This research emerges from generative design, situated within my perspective as a fourth-year international student in Rotterdam. I engage with computational methods to capture and materialize hyperlocal, lived knowledge of place—the insider perspectives, local peculiarities, and cultural moments that exist outside dominant narratives of the city. The project investigates Rotterdam's gedogen culture (pragmatic tolerance and embrace of paradox) and how generative tools can democratize the documentation and expression of situated knowledge.
How can generative tools capture the situated knowledge of a place?
The fieldtrip constitutes ethnographic fieldwork throughout Rotterdam, comprising photographic documentation of urban moments, casual conversations with international students and locals to gather perspectives on what defines Rotterdam, and site visits to locations embodying the city's character. A key component includes a scheduled interview at Schorem Barbier during a haircut—an informal conversation about local culture and the gedogen philosophy that shapes Rotterdam's identity.
Gaute Aase Tenold- Senior Graphic Designer, Norway
Former WdKA exchange student (20+ years ago). Will provide historical perspective on Rotterdam's transformation and technical guidance on clay 3D printing processes.
Lewis Beedham - Creative Technologist, Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam
Created a generative project for Amsterdam's 750th anniversary. Will offer insight into precedents for using generative tools to capture urban identity and participatory place-making methodologies.
Daan Dominic - 3D Artist/Art Director
Expertise in generative modeling workflows and image-to-3D pipelines. Will advise on technical implementation and aesthetic considerations for computational form-making.
Schorem Barbier representative
Local perspective on Rotterdam's gedogen culture, street-level observations, and what makes the city distinct from an embedded resident viewpoint.
A web-based interface enabling users to generate their own interpretation of Rotterdam through text prompts. The system employs: