Episode 4 of the series “Together” on inclusive living at SAWA

During the opening of SAWA, performed by Her Majesty Queen Máxima, we told the story of this building through six short videos. Not a traditional presentation, but personal stories about why SAWA was created, what it means to the residents, and how the ambitions come together in practice.

In this video series, we look back on that special day and take you step by step through SAWA's core values: from climate and timber construction to social inclusivity, biodiversity, and community. Together, these videos show that building differently is not only necessary but also visibly contributes to a livable city, strong communities, and more space for nature. We will be sharing the videos one by one in the coming period.

Video 4 – Socially Inclusive: Space for the People Who Keep the City Going

Affordable housing and social priority

The housing crisis affects everyone, but affordable housing in the city is particularly scarce—especially for people in the social services sector. SAWA is actively addressing this issue and is committed to creating an inclusive city.

In this episode, Freek Boeijen (Focus on Impact) discusses the importance of investing in affordable rental housing in the city, while Gerdien, together with her daughter Lotus, shows what it’s really like to live here.

Of the 50 affordable mid-range rental units, 43 have been allocated to people in social service professions and to tenants moving up from public housing. This approach has also freed up 15 public housing units for new home seekers in Rotterdam.

SAWA demonstrates that social inclusion is not a side issue, but a fundamental part of future-proof construction.

Check out the previous videos in the SAWA series — Living Together, Building Together, Celebrating Together:

• Video 1 – Background & Initiative: Why SAWA?
  with Mark Compeer and Robert Winkel (NICE Developers) and Bianca Seekles and Jeroen Heijdra (ERA Contour)
• Video 2 – Architecture: Rooted in Place and History
  with Robert Platje (Mei architects and planners)
• Video 3 – Timber Construction & Innovation
  with Maries Jumelet and René van Druten (ERA Contour) and Johan-Paul Borreman (DERIX)

For more information about SAWA or to get in touch, please email pr@nicedevelopers.nl.