Opening Water Cities Rotterdam. By Kunlé Adeyemi
Join us on 13 May 2023 for the opening of Water Cities Rotterdam. By Kunlé Adeyemi. Glide onto the floating installations in the ponds outside the Nieuwe Instituut and be inspired: how might we live together with – and on – the rising water?
13 May 2023 17:00 - 20:00
Programme
- 7.30 pm Official opening by Said Kasmi, Rotterdam’s Alderman for Education, Culture and Events, followed by a talk with architect Kunlé Adeyemi.
- 8 pm Ritual wassi by Trippy Goddess, followed by dancers Brandon Gravenberch & Virgilciano in a piece about the complex love-hate relationship between humans and the sea. With music by composer Phantom Wizard.
Waters Cities Rotterdam
In Water Cities Rotterdam, the Nieuwe Instituut collaborates with Amsterdam-based Nigerian architect Kunlé Adeyemi (NLÉ) to create a testing ground for possible local responses to a global climate problem.
Adeyemi has been researching the effects of rapid urbanisation combined with rising water levels in African cities for more than a decade. Based on this, he developed MFS IIR - Water City Rotterdam, an installation of floating pavilions that brings his ideas to the ponds of the Nieuwe Instituut while, in collaboration with artist Thijs de Zeeuw, enhancing the latter’s biodiversity. Graphic artists Opperclaes are responsible for the special cladding.
Expanding on the theme, the exhibition also features precedents from the National Collection for Dutch Architecture and Urban Planning, alongside projects by contemporary practitioners and a specially commissioned installation by artist Shertise Solano. Together, they explore the possibilities of living and designing on—and with—water, from the past and into the present and future.
Notes x Nieuwe Instituut
From 10.30 pm, the Nieuwe Instituut is organising a club evening in collaboration with Notes. The joint Opening Night Water Cities Rotterdam transports visitors to Lagos, and the sounds and rhythms of Afropop, Amapiano and Afrobeats. Book now!