Gardening the Poles, initiated by Spring Onion Atelier revitalizes Rotterdam’s 100,000 lampposts into a green nexus. In a close collaboration, Quake develops this urban research and project together with Spring Onion Atelier and other partners. This transformation creates a dispersed “forest” citywide, equivalent to Kralingse Plas’s expanse, offsetting the environmental impact of these singular-purpose fixtures.
Starting with urban research and interviews, we map Rotterdam’s green-blue network for lamppost green potential. Exploring lamppost typologies, we develop a detailed design toolbox: innovative micro-green designs, plant catalogues, adaptable plug-ins, and maintenance guidelines. Using eco-friendly materials and native plants, our tests refine these concepts. Collectively, our results lead to an online platform, encouraging communities to support this micro-green urban transformation.
Phylosophy
Cities today are in a huge transition; energy, climate adaptation, biodiversity but more than anything cities are changing (back) from efficient systems for buildings and logistics between buildings to a habitat for humans, animals and plants. We can do these transitions the 20st century way: almost completely ignore what is there, we believe this is neither possible nor desirable. We have to work with what is already there, one of our firm believes is that the efficiency based solutions are mostly single purpose; single discipline solutions. In this case lightpoles are there for light only. By showing that with relatively modest interventions we can give these elements a holistic meaning we aim to show a more surgical and in-depth approach to city making by using what is available. The light poles in this way become a methodology to show that purely technical elements can serve biodiversity, climate adaptation, and a healthier more inclusive environment not by great all changing masterplans and visions but by modest and scalable intelligent interventions.
The beauty of the lightpole is that it resonates the tree, with over a 100.000 in Rotterdam alone they are like a forest yet a technical first to disconnect us from nature; they create late when nature doesn’t. Our aim is to transform them into elements that reconnect us to nature and while doing that make a substantial contribution to a sustainable environment. Growing new trees in the city would require at least 10-15 years; if we use the lightpole as a base we can create a comparable 3-dimensional green infrastructure in just years; this green infrastructure can be used to offset the carbon already invested in the construction of the lightpoles and the carbon used to light the lamps. The 3rd dimension green is essential in biodiversity for birds and insects. The can contribute to reducing the impact of both heavy rain fall and long periods of drought. Last but not least the can help with reducing heat stress, reduce urban noise and enhance air quality. In Rotterdam, where the need for greenery is crucial but space is constrained by intricate street usages and underground wiring, lampposts hold immense potential. By converting the grey infrastructure into a green nexus, it will evolve into a vibrant micro-green web, and contribute to a more picturesque, healthier habitat for people, fauna and flora.
Project research
To reach our vision, we want to explore several key questions: What are the benefits of such a micro-green network? How could we transform this grey infrastructure to green nexus? And what green tools could we apply for such renewal from micro-green elements to macro-sustainable networks?
Firstly, we must grasp the “why”, the potential benefits of this green network for their neighbourhoods. Through urban research and GIS data mapping, factors such as sunlight, dryness, and fauna connectivity will guide our selection of plants and additional features, offering a comprehensive view of the network’s potential on an urban scale.
Transforming this basic urban infrastructure into a green nexus is a challenging task. It’s essential that the lampposts’ primary functions, such as cabling, lighting, and signage, are not compromised. Learning from the meeting with Mr. Charl de Hooge from the Stadsbeheer of Gemeente Rotterdam, we learnt the fundamental constricts. These constricts require innovative design solutions, the appropriate selection of plants and maintenance plan with reasonable efforts.
Then comes the question of “what”: What can we introduce to these lampposts? Which plant species can boost biodiversity? What additional features can be seamlessly integrated? Can we create a toolbox to inspire the public, ensuring everyone can actively contribute to their local environment? Collaboratively developed with our partners, this toolbox will be customised for micro-green adaptation, and tested via mock-ups.
An online platform that presents our findings and ideas will be openly shared to the public. This platform won’t just be a resource but a community hub, nurturing a connection among Rotterdammers and their cherished public spaces. This collaborative strategy ensures our platform stays lively, consistently incorporating ideas from the community and other green initiators. We invite everyone to join us in discovering the potential of lampposts!
