The iconic Maritime Centre Rotterdam, a design by Dutch firm Mecanoo, will be located in the middle of the water on the Rijnhaven. The organic building is a beautiful contrast to the rational, industrial design of the port. It is elegant, multifaceted and invites discovery. The centre will bring together the past, present and future of the international maritime world. It will be a place for maritime entrepreneurs, science and culture. The centre will be open to the public and will be an environment where visitors can stay, on and in the water, overlooking the surrounding port.
Around the Rijnhaven
Maritiem Centrum Rotterdam will form an important part of the Rondje Rijnhaven and the jetty path from Wilhelminaplein towards Katendrecht; this walk along the quays of the Rijnhaven will connect to the planned network of paths along and on the water. Part of the building will be flooded. As a result, the building offers many possibilities without becoming too big for the harbour in terms of size and scale.
At low tide, the submerged part of the building also becomes visible, making the tidal difference of 1.5 to 2 metres tangible. Besides logistics spaces, the underwater world is also suitable for exhibitions, with ideal indirect lighting through circular skylights protruding above the water. A layered route running under, along, over and through the Maritime Centre shapes the design and layout of the building. An elegant ribbon winds around the pavilions and encourages interaction between the various programme sections.
Rijnhaven will undergo a thorough transformation in the near future. The water will be used more often and the port should accommodate a range of activities. New construction will completely change the skyline around the port, but also intensify it programmatically. Central to developments in the port is the Maritime Centre, which will act as a hub for activities and a catalyst for this area.
