2025
mixed media publication
https://erfgoedstudio.nl

During my internship at the Belhuis I had a crucial role at developing the Ratlas, a project made in collaboration with Atlas van Stolk for their initiative Erfgoed Studio.

The work began when we explored the city archive and noticed a recurring theme: rats were only depicted negatively, symbolizing everything from sickness to oppressive regimes. This made us wonder - why are rats always seen in such a bad light? We wanted to challenge that story and create something that gave rats a voice. Inspired by Maarten’s earlier project Ratterdam Tours, we imagined a city map as if designed by rats themselves - playful, informative, and a bit cheeky.

To make it feel authentic, we collaborated with a rat expert, researched local rat behavior, and spent weeks exploring Rotterdam to scout the best rat spots. We even gathered bits of trash and found objects to add to the map's design, making it feel truly "paw-made."

The Ratlas is a mix of real facts, history, and a touch of fiction - offering practical tips for rat spotting alongside stories that reveal how deeply rats are connected to the city. The result is a fun, immersive map that invites people to see Rotterdam from an unexpected perspective - one where rats are part of the city’s life, not just its shadows.

Photos: Guus Schoonewille