PROVIDING A SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG MAKERS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
#2
ROTTERDAM-CENTRALDISTRICT.NL
MAY 2021
RCD
R
C
D
1
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
PROVIDING A SHOWCASE
FOR YOUNG MAKERS
Linda van der Vleuten, co-founder Opperclaes
UNILEVER VOX POPS GROENEMORGEN
Mobility as a Sustainable RCD People are taking Dreaming of a Weena
Service the stage parkscape with pavement
ENJOY THE
TASTE OF
HOMEMADE
HONESTY!
2
EAT REAL
FOOD
LEBKOV & SONS ROTTERDAM STATIONSPLEIN 50
06:00 - 18:30 | MON-FRI [GROOT HANDELSGEBOUW]
07:30 - 17:00 | SAT & SUN @LEBKOV
PREFACE
PROUDLY
PRESENTING
OUR SECOND
The ne
xt i s su
d
e
ISSUE!
dul e
i s sc h e
6t h o f
for the
be r
S e pt e m We’re thrilled that you’ve picked up this
second issue of RCD Magazine! This magazine
fills you in on developments in RCD and
spotlights the diversity of entrepreneurs and
businesses, stakeholders and partners active R
in this district. C
D
Featured on the cover of this issue is Linda van der Vleuten,
co-founder of Opperclaes. If you’ve ever wondered who’s be-
hind all the marvellous mural paintings in RCD – that’s Opper- 3
claes! Opperclaes provides a contemporary art platform for
young makers who are just starting off. Linda talked to us
about her work and her perspective on RCD. M
A
For this issue, we also paid an illuminating visit to our partner, G
Unilever. They’re working on adapting their mobility scheme A
one step at a time so as to enable all staff to commute to the Z
area as efficiently and sustainably as possible. Read the full I
article on pages 46 & 47. N
E
A big thank you to all of our partners who shared their won-
derful stories for this issue. Got an idea for us? Feel free to
drop us a line at info@rcdpublishers.nl.
Hope to see you soon at one of the outdoor terraces in RCD!
Happy reading!
Romy Lange Rob Ittmann
RCD Publishers Rotterdam Central District Association
THANKS TO
4
INDEX
21 15 34
UNILEVER VOX POPS GROENEMORGEN
Mobility as a Sustainable RCD People are taking Dreaming of a Weena
Service the stage parkscape with pavement
R
C
D
11
5
cove rst or y
M
PROVIDING A SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG MAKERS A
G
Linda van der Vleuten, Co-Owner Opperclaes A
Z
I
N
E
7 What’s on? 28 Living in RCD
Check the RCD Agenda 32 Success story Marcus Groeneveld:
8 Linda van der Vleuten, Co-Owner Opperclaes “With perseverance and hard work, you may achieve anything”
Providing a showcase for young makers 34 Savills – Partner
15 RCD Up2Date Renovating Rotterdam gems
16 Unilever 36 D&B the Facility Group
Mobility as a Sustainable Service ……
18 RCD People 38 WTC Rotterdam
Are taking the stage Revitalized WTC: A multifunctional, dynamic place
20 Coffee Break 41 RCD Interview OPERATOR:
With Alida Dors, artistic director at Theater Rotterdam
“The city’s alternative and cultural sound”
22 Maarsen Groep 42 Architecture: Schieblock
In the spotlight: Premier Suites & Offices 45 RCD Interview Groenemorgen:
25 RCD Hotspots Dreaming of a Weena parkscape with pavement
26 #RCD Online 47 Join the Rotterdam Central District Community
27 Column by Eduard Voorn 48 Memoboard
Soon safe for Louboutin stilettos and funky sneakers 51 RCD Members & Colophon
TRADEMARK LAW
OUR EXPERTS WILL UPDATE YOU
ON RECENT TRADEMARKS CASES IN
THIS (FREE OF CHARGE) WEBINAR.
SCAN THE QR-CODE TO REGISTER.
6
AGENDA
WHAT’S ON?
For the latest updates and any changes, see www.rotterdamfestivals.nl
EUROVISION
© StudioVollaersZwart
SONG CONTEST
14-22 May
Apart from live shows in Ahoy, Rotterdam will be hosting
a range of other Eurovision activities, Covid-measures
permitting. In any case, some of the city programming – with
a big spotlight on vocal talent – will be streamed online.
