Instagramming Architecture

How well can you tell the story of a place through Instagram? We gave it a shot, as part of our role as critics-in-residence at the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam 2016. It became a week-long takeover of the biennale’s Instagram account, in which we delved into the local context of this year’s IABR venue, right on Rotterdam’s urban frontier.

We tried to use an aestheticising medium to provide essential contextualisation: Instagram’s glorification of reality and its hashtag ecology can ideally help us reach new audiences for our perspectives on architecture. Architecture is by nature, and especially in today’s visual culture, perfect for shortsighted broadcasting.

As the posts mention however, we tried to show Katendrecht’s architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time; for the occasion through a pretty superficial medium. So yes, we also used juicy imagery to invite people to read our Insta-reflections on the area’s rich history, power dynamics, and urban evolution, as well as the more general cultures and politics of the city.

The following 15 Instagram posts trace the development of Katendrecht from its early days into the future and at the same time read as a micro-expression of Dutch planning history.

@iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles, by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. -- Katendrecht was originally a small village just a short boat trip away from Rotterdam, and a popular summer retreat for the city’s well-to-do. With the construction of new docks in the early 20th century, the village was largely demolished and suddenly found itself on a peninsula surrounded by all kinds of harbour-related activities. Katendrecht quickly turned into a classic example of an isolated harbour quarter, filled with sailors, migrants and sex workers. Nowadays, there is not much left of this past, although a renovated housing block in the Atjehstraat now sports a historical photo of what Katendrecht looked like in the past. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #history #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily @iabr2016

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 23, 2016 at 5:36am PDT

In the 70s, the first plans were drafted to transform the industrial and prostitution-ridden Katendrecht into a proper residential area. Low quality structures were demolished and replaced with new housing projects, such as the Tolhuispoort (1979). Filled with small, affordable units, this project originally featured a large gate-building in the middle of the street. It was demolished after repeated complaints about vandalism, resulting in what’s currently a rather wide street. Some of Katendrecht’s industrial and harbour-related activities are still operating however, such as the animal fodder factory at the end of this street, next to Fenixloods II, the IABR-2016 venue. -- Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #brutalism #concrete #postmodernism #townhouse #renewal #housing #socialhousing @iabr2016

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 23, 2016 at 7:55am PDT

As part of the urban renewal of Katendrecht in the 70s and the 80s, various large warehouses, among others used for fruit storage, were demolished for the first major housing project on the peninsula. The ‘Citex’ estate (1984) consisted of 278 social housing units and a large green space on the Maas river. In those years, it was still perfectly acceptable to construct a blind wall directly on the waterfront, sporting just a few entrance doors to the estate’s storage spaces. -- Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #riverfront #waterfront #housing #door #facade @iabr2016

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 23, 2016 at 8:44am PDT

Modernism never hit Katendrecht, as other parts of Rotterdam were the focal points of urban development in the first decades after WWII. Instead, Katendrecht only experienced the Dutch response to modernism, the more sensible urban renewal of the 70s and 80s. If concrete mahnifested modernism, renewal was represented by Trespa. The high-pressure laminate boards were cheap and durable, used abundantly in the construction and renovation of social housing. A typical Rotterdam phenomenon is densification through the topping-up of social housing in the 70s and 80s, using, of course, Trespa! -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #trespa #topup #modernism #townhouse #facade #lookup #igersrotterdam #construction #building #design

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 24, 2016 at 12:16am PDT

In the early 2000s, more former warehouses and redundant industrial buildings were demolished to make way for the ‘Katendrechtse Hoofd’ extension. With new ideas on urban development now in vigour, all 116 units were sold on the free market (instead of controlled rent), provided with direct access to a subterranean parking and blessed with sweeping views over the Maas river. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily#design #publicspace #housing #home #waterfront #view #facade #skyscraper #igersrotterdam

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 24, 2016 at 7:11am PDT

BIY! 'Zelfbouw', self-builds, build-it-yourself. Is this the more urban answer to generic large scale real estate development? Or is it a suburbanisation of the city, with 21st century micro equivalents of suburban catalogue McMansions compressed onto neat middle class blocks? And what does 'zelfbouw' structurally contribute to the housing stock, besides a nice custom fashion for well-off urbanites? -- (bonus feature: Rapid Electric Kindergarten Transport) -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #design #zelfbouw #diy #suburban #suburbia #urban #city #kindergarten #segway #facade #door #window #home #decoration #fashion #style #postmodern #postmodernarchitecture #thetriumphofpostmodernism #igersrotterdam

