Rethinking Rooftops

International Knowledge Exchange programme

On June 2nd, 2023, Rotterdam Rooftop Days organised Rethinking Rooftops, a day of international knowledge exchange focused on the potential of rooftop space in urban areas. Professionals in architecture, urban design, construction and creative industries from the Netherlands and cities worldwide convened in Rotterdam to collectively envision the future of urban rooftops. Together we worked towards shaping a shared rooftop heritage while gaining new perspectives on our local narratives for rooftop use.

The festival’s annual knowledge program has been given a new name this year, emphasising the idea of utilising existing rooftops for new impulses in urban development. By shifting the perspective and rethinking the city from a rooftop vantage point, participants can explore new financial and policy stimuli to catalyse the reinvigoration of urban spaces. The programme brings together all domains involved in rooftop use, technological, ecological, legal, social, climate resilience and more.

New in this year’s programme

Returning visitors found a restructured programme offering tailor-made exchanges for different groups, ensuring each visitor found connection with their line of work. The programme featured new rooftop locations that are sure to stimulate the creative process, including a visit to the special project Bovenop Zuid, where six football pitches of rooftop space were transformed into an art park.

Look back at the Programme

Full afternoon programme

Look back at the full afternoon programme with keynotes from Mattijs van Ruijven, Ieke Benshop, Michael Hardman, Liesbeth van Heel and Anja Overdiek.

Keynote Indy Johar: designing futures in a new landscape of constraints and abundances

Full plenary programme
With speakers on systemic change, spearheading rooftop healing environments and radical greening of cities. Also all about the facts and figures you need to support your next rooftop conversation.

Excursions and workshops
When you joined for a full day programme you coud select one of our excursions and workshops about many different aspects of rooftop use.