Every year, the city of Rotterdam hosts an event called “Daken Dagen“, which may be translated as “Rooftop days”. During two weekends, many of the city’s rooftops are open to public visitation. They host a variety of events, such as exhibitions, performances, art installations and concerts.
In the 2026 edition, one of the events was “Walk the Block”, where visitors could walk on the roofs of the Schiekadeblok, a block near the railway line that is home to a variety of creative spaces, ranging from design and architecture studios to bars, restaurants and nightclubs. For the event, a metal walkway with a yellow carpet was built, linking the 12 rooftops from the block.
Along the walkway, information boards were installed which told the story and everyday uses of the Schiekadeblok’s rooftops. In addition, some panels informed about the new developments arising in Rotterdam’s landscape. This is the case with Hofplein + Rise, a three towers complex that will include 1,500 new residential units. To make way for its construction, which is due to begin in 2027, an existing apartment block will be demolished – the Pompenburg apartment block. This is a project by Carel Weeber, comprising 226 social housing units. The decision to demolish the existing building has sparked controversy and led to protests from local residents. You can read more about it through this article.
The walkway also included some sections of the Luchtsingel, a footbridge designed by the architectural firm ZUS (Zones Urbaines Sensibles). Opened in 2015, its construction was partly finances through crowdfunding. The names of the organisations and individuals who contributed to it were engraved on the yellow planks that make up the footbridge. Since 2024, demolition of the footbridge has been underway due to deterioration. The municipality has announced that a new Luchtsingel will be built in the future.
During my first week in Rotterdam, I attended a lecture at the Independent School for the City, which at the time was based in one of the buildings in the Schiekadeblok. That evening, we were told that this was the school’s final event at the venue, as the building was due to be demolished in the near future. In other words, the 2026 edition of ‘Daken Dagen’ provided one of the last opportunities to walk on the rooftops of buildings that are soon to be demolished to make way for a new hotel.
In addition to the hotel, a new development called “The Bluezone Offices” is to be built, a project by MVRDV. Covering 47,000 square metres and comprising offices, event spaces and restaurants, the complex designed by MVRDV features colourful façades divided into four sections. Its location at the northern end of the block is adjacent to the railway line, closing off the open block and contributing to an increased density in the area. Learn more about the project here.
The exit from “Walk the Block” was through a building at the western end, which will also be demolished. The internal staircase was therefore taken over by interventions by graffiti artists, a collaboration between “Daken Dagen” and “All caps”, another art event in Rotterdam. The artists who painted the walls paid tribute to people who have worked here and highlighted the importance of the Schiekadeblok in Rotterdam’s history.
In addition to “All Caps”, “Daken Dagen” partners with other events from the city, such as the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). Together, they organized open-air film screening on one of the rooftops featured in the programme.
Amidst demolition and new developments, “Daken Dagen” offers a fresh and unique perspective on the city. By showcasing the city’s upcoming projects, visitors gain an insight into its ever changing landscape. It is an event that encourages reflection on urban dynamics, whilst also exploring how we can make better use of our rooftops – spaces that are underused but hold great potential.
