broekman, Tess Broekmans