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 25, 2016 at 4:56am PDT

Another current hit is austere historicising architecture. Post-PoMo townhouses; neo-brick without the irony. On Katendrecht, you find hundreds of homes in this style from the early 2000s, repetitively laid out with minor deviations for a sense of individuality. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #brick #design #austerity #fashion #style #vwpolo #postmodern #neocon #pattern #repetition #door #facade #architexture

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 25, 2016 at 6:51am PDT

While more post-pomo housing blocks from the late noughties can be found further along the quay, one plot was left empty and will be filled with housing at a later stage. For now, locals (funded by a major Dutch NGO) have initiated a wild, temporary playground, with a recycled barge as its main feature. In the background, a hardware store and Rotterdam’s hesitant skyline. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #boat #ship #modernism #postmodernarchitecture #skyline #hardware #playground #design #popup #igersrotterdam

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 27, 2016 at 12:30am PDT

Despite Katendrecht’s steady transformation over the course of a few decades, some remnants of the neighborhood’s remarkable history can still be found. A single casino and a back street with workshops, warehouses and car mechanics, now overlooked by Rem Koolhaas’ retromodernist addition to the city's skyline. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #modernism #postmodernism #brutalism #concrete #igersrotterdam #casino #koolhaas #history #view #neon #skyline #design #street #lasvegas

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 27, 2016 at 12:43am PDT

De Driehoek is a characteristic, triangular housing block built around 1903 for the workers of the nearby docks. Despite a thorough renovation in the early 80s, the block was in need of another upgrade just a few years ago. Most of the sitting tenants were removed and half of the block was demolished and rebuilt. The other half was kept and collectively redeveloped by a group of prospective homeowners into multiple ‘klushuizen’ (do-it-yourself homes), some of them with a size of 400m2. The courtyard once featured an elementary school and is now a collective garden for the inhabitants of the block. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #housing #home #brick #diy #design #garden #flatiron #bird #igersrotterdam

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 27, 2016 at 1:08pm PDT

Built in 1884-94 as Bellevue but renamed Restaurant Belvédère in 1915, this building was a national jazz hotspot from the 1930s into WWII (then called ‘Negropalace Belvédère’). Afterwards it served as a cinema, a magicians theatre, a wrestling arena and a nightclub. It was slated for demolition since 1978. However, over the past decade it has re-emerged as a community venue. In 2009 it was largely destroyed by a fire but restored and run through joint effort from then on. Now called Verhalenhuis (Story House) Belvédère, it is a place for meeting, food, storytelling, and exhibition, all very locally rooted and promoting diversity. It calls itself a ‘home for immaterial heritage’. Not only is it a valuable piece of social infrastructure, Verhalenhuis Belvédère is also a stronghold in a wave of gentrification. The organisation managed to fight off real estate plans for fancy apartments by acquiring the building through an ingenious financial setup (based on crowdfunding and fiscally lucrative bonds). -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #history #monument #heritage #story #ww2 #jazz #theatre #nightclub #club #clubsocial #gentrification

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 27, 2016 at 1:09pm PDT

‘Creative, Culinary & Cultural’. These magical three C’s were at the heart of the redevelopment of ‘Deliplein’, Katendrecht’s small, centrally located square. In 2005, a long-term renovation of buildings as well as the square’s public space was initiated. The ‘dakdozen’ (‘rooftop boxes’ - the trespa top-ups we mentioned before) were replaced by stylish retreating roof systems and the boarded-up rental homes thoroughly renovated and sold on the market. The most remarkable aspect of the square’s renaissance was the successful attempt to attract ‘cool’ shops and restaurants, turning a neighborhood that was seen as quite problematic a few years back into a major destination in the city. A promotional bit of orange tape featuring the text ‘IABR-2016-The Next Economy’ has temporarily been added to the facades of many of the new, fancy stores, but has, interestingly, not been observed on the older and less fancy stores so far. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #design #coffee #fashion #vintage #cafe #shopping #igersrotterdam #restaurant #hipster #urbanism #creative #culinary #cultural #lekker

