HD video, 11 minutes

Cristina Lavosi researched three temporary settlements in the Binckhorst area, connected to different periods in history; a Roma caravan camp, an asylum seeker center and a status holders’ temporary housing. Using methods of archival inquiry mainly from the Haags Gemeentearchief, Lavosi merged footage of the Binckhorst’s present configuration with historical reflections and 3D simulations of emblematic objects. The unearthed remains of a wooden wagon wheel from the late 17th century was her starting inspiration, to weave together a striking reflection on mobility and urban change spanning hundreds of years.

HD video, 24 minutes, 360° video

The Binckhorst is often marketed by property developers as a hip, mixed working and living hub of The Hague. Giulia Faccin and Claude Nassar chose to provide a counter-narrative by filming the mundane, everyday lives of workers at the family-owned ship repair business called Jachtwerf de Haas. Based on conversations with the owner and members of the community the film depicts intimate encounters and showcases the space in which their work and social lives intertwine. The film work aims to conserve the community by witnessing it and inviting the viewer to witness it too. Many small businesses which produce noise and dust in the Binckhorst are deemed undesirable for future urban development plans, however by conserving the vibrancy, value, and concerns of the communities, the work can be seen as a critic of current changes that can only be judged according to their future consequences

HD video, 8 minutes and publications

Cyan Bae examines considers how archaeological remains are narrated in terms of contemporary normative gender based stereotyping. Departing from a Roman silver ring with an inscription “Amo Te Vita”, or translated “I love you, my love”, excavated on the route of the Rotterdamsebaan. Bae Confronts her own bias in imagining to whom and how the ring belonged, she provides a critical perspective on the notion of ancient romance by queering local history. Queer narratives are absent and barely imagined in the museum context, which historical objects are regularly found. Through her interviews and object analysis Bae invites the viewer to witness, question and reimagine history.

HD video, 14 minutes and clay paving stones

Before the tunnel construction of the Rotterdamsebaan, hundreds of complete Roman roof tiles were excavated near to the Drievliet Park. One of the tiles was inscribed by someone, using their finger in the partially dry clay, with the word “NIIMO” in latin, translated as “Nobody”. The motivation for the unique inscription is debated amongst the archaologiests working on the project and remains unclear. As an ode to the Rotterdamsebaan workers who left their own mark in The Hague, Meermann recreated six clay paving stones, using earth from the Rotterdamsebaan excavation. On the tiles he inscribed questions which he discussed with workers such as relating to the situation of the workers in The Hague, what they think about the tunnel and what personally will leave behind.

HD video, 7 minutes

Mauro Tosarelli and Hattie Wade chose the Golden Rhine Guilder, found in an excavation in the Trekvliet zone, south of The Hague as starting point. The coin was not owned by nobility, but by a man who bought land. This period in The Netherlands marked a turn from feudalism to capitalism and as a result land markets took off, introducing land as a commodity. Tosarelli and Wade conducted interviews with urban planners and property developers to investigate land value in the Binckhorst, and discover how the Rotterdamsebaan and the new Environment and Planning Act will affect development and citizens alike.

Multi-media sculptures

Kert Viiart was intigued by a fishing trap dating back to the Middle Ages and excavated at the Binckhorst. The fishing trap is made from natural materials like reeds and rope which have luckily not decomposed and are preserved until today. Viiart compares plastics used for contemporary fishing, such as nylon and polyester for fishing traps, nets, and monofilaments. Decomposition of plastics can take as long as 600 years to disintegrate. Archeologists today usually do not conserve found plastic objects amongst excavation debris, but Viiart speculates about future archaeology, by creating his own variations of mixed and natural remains, sourced from the seaside in The Hague.

HD video 9 min 30 sec

Lila Steinkampf analyses the ideology and durability of building projects in The Hague, specifically at the Dutch construction company called VolkerWessels. By investigating the vision of contemporary construction companies she contextualised modern building artefacts as if they were archaeological finds. VolkerWessels is currently engaged in at least six large projects in The Hague, including the Rotterdamsebaan and therefore as case study offers perspective on how a single private company shapes the urban landscape.