RE-WIND LGBTQI+ ROTTERDAM
It was 2012 while Rem Koolhaas’s Vertical City was being completed at the Maas river’s waterfront in Rotterdam; I have started the documentation of one of the most surprising designs I have ever seen in public space so far. Designed by Superuse, the ReWind urban bench at Willemsplein recalls a beautiful statement: “think big act small.” The object consists of reused discarded-windmills’ blades while the concrete blocks are made of 90% of recycled concrete material from local demolitions.
While wind power has developed rapidly over the past years, many first-generation wind turbines’ economic life cycle is coming to an end. The latest research shows that, by 2050, we will face around 43 million tonnes of wind-turbine blade material waste worldwide.
On June 3rd, 2020, the blade-made object ReWind was placed back on Willemsplein, Rotterdam, with a strikingly colorful new look. Graphic designer and street painter David Louf a.k.a. Mr. June, made the design in collaboration with the Rotterdam group from the LGBTQI+ community and with the designer of ReWind, architect Césare Peeren.
SHORT DOCUMENTARY INFO
Written, filmed, and edited by Denis Guzzo.
Type and duration: short documentary 12 minutes including credits.
Languages: Dutch spoken | English subtitles.
With: Monique Marijnissen, Césare Peeren, David Louf, Marjolijn van der Meijden, Talitha Nöllen and Gert-Jan Verboom as representatives of the LHBTI comunity of Rotterdam.
Commissioned by: CBK Rdam | Marjolijn van der Meijden, BKOR program.
Subtitles translation: Tirsa With.
LGBTQI initiative
The citizen’s initiative for the monument for sexual and gender diversity received broad support from the city council since 2006. After a series of investigations and campaigns, Willemsplein proved to be the most suitable location.
Rewind has been repainted in June 2020 by Dutch artist and master muralist Mr. June [ David Louf ].
The short documentary, produced for Rotterdam’s Center of Visual Arts [CBK Rdam], aims to expose facts and feelings on how we can improve our cities and our community with the available ingredients; without exploiting new resources.
PROJECT information:
ReWind Design: Superuse Studios | Césare Peeren, Jos de Krieger, Frank Feder.
Client: Municipality of Rotterdam
Materials: 9 pieces x 6-meter discarded windmills’ blades, concrete with concrete granulate, paint.
LGBTQI Placemaking: Monique Marijnissen.
Repainted by: Mr June [ David Louf ].
ReWind Rotterdam NL | Design by Superuse | Photo © Denis Guzzo
