The exhibition ‘Garden Futures, Designing with Nature’ features a special “cabinet” showcasing projects that explore the future of designing and managing our gardens and public spaces. The “cabinet,” adorned with a lush plant composition, was curated by artist, gardener, and designer Frank Bruggenman. To illustrate his vision, he selected De Nieuwe Tuin, Hofbogenpark, Brienenoord Island, and Wijkpark Ommoord. It feels wonderful to be part of this!
The circle represents the approach of our design team, De Urbanisten/DS/De Dakdokters: the Hofbogenpark must contribute to both biodiversity and Rotterdam’s climate challenges. This exhibition focuses on the measures we are designing to support urban nature. A series of cross-sections, featuring images of the actual vegetation, highlights the richness of predominantly native plants in the 2-kilometer-long and 6-meter-wide garden. The beautifully 3D-printed model showcases the hedgehog ramp, part of the staircase designed by Marjolein van Eig. The perforations in the wooden beams of the furniture are meant for wild bees. Additionally, a continuous strip of vegetation has been created along the entire length of the park as a foraging route for hedgehogs. These are just a few of the measures designed not only for humans but also for other species, making the park a pleasant place to inhabit.
The exhibition runs until April 13, 2025, at the Nieuwe Instituut.
https://nieuweinstituut.nl/en/projects/tuinen-van-de-toekomstphoto: Pim Top
