Roof Garden Arnhem, somewhere sustainable for summer.

An unusual spot to spend your free time. Starting back in 2011, the Roof Garden Arnhem turns into the city’s summer hotspot – a cultural, creative and entertainment hub based on sustainability.



How can famous non-places in cities be positively exploited and used to create added value for the community? Three Dutch creative artists – Willem Hofstede, Yossen Dekker and Maarten van der Wolf – united by their deep love for Arnhem, decided that their city was full of the potential to answer this question. So in Summer 2011, they created the Roof Garden Arnhem on top of one of the city’s parking complexes.





With the help of volunteers they turned the concrete building’s roof into a real garden. The Roof Garden Arnhem has solar panels to produce the energy it needs to run and the furniture is made from old wooden pallets. Roof Garden also serves food, some of which is grown right there on the spot. 





Roof Garden Arnhem was inspired by London’s Dalston Roof Park and its creators wanted to come up with something original, a place to chill out, an escape from routine without having to travel outside the city. This project is for the local community which has also been involved in the many initiatives proposed, including concerts, art shows and even a “silent disco”. Their idea can also be adapted in other cities, by appropriating one of the many non-places and turning it into a creative and cultural hub. Hmmm, not a bad idea at all, a great example to follow.



(Christiane Bürklein)

Project: Willem Hofstede, Yossen Dekker and Maarten van der Wolf
Locations: Arnhem, The Netherlands
Year: since 2011
Link: http://www.roofgardenarnhem.nl/
Images © Masha Bakker