Stefanie Essaadi and Emma Kibel study at Erasmus University College (EUC) and together with the municipality of Rotterdam made a plan to green the paved square next to EUC, in the middle of the city. They won the Sustainability Award 2024 with this initiative.
The idea for the garden originated in the Sustainability Committee (Sus Co) of EUC's student union. This committee prepared a list of opportunities for sustainability to the EUC's administrators. One of the ideas on this list was to green the area around the building on Nieuwemarkt, near Pannekoekstraat, which houses University College. But because the building and surrounding space are owned by the municipality, the plan did not find instant acclaim.
Stefanie then decided to take matters into her own hands and contacted the Rotterdam municipality. Without too high expectations and partly out of frustration, she sent her message. To her surprise, she got a response after a few weeks. She was called by someone from Area Development, asking if she already had a concrete plan for the square. Stefanie replied, ‘I'll come back to that,’ and then enlisted others to come up with such a plan together.
A visually appealing plan
Emma, a fellow student of Stefanie's who also studies at the Willem de Kooning Academy, started working on a design with initial assistance from Tana Klizner Landscape Architects. Emma’s creative background and expertise in design proved crucial in shaping a convincing and visually appealing plan.
The designs clearly show the students' goal: to transform the barren square next to Erasmus University College into a green urban park that is not only beautiful, but also functionally contributes to a more sustainable urban environment. This new design includes planting native trees and plants and creating green meeting places whilst improving water management.
Emma expressed: ‘In this project, we have reimagined what this empty brick square could become. I am excited to see both students and neighborhood residents ‘reclaim’ and inhabit this space. I hope that the garden can offer a moment of stillness, awareness, and connection; with one another and with nature.’
Cooperation
The success of the project is partly due to the close cooperation with the municipality of Rotterdam. The municipality brought the students into contact with the area's shopkeepers' association. The shopkeepers were immediately enthusiastic and also had some of their own experiences and goals to contribute. Stefanie: ‘For them, it is important that the area is attractive for shoppers. For example; they themselves have already provided picnic benches near the shops so that people have a bit more space to sit down between shopping, eat something outside, talk to each other. Our garden also contributes to that.’
The municipality will take care of purchasing the plants and the construction of the garden. Later, they will also provide the major maintenance of the garden twice a year, keeping the park in optimal condition. The students of the still-to-be-formed Garden Committee (GardenCo) will take care of weekly maintenance, including weeding and cleaning the area. This involvement will ensure that the garden is not only landscaped but also kept in good repair, which is essential for the sustainability of the project.
Stefanie is part of the Sus Co of Erasmus University College's student union. This committee organises events and educates people to show how diverse sustainable thinking and action can be. ‘But it was nice to take action with this committee in addition to organising activities,’ says Stefanie.
Prize money
The students are going to use the prize money for the maintenance of the project, including the purchasing of tools. In addition, they will use it to start the GardenCo.
Emma: ‘I am deeply honoured to receive this prize. This project holds great significance for me on social, ecological, and personal levels. Creating safe public spaces is essential for transforming and enhancing urban life.’ Beyond the environmental benefits of green spaces—such as mitigating the heat island effect and improving climate resilience—Emma is excited to enable moments of connecting with nature in the heart of the city. ‘I hope this garden serves as an opportunity for people to recognize the diverse species around them and to understand that we, too, are a part of the urban ecosystem.’
At the moment, Emma’s plan and design is complete, alongside choosing the individual site-specific plant species. We now await the construction and implementation of the project. Stefanie: ‘We hope to start construction in the next few months so that we can be ready for the next planting season and have the plants blooming in spring!’
Photo: Ellen van Schoten hands over the Sustainabilty Award to Stefanie Essaadi and Emma Kibel
Festive Award Ceremony
The presentation of the Erasmus Sustainability Award 2024 took place during the Opening of the Academic Year on Monday 2 September. The award was presented by Ellen van Schoten, member of the Executive Board. One of her portfolios is sustainability. Van Schoten: ‘EUC Garden increases the city's climate adaptive capacity, contributes to improving the mental health of its residents and has a positive effect on the diversity of plants and animals in Rotterdam. The project is a perfect example of students making social impact in collaboration with the municipality, local entrepreneurs and teachers. The winners understand the art of connecting!’.
About the Sustainability Award
The Sustainability Award is awarded to an individual or group that makes a positive contribution to Erasmus University Rotterdam with the best existing or new sustainability initiative. The award has a cash value of up to €5,000, to be invested in the initiative, plus a certificate of appreciation. The award is presented annually during the Opening Academic Year.
Read more
- More information
Questions?
Get in touch with Marjolein Kooistra, communications officer at ESSB through email or through 06 83676038.- Related content
