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Renderdam ⓘ

Lorenzo Quint

The rendered version of Rotterdam. A research project based on accessibility in and around the city. There are multiple thresholds in the provided interfaces that often limit the movements to either go from A to B or to get things done. In contrast, a lot of toxic positivity is found: "Rotterdam, make it happen." and "The city of tomorrow, we build today."
The futuristic image smooths out the struggles based on i.e. accessibility, disability and affordance. Renderdam consists of three Counter Moodboards, a Counter Planner and Counter Postcards.

BureauraticCareCreative license
This publication is free for fair use under the conditions that the reader takes into account sensitivities of this document are only used if the context is completely understood. Words may not be shuffled, however, they are open for free interpretation. Media literacy is important and therefore the information may not be pulled out of its contexts and nuances but reviewed from the source and the intentions. If the reader wants to do this, they are free to request approval of the writer of this thesis, keep in mind that responding time could take 6-8 weeks with possible extensions. If the reader does not understand the text because of difficult words, the reader is free to ask for clarity. Since information should be readable, shareable as we need to raise fundaments over knowledge gaps and a common understanding can be made.

Lorenzo Quint is a critical research artist analyzing online and offline behaviour and about access of both information and also other physical and digital interfaces and surfaces

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Work

    Counter Planner

    Based on known planner apps like Google Maps / 9292OV, Counter Planner gives the reader an advice based on experiences by me with my Brother and Mother. It shows the steps we need(ed) to go through when going from A to B, or to get things done. Whilst following the steps, it shows multiple scenarios that clash with the false optimism of 'Make It Happen'. The only thing you need to do, is to scroll down and follow the steps.

  • Visit the Counter Planner!

Counter Postcards

Six cards with on one side, a drawing and on the other side a fragmented description based on my research. Both sides say "Groeten uit Renderdam" (Greetings from Renderdam).

Counter Moodboards

Three Moodboards that are result of my research in defining what Renderdam is.

Counter Moodboard #1

Rotterdam is making it happen.. really slowly. In this moodboard, I look at processes of requesting and time. To modify a street based on access needs, to request social taxi, to apply for social benefits. It takes time and can influence our mindsets in the waiting process. The spaces where we need to go both virtual and physical blend into a virtual labyrinth where Kafka meets Escher. Even when online municipal interfaces are not working, they're still programmed to redirect to other pages / desks.

Counter Moodboard #2

The virtual futuristic images of the city remind me of pop culture references. Rotterdam3D is an interfaces that is based on 2D / height measures / birds eye views / maintenance of the streets like cables, pipelines, trees and lanterns. Based on data, Rotterdam3D is a virtual reality and 'Realtime Renderdam'. There is a first person pedestrian mode and night mode. This reminds me of both the game Cyberpunk 2077 and the Matrix / BLADERUNNER / AKIRA films. Instead of NeoTokyo, Renderdam is NeoRotterdam based on how location, maps and parks are shown.

Counter Moodboard #3

The city is filled with false virtual promises. The toxic positivity of "The City of Tomorrow" gives me the idea that it renders more people and elements out of the frame. Not only based on the wealthy dreamscapes. But also how these surreal postcard-like image renders out the previous icon already. Since the inhabitants of the 'markthal' (glorified foodhall that happens to be next to the market) were promised this same idea where they have the view of the Hoogstraat. It's not necessarily a pity party for the people living in this previous lie, it's more of an amplifier for the clear disdain from people annotating on the city banners showcasing the promise.