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ROTTERDAM, 14 April 2025 – Rotterdam Architectuur Maand 2025 will spotlight the Schiemond district, transforming its raw and often-overlooked waterfront into a temporary architecture and culture hub. The event explores how reuse, local creativity and community engagement can reshape urban spaces.
Schiemond to host Rotterdam Architectuur Maand 2025 festival heart
The 2025 edition of Rotterdam Architectuur Maand (RA Maand) will take place in a seldom-visited part of the city: the quayside behind the Schiehavenhallen in Schiemond. Once neglected and inaccessible, the area will be temporarily reimagined this June as the central gathering point of the month-long architecture event.
Built with reused materials and supported by local creatives, the temporary structures aim to reflect the dynamic, evolving nature of the district. The programme will serve not only as a cultural venue but also as an experimental site for ideas around sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Schiemond as a place of contrast and transition
Schiemond, situated between post-war social housing and upscale developments along the Lloydkade, is seen as a location of urban tension and transformation. The event will take place specifically in the Schiehaven-Noord area, which is earmarked for redevelopment into a 'Paris Proof' (klimaatbestendig) and inclusive neighbourhood in line with Rotterdam’s climate ambitions.
Before such long-term plans are implemented, RA Maand intends to explore the area's potential by temporarily opening it up to experimentation, dialogue and creative reuse. The unpolished atmosphere of the location is considered ideal for authentic encounters and informal architectural interventions.
Rotterdam Architecture Month 2025 in Schiemond
Locally-led collaborations on site
In collaboration with local initiatives such as Placebased, Gore Tengels and ArchitectuurMAKEN, the quayside will host a series of installations and gathering spaces constructed entirely from reclaimed materials. The aim is to demonstrate what can be achieved using what is already available.
Benches and planters will be made from timber found on-site, with greenery curated by Gore Tengels. ArchitectuurMAKEN will construct a temporary grandstand and stage using leftover construction materials, alongside a ‘spreeuwenpaviljoen’ (starling pavilion) designed with Studio Method. All built elements are circular and intended to be reused after the event ends.
'Dit is mijn wijk': photography project puts local people first
The human aspect of urban development is highlighted through the project Dit is mijn wijk ("This is my neighbourhood"), which focuses on everyday life in Schiemond and the neighbouring Lloydkwartier. Through a collection of personal photographs, the project offers a grounded and intimate view of the district.
By depicting children playing, neighbours socialising, and the views from local flats, the initiative seeks to foreground the lived experience of residents during this time of change. Developed by AIR and De Groene Connectie, the project advocates for a community-first approach to spatial development.
Opening event on 1 June at Kroonkwartier
The official launch of the month-long programme will take place on 1 June with an opening event across the Kroonkwartier. The Schiehavenhallen, De Kroon and Het Veerhuis will open their doors to the public, hosting live performances, a design market featuring local makers, open studios, creative workshops and guided tours.
Operator Radio will broadcast live from the Schiehavenhallen, followed by a DJ set to close the evening. Activities for children will also be part of the festivities.
Practical information
When: 1–30 June 2025
Where: The main festival hub is located at Schiehavenhal 17 and the adjacent quay. The broader programme includes approximately 125 events at over 40 locations across the city.
Admission: Free, unless otherwise indicated.
Website: rotterdamarchitectuurmaand.nl
Directions to the festival heart
The central festival location is set at Schiehavenhal 17, located on the quay behind the Schiehavenhallen in Schiemond. The area lies west of the city centre, between the Lloydkwartier and Marconiplein, and can be accessed easily via tram, metro or bicycle. The surroundings include a mix of industrial heritage, new waterfront developments, and green walking routes along the river.
