Afrikanderwijk Commons Initiative. Greener, safer, and collaborative Afrikanderwijk
The Afrikanderwijk Commons Initiative aims to transform Afrikanderwijk in Rotterdam into a greener, safer, and more social neighborhood by combining mixed-use buildings that integrate residential and workspaces with public parks. The project promotes sustainability, collaboration, and inclusivity among its diverse residents. 1. How Rotterdam will become greener, more social, or safer because of it: The initiative will make Afrikanderwijk greener by incorporating sustainable architecture and urban farming within the mixed-use buildings. Vertical gardens, rooftop farms, and energy-efficient designs will help reduce the area’s carbon footprint while offering fresh, local food. The nearby park will be revitalized into a co-natural space, combining shared gardens and natural recreation areas to improve both the environment and community engagement. Socially, the project will foster interaction by creating public spaces that link residential, commercial, and recreational areas. Markets, cafes, and cultural venues at ground level will bring people together, while the park will serve as a communal space for gatherings and activities, promoting cohesion. Open, well-lit spaces with natural surveillance will improve safety, and car-free zones will make the area more pedestrian-friendly and secure. Safety will be addressed through open, well-lit spaces designed with natural surveillance in mind, reducing crime and creating a more secure environment for residents. The design of pedestrian-friendly zones and car-free areas will make the neighborhood safer and more accessible for everyone. 2. Target Group: The initiative targets the diverse population of Afrikanderwijk, including residents from different cultural and economic backgrounds, small business owners, freelancers, and families. By creating inclusive spaces with affordable housing and community-driven facilities, the project will foster social integration and collaboration. 3. What is innovative about it and how you want to tackle this: The project's innovation lies in integrating residential, work, and public spaces to promote sustainability and collaboration. It introduces community farming, vertical gardens, and shared spaces within the building structures, creating a unique urban ecosystem. The commons approach in this initiative begins with the integration of co-living and co-working spaces within mixed-use buildings, where residents and professionals share spaces designed to encourage collaboration and community interaction. These buildings are seamlessly connected to the broader urban context, blending residential, commercial, and public spaces into one cohesive system. By doing so, the entire neighborhood becomes a model of shared living and working, setting an example of how communities can thrive through common spaces that blur the lines between private and public life. This approach fosters stronger social ties, sustainability, and inclusivity, making Afrikanderwijk a true "commons" for its residents. 4. Who I Am and Why I Will Solve This Problem: I am Mohammed Sayed, a graduate of Erasmus University in Urban Development and Management. Through my research on Afrikanderwijk, I recognized its potential to become a sustainable and collaborative community. With my background in urban development, I am confident in my ability to lead this project and bring together the necessary stakeholders to create a more vibrant, greener, and safer neighborhood.