Thursday, March 20, 2008

Nightlife Going Green

Nighttown -- a concert venue in Rotterdam that is now bankrupt -- will reopen as a high environmental-friendly club renamed Watt.

They're expanding the capacity to 1400 people, but more interesting are the sustainable aspects of the makeover:

  • Solar panels;

  • Windmills;
  • Rainwater used as flushing water for toilets;

  • A 'greenwall': a wall from which plants literally grow;

  • Energy-efficient LED lights;

  • An energy-generating dance floor;

I especially like the last one: it's a product developed by Sustainable Dance Club, a Rotterdam company. Here's an impression, and here's how it's supposed to work.

I have been to Nighttown quite a few times, and I do hope that when it reopens as 'Watt', that they will program a couple of bands I'd like to see, so I can check out the venue, as well. Planned reopening date is September 4 (typically, guitarist Mike Watt played in Nighttown back in April 3, 2005: almost exactly two years ago).

Anyway, this is one of those things that make me optimistic.

6 comments:

Steven Francis Murphy said...

A sustainable nightclub. That is interesting.

But do they recycle the beer?

Just kidding. I couldn't resist. It is actually a great idea, the sustainable nightclub.

Wish KC would get one.

Respects,
S. F. Murphy

Luke said...

What effect do alcohol-laced vomit and used condoms have on the environment?

Alex said...

Dear Jetse,

just to let you know, the interview I did with you and Aliette will be podcast the weekend after next at www.sci-fi-london.com/audio

thanks again,
Alex

Jetse de Vries said...

Alex--

Looking forward to it! And thanks for interviewing us.

Luke--

These will, of course, be recycled (in ways we cannot -- or do not wish to -- perceive...;-)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Luke said...

Hehe. Sorry to be gross.