SAWA shoes for Minister Hugo de Jonge

During a working visit by Minister Hugo de Jonge of VRO on Monday, September 5, organized by the BNA (Branchevereniging Nederlandse Architectenbureaus), Robert Winkel surprised the Minister with a pair of original SAWA clogs. Here he explained the concept of SAWA and emphasized that the building task is not only about making speed and building a lot, but above all about a sustainable result and a livable, affordable city.

Photo: Robert Winkel presents the SAWA wooden shoes to Minister Hugo de Jonge

The theme of the visit to the architecture industry was the better use of design power and the necessary cooperation in the chain for the major social tasks. Together with the BNA and the architects involved, the Minister visited two projects in Rotterdam: Little C and Fenix I. The second project shows a fine combination of reuse, daring, good architecture and ditto cooperation, with the architect as the pivot and, like SAWA, was designed by Mei architects and planners.

Photo: Fenix I on Katendrecht designed by Mei architects and planners ©Marc Goodwin

'They are fantastic examples that inspire me,' de Jonge said.

The BNA delegation emphatically gave him the message to stimulate in his policy that the power of design and designers at the front have added value, given the complex tasks for all of us. That urban densification is possible and that by imagining, connecting and innovating new solutions are possible. And that sustainability and circularity must and can be achieved, also by using standardization and industrialization.

And if there is one exemplary project where all this comes together, it is SAWA. From the beginning of the development process, Nice and ERA Contour have worked closely with Mei architects and planners to create a groundbreaking project together. This wooden circular residential building of 50 meters high, is also called the 'Healthiest building in the Netherlands'. With SAWA we show that it is possible to build on a large scale in series, with an eye for optimal quality, sustainability, circularity and (nature) inclusiveness.

'Such a tall building made of wood, I find it fascinating,' echoed De Jonge.

Impression: SAWA Rotterdam

The revolutionary SAWA is an important step in sustainability goals and heralds a new era of building. How wonderful it would be if this is included as the new standard in national policy! The Minister said goodbye with the call to take up his policy ambition Mooi Nederland together, and: 'keep inviting me'. In short, the invitation to SAWA's construction site next spring stands.

Photo: Robert Winkel and Mark Compeer with the SAWA clogs, specially made for Minister Hugo de Jonge