Hofbogenpark is the park on the railroad viaduct, located in Rotterdam-north, between the A13 and Hofplein. De Urbanisten and DS, in collaboration with De Dakdokters, made the Definitive Design for the park. The entrances to the park were designed by BureauVanEig.
Biodiversity and climate are central to the vision for the future of this special high-altitude park. Urban nature will gain a 2-kilometer-long strip of vegetation that provides food, shelter and breeding opportunities. The biotope on the roof connects to the biotopes in the surroundings and attaches itself to the ecological network in the north. The park will be managed ecologically, thus immediately serving as a learning place, where new management of plantings in the city will be tested in the coming years with the guidance of Fred Booy.
The park’s climate contribution is not just its lush plantings. The viaduct also captures rainwater and stores it next to the railroad viaduct. The storage is used for vegetation in times of severe drought. And the water is treated on the roof with a helophyte filter, after which it is also routed through the park as cooling fountains and flowing stream.
The park has a number of thematic zones to which its layout and use are geared. Above all, it offers a very long walk along its 2km length, elevated above the streets, with vistas, open and enclosed areas. In some locations there is room for a catering facility. Each neighborhood has a garden for participatory activities. And in each neighborhood there are a few entrances for people and animals, and one elevator per neighborhood.
In the future, this narrow long roof is going to be part of an environment where more measures for a livable city will be given space, such as more trees, less paving, more planting and hopefully many private initiatives in the surrounding buildings, leading to more nesting opportunities in the facades and overgrown roofs and balconies.
