Water Square Benthemplein in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Abstract

The design of Water Square Benthemplein is an innovative twofold strategy that combines water storage and improves the quality of urban public space. Most of the time the square is dry and used as a recreational space for youth sports and play. When confronted with heavy rainfall, the square changes from its usual appearance and function, becoming a temporary rainwater storage facility. Three basins were designed to collect rainwater: two undeep basins will receive water for the immediate surroundings and one deeper basin will only receive water when it is consistently raining.

Keywords

Water Square / Participatory Design / Rainwater Storage Facility / Stainless Steel Gutter

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2014 Higher Education Press