As circular practices need to scale up, the question is no longer if we reuse materials, but where and how. A material wharf is more than a storage space; it is a place that connects supply and demand, and one that requires clear ownership and access. This meet-up focuses on how to make more material wharfs happen in the future.

About the meet-up

From 3 June onwards, the Test Site Materialenwerf in the Keilekwartier M4H area will be at the centre of the Rotterdam Architecture Month 2026. On this plot, multiple material case studies demonstrate how we can build differently. But for reuse to work at a larger scale, more spaces like this are needed. This meet-up explores what that requires, building on the European research of PREUSE.

A few people working on this from different angles will share their experiences, after which we open up the conversation to all participants. Central questions are:

• What does a well-functioning material wharf actually need, in terms of space, people and organisation?
• Who owns and finances material wharfs?
• How can public administrations put the right infrastructure in place for material wharfs?

This session will be in English.

Practical details

• Location: Test Site Materialenwerf, Keilewerf, Rotterdam
• Walk-in: 13:30
• Meet-up: 14:00 – 16:30 uur
• Drinks: 16:30 – 17:30 uur

If you would like to attend, please get in touch with Teus Hagen via t.hagen@airrotterdam.eu.

Panel members

• Zerm Le Parpaing
• Vicky Kooman (Buurman)
• Estelle Barriol (Studio ACTE)
• Rotterdam Circulair

Photo: Paul Swagerman