Jordan Bamford and Prajwal Gaikwad

NORTHSILO

Student: Jordan Bamford and Prajwal Gaikwad

Title: Northsilo

Studio: MSc1 Dutch Change

Semester: Fall 2022

Abstract
Northsilo performs as the civic heart of the collective vision. Northsilo is four silos and a public square. Two silos, existing industrial relics, are repurposed. Another two silos are introduced within the existing footprint, taking formal ques from Dutch high-tech agricultural structures. Two separate programs are incorporated within the silo structures: an administrative centre and chamber of commons. Northsilo ‘Administrative Centre’ is strategically situated within the precinct to bring together contesting political stakeholders. The Rotterdam Port Authority, Rotterdam Municipal Council and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality currently represent often opposing agendas, operating within the same jurisdiction.

The project relocates these key agricultural stakeholders within one democratic workplace with the ambition to encourage diplomacy towards improved agricultural policy. Northsilo ‘Chamber of Commons’ defines the collective identity of the precinct. Oriented both locally and globally, the Chamber of Commons functions both as a space for the sharing of knowledge between the precinct, while simultaneously disseminating and influencing global agricultural trends. Northsilo is home to a new agricultural administrative centre in Rotterdam. The program proposes a relocation of key political stakeholders with the intention to improve collaboration between these often isolated institutions. Waalhaven is observed as a contested space, with separate political agencies often competing with opposing agendas. In order to ensure the productivity of the Northseed collective vision, policy and legislation regarding agricultural development must be efficient and effective.