New Garden
Just Hanging Out
_Just Hanging Out _investigates public space in Rotterdam, with a focus on the New Garden.
Just Hanging Out, AFARAI, 2019.
Hanging out in public space is framed by a spatial and cultural perspective in _Just Hanging Out. _Taking thinking about ownership as its starting point, it considers the value of 'free' public places, and how the presence of 'others' has an impact on the experience of, and access to, public space.
At the invitation of Het Nieuwe Instituut, architects Afaina de Jong and Zaira Pourier (AFARAI) researched the wide-ranging uses of the New Garden, with the goal of reinforcing its value by making these visible. Over a few weeks they hung out, organised a series of public events, talked to garden visitors and regulars and discovered the specific qualities of the place. The architects captured their research in a short film, which can be watched below.
Hangouts
In the summer of 2019, six hosts played a central role in the programme of The New Garden. The hangouts are organized around a daytime barbecue and will attract new visitors from the hosts' own networks as well as appealing to current garden regulars.
Just Hanging Out #1
Maher al Sabbagh
Thursday 11 July
Just Hanging Out #2
Manuela Goncalves Tavares
Friday 9 August
Just Hanging Out #3
Hunna Blockparty Talents
Saturday 17 August
Just Hanging Out #4
Charlie Koolhaas
Thursday 22 August
Just Hanging Out #5
Festival Magia
Saturday 24 August
Just Hanging Out #6
Malique Mohamud & Concrete Blossom
Sunday 25 August