MVRDV has won a competition to design a new mixed-use tower complex in Rotterdam Central District, which will comprise fully gridded facade configuration with variations of transparent windows.

The 50,000-square-metre complex, named Weenapoint, will be developed as the third phase of the Weenapoint development in Rotterdam Central District. The Weenapoint complex has been transformed by Maarsen Groep in phases in recent years. The realization of new offices of Nauta Dutilh and Robeco in FIRST Rotterdam marked the first phase of transformation completed in 2016. 

Image © MVRDV 

The redevelopment of Weena 750 to Premier Suites & Offices, the refurbishment of the courtyard and renovation of the monumental dome building were completed in 2017. 

In the third phase, the existing building on Kruisplein will be replaced by MVRDV's new design proposal for an urban program with international allure. The location of the project is directly opposite Rotterdam Central Station.

Image © MVRDV

The complex will consist of approximately 17,000-square-metre of offices, a transparent commercial plinth and between 200 to 300 apartments. 

"Weenapoint is an inner city location with a high density right across the train station. Our design adds a simple but strong character to the city entrance of Rotterdam. We have opted for an architectural design that refers to the reconstruction period and compliments existing buildings such as Groothandelsgebouw and FIRST," said Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of MVRDV. 

"Special attention is given to the plinth: "The ground floor and first floors have an open transparent character and will make Kruisplein once again a lively part of the city."

Image © Mozses

Designed to a precise urban integration, MVRDV also devoted a great deal of attention to the high sustainability ambition of the client. The different program components all have their own volume and position, giving the complex a clear expression. 

The design provides high-quality office spaces along Kruisplein, with transparent plinth housing shops and restaurants clearly characterized by large-framed glass windows. On top of this, two towers guide the city entrance.

Image © Mozses

“With the selection of MVRDV, we choose a powerful and clear design that blends very well in the surrounding. In the plan, each function has its own distinct and recognizable appearance, which we see as a great quality. An exciting design and a contemporary translation of Rotterdam modernism which will complete Weenapoint’s transformation," said Monique Maarsen, Managing Director, Maarsen Groep.

By making recesses in both towers, the design meets urban design requirements for sunning public space. The new towers of Weenapoint phase 3 have 'sun cuts' at different heights that provide extra sunlight at street level. 

An important link in the design is the covered square in the heart of the building that connects the green courtyard of Weenapoint and the street. If everything goes on a plan, completion of the project is set for mid-2022.

Project facts

Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Client: Maarsen Groep

Year: 2017

Design: MVRDV - Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries

Design Team: Jacob van Rijs, Frans de Witte, Fedor Bron with Mick van Gemert, Fouad Addou, Daniele Zonta, Giuseppe Carosini, Anna Brockhoff, Iker Perez and Laurens Veth.

Visualization: Antonio Luca Coco, Pavlos Ventouris, Davide Calabro and Kirill Emelianov

Partners

ARUP (Advisers: structure, sustainability and installation) 

Images: MVRDV and Mozses

Diagrams and drawings: MVRDV

Top image © Mozses

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