The Green Courtyard

Client: Woonstad Rotterdam

Location: Rotterdam - Rechthuislaan

Status: Realized

Studio NousNous is committed to reshaping urban environments by integrating nature with architectural design. Our recent project for Woonstad Rotterdam, the Green Courtyard at Rechthuislaan-Tolhuislaan, exemplifies this commitment.

Resident participation was crucial throughout the project. We held three interactive sessions, enabling tenants to express their desires and jointly create the courtyard design. We used drawings, idea generation, and VR technology to ensure an engaging and collaborative design journey.

Our plan prioritizes accessibility and togetherness, steering clear of secluded or poorly lit areas to encourage social interaction. The courtyard serves as a flexible green area, suitable for both individual pursuits like reading and group activities.

Tenants' specific requests, including a fruit tree and spacious shared seating, motivated us to develop multipurpose features. We designed a six-sided movable bench with a built-in, mobile tree planter, optimizing space usage.

To enhance wildlife diversity, we incorporated elements such as a wooden barrier with bug homes and seating made from recycled tree trunks. The courtyard's plants mix vibrant central flora with varied green tones along the perimeter, improving the nature-connected experience by offering a sense of shelter and intrigue.

Our step-by-step design approach, working closely with Woonstad Rotterdam and residents, produced a tailored, well-liked shared courtyard. Several tenants even enlarged the communal area by adding their private garden spaces. After they have had seen the design concept and sketches in the second participation session with the residents.

At Studio NousNous, we're enthusiastic about transforming spaces through nature-inspired design, building healthier, more unified environments.