Work is well on its way for the 5th IABR: Making City

The planning for the concept is done, the model on its way; West 8 is set to participate in the upcoming 5^th International Architectural Biennale Rotterdam (IABR), showing the distinctive landscape of the Dutch Metropolis.

The IABR is set to open on the 20^th of April, 2012. This Bienniale’s theme is Making City which explores the making of tomorrow’s city and the role of the designer in this process. With continuous urbanisation, design will play a crucial role in dealing with political, socio-economical and ecological challenges. Although architecture is viewed as the starting point of events and activities, it should always be considered in relation to political, cultural and sociological perspectives.

The value of the Dutch Metropolis is its unique layout of cities and the variety of landscapes in between, which sets it apart from other metropolises such as London, New York and Paris. This particular layout is as important to the Dutch identity as the Alps are to the Suisse.

West 8 decided to represent the qualities of the Metropolis landscape by showing several levels of identity city dwellers can relate to, both mentally and physically. These range from accessible water systems, to cultural heritage and modern monumental landscapes. The quality of the city is determined by its relation with this highly-regarded layered structure. Even for those residing in a tenth floor apartment in the city centre, there still is access to the horizon.

During the IABR West 8 will show these qualities stacked up like the Alps, thus reinforcing the Dutch identity.

For the full programme of the IABR, please see www.iabr.nl.