Zags Go to Rotterdam
We took the train to Rotterdam to see how the city is leading the way for sustainable city design. Our pre-activity reading was very intriguing and had everyone chomping at the bit to get underway in Rotterdam.
Hannah enjoys some pesto flavored cheese at the market.
Structure of the market's glass façade, designed to flex up to 70 centimeters during high wind events.
This warehouse was used in the past as part of the harbor of Rotterdam. It has been renovated to be used as housing and business. As cargo ships grew too large to fit this area, the harbor moved up the river, leaving this area without business. The renovation and re-purposing is reinvigorating the immediate economy.
The group stopped in a location that used to be a rougher part of town but was reinvented after World War II. This area had been home of the red light district of Rotterdam but is now a public square where people can grab a bite of food and socialize. There is also a water retention basin in this area.
The last stop on the tour was at Hotel New York. The sidewalks in this area were inspired by the layout of the streets of New York. Many who emigrated to the U.S. boarded ships from here when the harbor was in this location.
After the tour the students were free to explore the city or join Dr. Maxwell for lunch at a restaurant at Op Het Dak. Op Het Dak sits atop a downtown tower and sources its vegetables and some fruit from the rooftop garden that surrounds the restaurant. After lunch the group got coffee at Man met bril Koffie and everyone left very satisfied with delicious coffee and cheese cake. Man met bril Koffie is indeed a “coffee roaster in a hip place under a railroad viaduct.”
- School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
- Study Abroad
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Studies