Matthew Cook

Matthew Cook trained as an architect and has worked as an urban designer with a specialisation in participatory processes. He grew up in the UK and has worked in London in community consultation, leading conversations between communities and developers on some of the city’s largest developments. After moving to the Netherlands in 2015 he worked for De Urbanisten, designing climate adaptive public spaces. In 2019 he and two friends won the Panorama Lokaal competition, held by the Rijksbouwmeester and the CRa, for the site of Beverwaard, Rotterdam. The team created a neighbourhood plan coupling the city’s climate goals with residents’ social needs.  He was also an assistant curator for the 2022 International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam – IT’S ABOUT TIME, assisting with their programme of workshops working with Dutch local governments, discussing how cities can be prepared faster for climate change. During weekends Matthew enjoys making prints and etchings or walking around the neighbourhood with his dog.