Week in pictures
After obtaining a bachelor's degree in urban planning, Boj van den Berg pursued a master's degree in Heritage Studies at VU Amsterdam. Currently, as a pioneering urban planner, his work includes leading his Landscape Studio New Grounds and working for Marineterrein Amsterdam. This area serves as a testing ground for urban issues. Boj is responsible for setting up and carrying out experiments in the outdoor space.
Mon To demolish or not?
On the Marineterrein, there was a neglected former shooting range. Together with Walden Studio, I have gradually transformed this location over the past two years while respecting its history. For the renovation, we strived for the reuse of materials. For example, we used sheet piling from Friesland for the bridge and a cowshed from Brabant for the supporting structure. On Monday, I participated in a podcast series ‘Soul of the Marineterrein’, by Andrea van Pol. In this episode, we were asked whether we should demolish this location or keep it.
Tue Launch Open Call Dobbernatuur (Floating Nature)
Today the monthly newsletter of the Marineterrein is being distributed, in which I announce the launch of our project Dobbernatuur. With this project, we aim to examine the possibility of improving water quality, connecting the water with the city park and increasing swimming safety through floating nature. This summer, the Marineterrein will make 100m² of water in the inner harbour available for feasible ideas for floating nature in the water.
Wed Excursion Strijp-S and Lab040
At the invitation of the city of Amsterdam, I am taking part in an excursion to the vibrant urban district of Strijp-S in Eindhoven. During this trip, we have the opportunity to talk to both the area developer and a progressive housing corporation making their mark there. It is a significant challenge to preserve the creativity and raw essence of the former Philips site, continue to allow temporary initiatives, and at the same time, make long-term investments for the future. To conclude, an engaging presentation by Teun Verberne and Monique Donker on Lab040 is scheduled, where innovative living concepts are explored and tested. Both developments will be interesting to closely follow in the coming years.
Thu Preview of Groenkijkers
At the invitation of SoortenNL, I am at the preview of the documentary Groenkijkers, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Sanne Rovers. I invited my friend Joris Buis, who works at the Instituut voor Natuureducatie, to join me here and to think about how we can further spread the documentary and its urgent message for climate action.
Thu New life in old Shooting Range
In addition to the physical transformation of the Shooting Range, it is also my job to bring the location to life. To inspire and challenge artists and programmers to get started here, we have organised ‘Shooting Range Drinks’. During this social gathering, held in the new bakery at the front of the Shooting Range, visitors can enjoy VR theater in the art and culture space in small groups. In two weeks, students from the Film Academy set up a VR installation here.
Fri Visiting Tante Leen
Every Friday I get to spend the whole day out with my daughter. This time, we are checking out the semi-permanent artwork Tante Leen by Kamp Seedorf. I got to know this street art collective from Almere during my work for Urban Greeners. For example, after the discovery a beaver on the island where we were working -- one who had built a permanent burrow and thus acquired various rights in the area -- we placed semi-permanent beaver artwork throughout the city to raise awareness of the beaver.
Sat Paint Gardening with family
Last year, together with Other Spheres and Walden Studio, I conceived of and initiated the experiment Park X Park at the Marineterrein. Twenty parking spaces of 12.5 m² were made available to examine how old parking spaces can be reused. An example of this is the Textile Lab dye garden that can now be found there. Plants grow here in two parking spaces that are used to dye textiles. Coincidentally, my cousin is a volunteer who helps with the maintenance of the garden, so of course I am happy to help him.
Sun Groenmarkt
Together with the Marineterrein team, I am organising the fourth edition of the Groenmarkt this Sunday. Local residents, artists and entrepreneurs jointly demonstrate what is possible for a greener and more liveable neighbourhood. During the event, there will be workshops, performances, and free plants to take home. In this way, we want to share the experiments we carry out at the Marineterrein in an accessible way and inspire people to contribute to the green, innovative landscape that we are developing here.
Marineterrein Amsterdam
Would you like to know more about what is happening at the Marineterrein? More information can be found via this link.
magazine for humanities alumni june 2024