Unconference - Technology in Public Spaces

How might our city look and feel if the technology in our public spaces uses all the opportunities that exist to better support community life?

We invite you to help explore (and shape!) the answer. Join us for an event that brings together diverse perspectives on smart technologies and community needs in Rotterdam’s public spaces. We are very glad to organize this event with Louisa Teichmann (.zip) and Gemeente Rotterdam.

>>> Unconference- Sharing and reflecting on technology in public spaces
Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026, 18.45-21.25h
Location: Auditorium, het Timmerhuis, Rotterdam

At this collaborative, participant-driven unconference, you won’t find a traditional line-up of speakers. Instead, if you have a topic or a question that you would like to explore during the event, bring it with you! Whether you are a maker, journalist, artist, city planner, hacker, or a curious citizen, the only requirement is that it connects to the main evening’s theme:

What smart technologies are currently active in Rotterdam’s public spaces, and what opportunities exist to better support community life?

We will document ideas as we go. The evening will feature a mix of open conversations, thematic corners, and rotating discussion rounds. Whether you come with a concrete topic to explore, or just curiosity, we would be delighted to welcome you!

The agenda for the night looks as follows

1845–19 Walk-in

19h -1930 Welcome & Introduction

1930–1940 Theme Proposals for Round 1
1940–2010 Conversation Round 1

2010–2020 Theme Proposals for Round 2
2020–2050 Conversation Round 2

2050–2100 Closing & Next steps
2100–2125 Time for drinks

What happens next? This unconference is just the beginning. Insights and ideas gathered in this event will set the stage for two upcoming sessions: an unhackathon and a speculative workshop. We will keep you posted!

Who is invited?
We welcome policy makers, technologists, researchers, community organizers, and residents: anyone who cares about how technology shapes public life in Rotterdam (whether you live there or not!). If you are interested in proposing a topic, bringing a question, or simply participating in the conversation, you are very welcome to join!

RSVP: Please register on MeetUp if you plan to join us on 29 January. Feel free to share this invitation with others who should be part of the conversation.

If you prefer not to use MeetUp, you can also send an email to hello@zipspace.nl.

If you have any questions or suggestions for others who should be involved, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Looking forward to co-creating with you!