On the third day of SketchCity 2025, students ventured into Rotterdam’s diverse urban landscapes, applying the Sketch&Draw method to delve into the city’s complexities. Guided by the week’s central theme — The Challenges of the Future Liveable City —participants explored interconnected topics: Urban Botany, Architecture and Urban Space, Movement Patterns, and Social Impact.

Urban Botany: Drawing Climate Adaptation Through Plants

In the city’s green spaces, students observed how vegetation narrates urban change. Sketching plants within their architectural contexts revealed their roles in climate resilience and public space transformation. This approach highlighted the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning.

Architecture and Urban Space: Observing Designed Environments

Students examined how architectural forms and materials influence public spaces. Through sketching, they assessed the inclusivity and functionality of various urban areas, considering how design affects social interactions and accessibility.

Movement Patterns: Tracing Urban Flows

By mapping the movement of people, animals, and water, participants identified patterns and disruptions in the city’s flow. Sketching these dynamics offered insights into urban mobility and the interplay between different modes of transportation and natural elements. 

Social Impact: Capturing Everyday Life

Focusing on the human element, students documented how daily activities and community interactions shape the cityscape. Their sketches reflected the social fabric of Rotterdam, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and participatory urban environments.

Through these thematic explorations, students used sketching as a tool for critical observation and creative inquiry, contributing to a deeper understanding of Rotterdam’s evolving urban identity.