Foodscape Schilderswijk,
Den Haag’s CPUF
September 8, 2009
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A scenario for planting espallier-style fruit trees in the Schilderswijk. Illustration by Jacques Abelman.
As part of STROOM Den Haag’s (Centre for Art and Architecture) multi-year programme FOODPRINT, I have been commissioned to design a foodscape. Actually I am designing a Continuous Productive Urban Foodscape, or CPUF, a spinoff acronym based on colleagues Bohn & Viljoen Architect’s CPUL, in which the ‘L’ word is landscape. Foodscape Schilderswijk explores the potential for integrating urban agriculture (UA) into existing social and green infrastructure in this Den Haag burrough. Unique to this project is an aesthetic, permaculture approach to cultivation design utilizing vertical and interstitial spaces as a place where fruit and vegetables can be grown, and befitting the overall design of the public domain. Most importantly I am collaborating with existing social infrastructure such as schools, community centres, and other municipal agencies. The local partners will be powerful agents in the design process.
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A hand drawn chalkboard map of the Schilderswijk burrough. Jacques and I used permanent markers, exhibition visitors filled in suggestions to the planning in chalk.
The project presupposes local commitment to knitting UA and adjacent infrastructures both social and green into one coherent plan. This means implementing a spatially contiguous scenario into which primarily existing facilities, activities, programming, and platforms for (food-related) cultural content are connected to diverse forms of edible landscape architecture. Baby Bakeries, DIY Oven Museums made by school children, Roti Lounges for the so-called ‘idle youth’ or maybe even their mums, and Free Kitchens are just as much a part of the Foodscape as Herb Lawns, Salade Façades, Espalier fruit fences and Pumpkin Tunnels.
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An over-the-top-scenario for planting an herbal groundcover in a de-paved pedestrian zone. Illustration by Jacques Abelman.
Once implemented these components will connect the Schilderswijk’s dots of green and brown, and include stainless steel, cast iron and community initiatives as part of the Foodscape plan. This project is currently ending its research phase and entering the ‘let’s see which local partners want to get married’-phase. With the help of these partners, I hope to complete the initial design in November 2009.
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Map detail of the ‘first marriage’, an espallier-style fruit orchard in a collective garden.
A permanent feature of many cities in developing countries, UA?s biggest challenge in Northern European cities like Den Haag will be its integration into civic planning and infrastructure such that city dwellers can access its benefits. UA?s second biggest challenge will be to sow and grow it?s own cultural heritage that enables it to forge a sumptuously visual identity resplendent with vital programming and content relevant to existing (and future) Den Haag communities.STROOM Den Haag Centre for Art and Architecture programme for FOODPRINT, about building sustainable food production in the Den Haag.
Culiblog review of Bohn & Viljoen Architects book CPUL, COntinuous Productive Urban Landscapes
debra at 20:21 | | post to del.icio.us
Wow !!! This is great. There is no place for wasted space in a city and this is the best use . A low maintenance garden and edible.
Comment by Jeff Pool — September 13, 2009 @ 20:32
Hi Debra,
great idea to use the chalk board with permanent markers, makes it really beautiful and clear. I hope we will do some work with the group in this place.
Greetings
Pascal
Comment by Pascal — December 15, 2009 @ 22:53