The Rotterdam Collective is a new concept for interdisciplinary collaboration in the heart of Rotterdam, focused on environmentally and socially innovative projects in its local community.

Its unique structure allows Ro-Co to develop a wide variety of multidisciplinary projects. All members have their own, independent entrepreneurial functions, but also have the opportunity to participate in larger projects in synergistic teams. These larger projects are actively solicited by the collective's members.

Currently the collective holds about 20 companies, from small and young to large and established, and 10 external members. Their professions range from architecture, product, graphic and game design to transition management, sustainable development, cultural and business event organisation.

The collective operates under a set of jointly-agreed principles that encompass some of the organization's key philosophies: a commitment to sustainability, a belief in social responsibility, the use of open source technologies and knowledge sharing, and the recognition of values beyond just profit. These principles were also used in the renovation of the Ro-Co space, which had previously stood empty for over a decade. Only the eco-friendliest materials and techniques available were used, and all labor was provided by the volunteer efforts of the Ro-Co community.

Newsletter

The mailinglist keeps you updated on events, movie screenings, and occasional Ro-Co news about once a month.

Location & Building

We work in one big open space, because we want to share our work and experiences with eachother. No walls, but lots of plants.

The Rotterdam Collective offices have been restored by Ro-Co members from its delapidated state after being vacant for more than 10 years. Most of the interior has been built using waste materials. All materials used in renovation are ecologically responsible. The office uses LED lights throughout and with its shared appliances RoCo has a remarkably low footprint. The RoCo office is an example of an exciting, sustainable and affordable office interior.

The building, called RAUM, is located a a short walk from the central station of Rotterdam, looking out onto city hall and flanking the historic modernist Lijnbaan shopping district. It's located on a square with many cafés and restaurants forming one of the main focal points of Rotterdam's nightlife. From here RoCo works for its clients and initiates autonomous projects throughout the city of Rotterdam.

The RAUM building is located at Stadhuisplein 15, 3012 AR, Rotterdam. This is a pedestrian zone, there's no parking in front, and there's a parking garage available behind the building on the Kruiskade, next to the Hilton hotel. The building is in 5 minutes walking distance from the central trainstation.

Our contact details are:
the Rotterdam Collective
Stadhuisplein 15
3012 AR Rotterdam
info@ro-co.nl

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The RoCo Members

Ro-Co is for conscientious, self-sufficient and ambitious professionals who wish to expand their horizon by working in synergistic teams and a collaborative environment. Ro-Co members play an active role in the organization and need to be responsible and engaged. Ro-Co membership is decided upon through a series of interviews.

Currently RoCo is the home of about 30 professionals ranging from engineers and scientists to designers, programmers and organizers. RoCo has more than 7 nationalities and maintains a close connection to a wide variety of cultural, scientific, social, business and governmental entities in Rotterdam.

To meet our goals it required us to create a mix in professions, and most importantly a collaborative mindset and can-do attitude. A socially responsible vision and a connection with the city binds our members under the RoCo principles of social and environmental entrepreneurship.

Member spaces

Status: Currently there are no spaces available.

The Rotterdam Collective Principles

The Rotterdam Collective operates under a set of comprehensive principles which steer our collective development process. These are stated below.

Companies harness the force of other people through economic transactions. Governments do it through coercion or legal instruments. Our model of collective action is based on voluntary engagement. We believe that people, when given free reign over their time, their energy, and their choices, can create deeply satisfying lives for themselves while contributing to a richer and better world for everyone around them. The following principles serve as a general guideline for our behavior as a small and outline some of the core values we adhere to as a Collective. As we grow and change, so might these principles.

We are committed to socially and environmentally sustainable practices.

Our planet and its people need help. Besides ensuring that the projects of the Collective are focused on augmenting social and/or environmental good, we also adhere to general environmental sustainability practices within our office.

We have shared facilities and resources; we avoid overcapacity in our equipment; we have a preference for super-used, reused, or recycled materials; we only travel when necessary and preferably by human power or public transport; we use efficient lighting and appliances; we avoid disposable products; we use non-toxic and ecological materials; we buy fair trade products; we recycle; our official events are vegetarian and smoke-free; and we grow lots of plants!

On a more philosophical level: we understand and apply Life Cycle Thinking; we use peer-reviewed data in our sustainability decision making; we support ecological economics; and we "offset" our carbon by direct action rather than through shady financial mechanisms.

We support open source technologies, creative commons licensing, and general freedom of knowledge and information.

We are committed to supporting a free and open flow of knowledge. We use open source software and non proprietary technologies whenever available. We share the fruits of our work with others.

We think globally and long term, but act locally and in the present.

Though we focus on our local community, we keep in mind the consequences our actions might have on other parts of the world or at some point in the future.

We believe in creating value rather than just profit.

We don't believe that profit is an end in itself. Our actions recognize the existence of other values: cultural, aesthetic, historical, personal experience, quality of life, and the intrinsic value of ecosystems and species.

Ro-Co develops projects for clients using its wealth of professionals, experience and connectivity with the community. Ro-Co is the physical embodiment of the network generation. Through our shared projects, we hope to be a force of positive energy and change within our home city, and we believe that together, we can contribute to making the world at large a more beautiful and inspiring place.

Ro-Co is available for project requests, please contact us for inquiries.