20150217 - architecture

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About Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the architectural capital of the Netherlands. From a distance you see the impressive skyline, with the Euromast and the Erasmus Bridge and typical landmarks. Do you want to know more about Rotterdam? On these pages you will find information about Rotterdam, photographs and descriptions of buildings and information on architects and Rotterdam themes. All buildings are on a map and we have made selections for a vibrant city walk. You'll also find links to organizations in Rotterdam and an agenda of all architectural activities and exhibitions in this city.

Architecture

Rotterdam recreates its own image
As a young, international city, Rotterdam continues to evolve and rebuild, and this drive for innovation is evident at every turn. Skyscrapers stand in the scaffolds or rise steadily towards the stars. Central Station is undergoing an impressive transformation into a hypermodern passenger terminal. On the Maas River, Erasmus Bridge is the gateway to the Kop van Zuid district, home to the new icons on Rotterdam’s skyline: the Maastoren. At 165 metres tall, it is the highest building in the Netherlands and the new De Rotterdam, by architect Koolhaasm, one of the largest buildings in the Netherlands. The modern architecture on the rest of what is known as ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ is unmistakeable. The striking edifice of the New Luxor Theatre was designed by Bolles + Wilson. Just a little further on, Montevideo and the Maas Tower soar towards the clouds, representing the highest residential tower in the Netherlands. No wonder Rotterdam is internationally renowned as a city of architecture.

Rotterdam retains its classics
The classic examples of modern urban design are still on show in Rotterdam. Prominent examples include the world-famous cube homes, the Laurence Church, the Groothandelsgebouw (Wholesale Building) and the Witte Huis, which was the first ‘skyscraper’ in Europe. Rotterdam’s industrial heritage is kept alive. Old warehouses and factories are redesigned in ways that ensure that the original architecture receives a new, contemporary flair. The historic Van Nelle factory, for instance, now serves as a design factory, and the former Schiecentrale power plant in the Lloydkwartier is the beating heart of Rotterdam’s audiovisual industry.

More architecture
We made a selection of remarkable buildings according to theme’s. See ROUTES for more selections.

• Highlights of Rotterdam: landmarks