A Neighbourhood Square Transformed into a Climate-Proof City Park
Where 5,000 m² of asphalt once dominated the streetscape, a vibrant, climate-adaptive park now lies at the heart of Rotterdam’s Bospolder-Tussendijken (BoTu). The former Driehoeksplein has undergone a major transformation, renamed “Driehoekspark” by residents and local schoolchildren—a new name for a renewed place of daily life, designed for play, education, encounters, and cooling.
The park is now a lively hub for locals, schoolchildren, and visitors from surrounding areas who come to stroll, meet, or join community activities.
A Positive Development in BoTu
BoTu has seen positive developments in recent years, built on a strong sense of community and active citizen involvement. Strategic urban planning, local networks, and small-scale initiatives all contribute to its resilience. The redevelopment of Driehoeksplein fits into Rotterdam’s broader ambition to make BoTu a future-ready district. In early 2021, the Municipality of Rotterdam commissioned Urban Synergy to lead a participatory design process with the community.
Participation: Advisory Group at the Heart
Urban Synergy formed a local advisory group of engaged residents, including people closely connected to schoolchildren and teenage girls and boys. This group was central throughout the project—from selecting participatory tools to mobilizing the neighbourhood.
In the early stages, the group mapped qualities and concerns on-site. To reach broader input, 1,500 flyers in five languages were distributed with a survey link. Craft kits encouraged children to design their dream square, and with help from Valentijnschool teachers, large model-making sessions were organised.
The participatory process brought the park to life. Sessions became celebratory: Circus Rotjeknor entertained kids, the school janitor DJ’ed, and families brought Moroccan snacks and refreshments. The group’s involvement helped surface deep local insights, including:
•The square as a place to learn cycling for kids, parents and elderly people
•Elderly residents gathering nightly along the edge
•A cherished strip of greenery where kids explored
•A teacher’s wish to teach outdoors
Youth preferred playing football in the central area, which deterred younger children. This led to smart spatial zoning: toddlers near the school, children aged 5–10 in the middle, and older youth in a dedicated corner.
Rhythm of the Day at Driehoekspark
Driehoekspark now reflects the neighbourhood’s daily rhythm. Mornings see learners cycling on wide paths and students receiving outdoor lessons. Children play and run laps through green circuits while grandparents rest on shaded benches. In the afternoon, mothers gather at picnic tables by the school to share home-cooked meals.
Robust Green Framework as a Base for Varied Play
The design serves local residents on daily walks, families meeting before and after school, and small events throughout the year. A landscape framework of robust green borders structures the park, guiding key routes and dividing play zones:
•A toddler zone near the school
•A central zone for children aged 5–10
•A sport and play zone for older children
Children can explore the planted borders via narrow discovery paths. These borders include a mix of small and large trees, scaled to the park and providing shade in key areas. Three large play towers are the centrepiece, developed through a design contest among major playground suppliers and shaped by children’s input: lower playhouses, climbing routes between towers, and multiple slides. Surrounding the towers are elements for group play: a trampoline cluster, various swings, and a balance course. The multi-sports field accommodates football and basketball; a net can be added for volleyball, badminton, or tennis. The adjacent grandstand doubles as an outdoor classroom.
Climate Adaptation as Foundation
Once the neighbourhood’s lowest point, this area suffered from heat stress due to excessive pavement. The redesign replaced much of it with 2,500 m² of greenery, 25 new trees of varying sizes, and lush planting that offers cooling and seasonal change.
An innovative Urban Water Buffer—Rotterdam’s first in a residential area—was installed beneath the sports field. It stores 475 m³ of rainwater 31 metres underground, which can be used during dry spells for irrigation and the water play feature. The park’s sloped green edges function as infiltration zones and support biodiversity—making Driehoekspark both a pleasant public space and a climate-resilient buffer.
Sustainable Design
The design reflects both environmental and social sustainability. Durable materials and reuse played a key role. Cork was chosen for fall-absorbing surfaces due to its sustainability. Existing fencing around the toddler area was reused, ping-pong tables were repositioned, and several trees were transplanted. The paving supports chalk drawing, skating, and cycling, and is fully reusable. Planting beds were initially protected by low fencing made at a local social workplace. Children and parents committed to keeping the schoolyard clean.
A Park for All Seasons and Generations
The final design welcomes children, teens, the elderly, neighbourhood initiatives, and schools. Play and rest zones alternate, outdoor education has a place, and small-scale events are possible. Green borders ensure comfort, identity, and safety. On July 8, 2024, the park was officially opened by former mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb—a celebration of how design, participation, and climate adaptation can come together in a powerful neighbourhood transformation.
Project typology: Landscape, participation, climate adaptation, square, schools and playground.
• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
Urban Synergy
• Other credits you need or wish to write:
• Municipality of Rotterdam
• Valentijn School, advisory group, and local residents
Pictures by :
• Frank hanswijk
• Jan van der ploeg
• David Rozing
https://maps.app.goo.gl/39y1pjwVw75HJfB19