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 28, 2016 at 2:49am PDT

Looking at Rotterdam’s 1990s newness from Katendrecht’s ’Fenix Food Factory’, the heart of the city’s 2010s urban frontier. Although Bigness is a product of the 90s, most of the viagrarchitecture on Kop van Zuid was only completed after 2000. The new real estate frontline and its accompanied urbanism on Katendrecht is largely characterised by cultural, pop-up and artisanal functions, and of course food; the yupster vibe upping local cultural value, serving as lubricant for real estate business (particularly the lofty apartments that will soon hit the market). However, the developer Heijmans says it wants to give space for some of the current users in the redevelopment plans (such as Circus Rotjeknor, Fenix Food Factory and Codarts University of the Arts). Let’s see what happens - we’ll revisit in a few years time. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #skyline #skyscraper #modernism #hipster #bottomup #popup #fashion #apartment #home #decoration #igersrotterdam #loft #creative #design #vintage #food #brewery #beer #urbanism @fenixfood

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 28, 2016 at 4:34am PDT

The northern waterfront of Katendrecht (or “De Kaap” as it is branded) is today’s hotspot, in terms of go-to places and activities, as well as for its real estate investment potential. For some years now, the two colossal warehouses (Fenixloods I and II) have been activated with pop-up activities, startups and cultural gigs. IABR–2016 is currently happening in Fenixloods II, while warehouse number one has recently been stripped to its concrete bones - its redevelopment now in full swing. The area’s branding campaign (translating into “Can you handle De Kaap?”) is run by the municipality’s real estate guys. They've put up a big banner in front of the carcass showing what’s poppin’ these months, with IABR–2016 in a dubious line-up next to a 📻 vintage market, a 🍻 brewers festival and a 🍰 cheesecake festival. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #concrete #advertising #marketing #branding #vintage #cheesecake #beer #brewery #design #hipster #skyline #skyscraper #fashion #apartment #house #home #warehouse #ruins

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 28, 2016 at 10:37am PDT

“Illustrious, adventurous and innovative. That's Katendrecht. You now have the opportunity to live in a new building with the atmosphere of yesteryear”, boasts to the promotional website of the ‘Kaapvaarder’ future development on Katendrecht. Full historicist architecture and lifestyle for true believers with beards, and wallets. -- @iabr2016 Instagram takeover by @failedarchitecture: this week we’re exploring Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #hipster #urbanism #beard #barber #sailor #postmodern #brick #townhouse #construction #concrete #design #fashion #vintage #ruins #branding #marketing #advertising

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 29, 2016 at 3:13am PDT

After a decade of carefully inseminating Katendrecht with ‘creative, culinary and cultural’ micro-urbanism, now it’s time to cash. The old ‘Fenixloodsen’ warehouses on Katendrecht’s northern shores will be topped up with large chunks of real estate. The construction of these new ‘Fenixlofts’ has already started on Fenixloods I, and a branding campaign relying heavily on Katendrecht’s hipsterland amenities is paving the way for record sales. Developer @heijmansnl will be eager to do a similar trick on top of Fenixloods II, the venue of the IABR–2016. Inhabitants of the adjacent Deliplein have already vocalized their concerns about the arrival of Bigness on the peninsula, but in vain: Katendrecht has been in constant transformation since it was a sleepy village more than a century ago. -- This is the last post of @failedarchitecture’s Instagram takeover of @iabr2016. We’ve explored Rotterdam’s Katendrecht area (the spatial context of IABR–2016), examining this illustrious neighborhood from different angles by looking at its architecture not as design objects but as social, political and cultural signifiers in time. We hope to have given you some fresh perspectives, and we do recommend paying a visit to IABR-2016 and Katendrecht (beyond its most obvious destinations of course). Yours critically, @markminkjan & @rene_boer_ ✌🏼️ -- #katendrecht #rotterdam #iabr #iabr2016 #architecture #cities #architecturelovers #citylovers #cityscape #realestate #archidaily #fashion #render #rendering #advertising #investment #branding #design #apartment #home #house #construction #building #utopia #dream #facade

A post shared by Failed Architecture (@failedarch) on Jun 29, 2016 at 6:02am PDT

This article was produced as part of Mark Minkjan and René Boer’s position as ‘critics-in-residence’ during the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam 2016.

Wednesday 29 June 2016 / Architected Stuff / Future Failure / Space Battle

René Boer and Mark Minkjan

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