The performing arts academy

Abstract

Over the last century, Rotterdam has become one of the world’s key port cities and will continue to broaden its horizons. Feijenpoort area, located in the city district Feijenoord, became one of the migrant labourers‘residential areas during this period. Since, it has been regarded as a socio-economically challenged, deteriorated and underprivileged part of Rotterdam. Today’s multi-cultural population’s well-being is considered one of Rotterdam’s lowest and the municipality seeks to remedy this in a sustainable way. An approved urban waterfront development strategy based on gentrification and targeting mid- to high-income groups however, might lead to even more urban anxiety and socio-economic related stress for the existing community. By acknowledging that well-being must be defined as a system of interconnected dimensions of physical, mental and social well-being the project investigates how this might be used to improve the poor conditions of Feijenpoort through architecture. How can spaces oriented at well-being let city residents flourish in a context of sustainable city development? The project targets mental well-being as the way to enhance multiple dimensions of well-being. It aims to achieve this through its educational and cultural program and concept as the Performing arts academy for youngsters. The design integrates biophilic design principles with art education. With the premise of combining biophilic design principles with lessons learned from educational typologies, the Performing arts academy aims to enhance the community’s mental well-being. The project gathers neighborhood and urban goals by harmonizing the boundaries between nature and spaces that encourage physical activity are socially stimulating and mentally rewarding to its users. The design aims to enhance encounters and encourages inclusive interaction by creating an abundance of informal setting where spontaneous public performances may take place.