Date: Sunday, 13 July 2025
Start: 13:00h CET
Duration: +/- 2 hours
Starting Point: Varia, Gouwstraat 3 (3082 BA Rotterdam)

Get to know the common dirt of Charlois: from the neglected patches of earth around the plane trees to the communally managed facade gardens. On the 13th of July, we will present a map that takes you along some of the most fascinating pieces of urban nature that the district has to offer; from the Arie Berkelaarpad to the Kromme Zandweg and beyond. Together we will look at how nature finds its way between buildings and pavement. Let’s go for a walk!

On Sunday, July 13th, at 1 pm we will present the Common Dirt Map, a brand new walking map for Charlois that focuses on its urban nature. The map will be festively launched at Varia with tea, coffee, reine claude and cake. The original woodcuts from the map will also be on display. After a introduction and the presentation of the first copies of the map, we will walk a short version of the route, from Varia along the Kerksingel, towards De Molenwei and back. In total, the walk is approximately 5 kilometers, so put on your walking shoes!

The Common Dirt Map was developed by Varia member Niek Hilkmann with illustrations by Susanne de Kraker and a map by Yoana Buzova. The initiative came about after a series of walks with ecologist André De Baerdemaeker as part of Common Dirt. In this Varia programme, we looked at the connections between biology and technology in Rotterdam and how these two influence and intertwine. Common Dirt is part of Varia’s Homebrewing research thread. With this research, we aim to jointly experiment and demystify technological practices.

This project is made possible with the support of Creative Industries Fund NL and Opzoomer Mee.