In this era of climate crisis, we face acute challenges such as land subsidence, water safety, extreme precipitation, heat, and drought. Water represents the most challenging and complex risk facing humanity: there is too much of it, too little of it, or it is too polluted. More than 80% of all emergencies and disasters caused by climate change are water-related: floods and droughts, pollution and water conflicts, rapid urbanization, the growing demand for food and energy, migration, and climate change. These challenges form the basis of the new exhibition *WaterReflections*, which opens on June 15 at the Cuypershuis.
The exhibition presents the house across three distinct eras: the house as a workshop during the time of architect Pierre Cuypers; the house as a functional machine for living in the modernist era of the mid-20th century; and a WaterSchool house as a landscape for living, learning, and working together. Everyday objects by contemporary artists and designers demonstrate how, through the use of new bio-based materials and small-scale local production, these can lead to a new way of living together.
The selected examples represent a sustainable, circular, and self-healing learning environment designed to address today’s ecological challenges and demonstrate that it is possible to develop a new culture.
Cuypershuis
The Cuypershuis, located in the former home and workshops of architect Pierre Cuypers, presents an overview of his life and work. By telling stories from various perspectives and disciplines, the Cuypershuis places his body of thought in a contemporary context. The rotating programs, exhibitions, and other substantive activities address current events and socially relevant issues. In doing so, they explore the role designers can play in solving current problems and envisioning the future.
Studio Makkink & Bey
Studio Makkink & Bey—curator and designer of the exhibition—is a multidisciplinary design firm based in Rotterdam’s M4H makers’ district. It was founded in 2002 by architect and designer Rianne Makkink and designer Jurgen Bey. With design as their overarching discipline, they approach issues through educational and design-based research.
The studio is known for its innovative design strategy: by starting with the construction of a narrative based on what already exists and then continually zooming in and out—from the small to the large and from cause to effect—they establish connections that reveal the potential of a landscape, building, or product.
Throughout the exhibition, there will be a complementary program featuring lectures, workshops, and encounters between visitors, artists, and designers.
Photo: WaterSchool - Studio Makkink & Bey