Benthemplein

The city of Rotterdam is unique in a position of being below the sea-level, as well as its high potential of being flooded. Rotterdam has a high number of rainfall, as well as being highly urbanised in the dutch delta makes the city vulnerable without much natural relief system for peaks in waterfall. One solution to manage this storm water runoff is the Benthemplein, located in the city centre which is an innovative project functioning as a children’s park during dry times and collecting water during rainstorms. This park can contain up to 1.7 million litres of water from surrounding rooftops as well as paced surfaces, then slowly it releases the runoff into the groundwater to the  canal system.  The sunken areas of the park can become deep pools of water during extreme rainfall which gives the square a different character. The development of the project itself included participatory planning with local residents and students and teachers from adjacent schools. This design helps the city become more resilient and engages the community to become more sustainable.