About the pilot
This pilot uses nature-based solutions and community co-creation to address urban heat challenges. By planting more trees by creating more shade and biodiversity, and replacing much of the asphalt by water-permeable surfaces, we aim to lower temperatures and improve water infiltration. Bospolderplein will become a ‘cool spot’ as part of the city wide Cool Network with cool green routes across the city, like the nearby 'Dakpark'. What makes this initiative stand out is its deep involvement of the community, ensuring that residents have a direct hand in shaping the space they will use. This approach is not just about improving infrastructure; it’s about empowering communities and fostering ownership of public spaces.
What makes this approach unique?
The real power of this project lies in its collaborative, community-driven approach. Local residents, including children, have been engaged from the start, ensuring the pilot site reflects their needs and desires. Through participatory design and co-creation events, residents directly influence the transformation of their living environment. This creates a strong sense of ownership and pride that will last long after the project’s completion. For other municipalities, this is a model of how to involve local communities in urban development, ensuring that public spaces are truly designed for the people who use them.
Expected results
This pilot is set to create immediate benefits, with reconstruction scheduled to begin in 2026. Long-term, Bospolderplein will be part of a growing Cool Network with cool spots and routes across Rotterdam, helping to combat the urban heat island effect while providing a refreshing, accessible space for residents. Particularly for children aged 4-16 and elderly residents, this cooler, more inviting square will offer a much-needed retreat. The success of Bospolderplein will prove that by working closely with local communities, municipalities can transform public spaces into more sustainable, inclusive, and enjoyable places for everyone.
Interested or inspired?
Are you inspired to create cooler, greener, and more inclusive public spaces in your own city? Visit www.bospolderplein.nl to explore more about the pilot, view design concepts and follow the progress of the transformation.