See also The Programme, The Water City

MARE NOSTRUM

Mare Nostrum is concerned with one of the most conspicuous trends in globalisation, namely the rise of mass tourism, and its relation to the presence of water. Specifically it focuses on the coastlines of countries, in temperate and sub-tropical climates, that during the past centuries, decades or recent years have become a favourite destination for recreation and retreat. Starting off in 19th century Britain, coastal tourism has gradually spread over the world, with diverse cultural, environmental, economic and political implications. 

Once considered a haven for poets and painters, a refuge for intellectuals to become lost in contemplation, and a playground for the happy few, the coastal resort has gradually become synonymous with mass tourism. During the past century the world has seen the growth of urbanised strips just a few kilometres wide and hundreds of kilometres long, with populations in the millions that have no economic link with the coast, yet generate an entirely new economy based on the proximity of water. 

Whereas the roots of the phenomenon lie in the Mediterranean, the 'Mare Nostrum' of the Roman empire, the conquest of coastlines through tourism has by now become a worldwide phenomenon. Ever cheaper long distance flights have made distant shores a commonplace destination for those who can afford them. Large numbers of affluent and ageing people are relocating along foreign coasts, to spend the last of their days in milder climes, all the while remaining just a few hours of flight away from their grandchildren. However, these grandchildren travel the same routes, perpetually in search of new thrills, part of a rising international beach culture, exchanging news of the best sand and surf on the internet. And the busy generation in the middle seeks rapid recovery from stress and fatigue with lightning visits to fully catered environments, or high-priced Robinson Crusoe bareness with all mod cons just round the corner. 

These travellers, thrill seekers and settlers are the Romans of the 21st century, colonising coastlines all over by new means, namely those of the tourists and the industries that cater to them, and turning the global seas into their 'Mare Nostrum'. Aided, moreover, by an army of property developers, tour operators, policymakers and politicians. As one of the largest and fastest growing sectors of the global economy, tourism plays an important part in the development of many of the poorer areas of the world. At the same time this development threatens to engulf the original cultural and environmental assets of these areas, or has already done so, as is the case in several places. The question is, of course, how to retain these assets while exploiting them at the same time. 

'Mare Nostrum' is an international and research-oriented exhibition. Architects the world over have been asked to analyze the development of their country's coasts. In the exhibition they will present their findings and alternative proposals, for the coasts of Australia, Belgium, Brazil, the Caribbean, Croatia, France, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Scotland, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and the Ukraine. 
 
Dates: May 27 till June 26, 2005
Location: Las Palmas, Wilhelminapier 66 - 68, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 
 
Curator: Adriaan Geuze
Director main exhibitions and co curator: Christine de Baan
Projectleader en producer: Marlin Kornet
Designer: Daan Bakker (DaF Architecten)
Graphic designer: Minke Themans.