R
C
D
© Fleur Beerthuis
7
ROTTERDAM
ROOFTOP DAYS M
ROTTERDAM 3-6 June A
ART WEEK G
30 June-4 July After 2020’s online edition, this year’s A
Rotterdam Rooftop Days are all geared Z
Rotterdam Art Week transforms up for a Covid-proof festival weekend. I
the city into a mecca for art, design The event seeks to promote rooftop N
and architecture lovers. This year’s use by demonstrating how they can E
© Fleur Beerthuis
festival has been moved from add to a healthy, attractive, lively
February to the summer. and future-proof urban environment.
This festival is part of Rotterdam
Architecture Month.
© Tomas Mutsaers INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM
2-6 June
Following the most recent virtual winter edition, IFFR returns to celebrate its
50th. All films will be available online, and the IFFR Unleashed streaming platform
will also show a pick of the best films from the past fifty festivals.
COVER STORY
PROVIDING
A SHOWCASE
FOR YOUNG
MAKERS
8
Linda van der Vleuten, born in Nederweert in the province of Limburg, has lived in Rotterdam
for 18 years. After studying graphic design at the School of Art & Design in Den Bosch and Breda,
she decided to put down roots in Rotterdam. Then as now, landing a job at a good design studio
wasn’t easy. Still too inexperienced to start her own business, Linda wound up working at a
succession of agencies. There she learned a lot, but never felt quite at home. In 2007, Linda met
Bruce Tsai-Meu-Chong, and in 2010 they opened a gallery together: Opperclaes. Neighbours
offered the couple an old vacant ground-floor shop to use as a project space for three months.
They crammed their calendar with projects and expos, setting up new openings nearly every
week. In the end, they got to use the space for seven years, enabling them to build Opperclaes
HAIR & MAKEUP Rob Peetoom
from the ground up.
YOU HOST EXHIBITIONS IN YOUR GALLERY ON CLAES DE VRIESLAAN AND TAKE ON A
VARIETY OF PROJECTS ON LOCATION. WHAT KINDS OF EXHIBITIONS AND PROJECTS
ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam
We ran Opperclaes gallery from 2010 to 2017. We noticed that, like us, many artists, designers and
photographers had a hard time forging a path for themselves after art school. They can’t get a foot-
hold because they’re not known or experienced enough to get gallery shows or enough clients to
make a living. We had this amazing space in the city and tried to offer a showcase for as many talent-
ed people as possible – a first, for many. It was an experiment, but I’d say we did really well. And in
those seven years we also built up a big network that’s still immensely valuable to us nowadays. In
2010 we called it quits. It was time for a next step and we were increasingly keen to make work of our
TEXT Romy Lange
own. There were a growing number of requests and commissions coming from outside the gallery
and we wanted to focus on those: to make our own work again, while still collaborating with the
many artists and designers we got to know through the gallery. It’s still important to us to connect
young designers and artists with clients, and we’re still curating all kinds of projects.
R
C
D
9
M
A
G
A
Z
I
“We believe art
N
E
should be for
everybody, not
just for the elite.
Artworks evoke
emotion in
everyone, they
set something
in motion.”
COVER STORY 10
COVER STORY
“RCD is a fertile place: there
are lots of terrific things being
developed and produced here.”
BRUCE TSAI-MEU-CHONG IS YOUR PARTNER, BOTH IN ic things being developed and produced here. It encourages
LIFE AND BUSINESS. HOW DID YOU TWO MEET? us to keep working to enhance the public space, both in and
Bruce and I met through a mutual friend. We were at a horrible outside RCD. There’s also an incredible energy here. We work
party in the Maassilo and got to talking. A few days later we from a studio along the railway tracks in the Schiekadeblok
went to the première of a documentary about Wu-Tang Clan and are surrounded by wonderful, hardworking partners. We
at Thalia – that was our first date. Bruce was still in art school support each other’s progress. The architectural firm ZUS,
in Utrecht, and I had a job with Unilever. Our lives were run- Operator, Hiphophuis, the furniture maker Jeroen van Sluis,
ning on very different tracks, but in 2010 we finally moved in Biergarten, Pinkman’s record shop, Poing (previously BAR),
together. Now we have two kids and work together full time. MESS, Crimson Historians & Urbanists and so many more
That’s going surprisingly well. We don’t always see eye to eye, with whom we’re striving to make this area more beautiful,
of course, but we complement each other well. better and recognized. Despite the fact that the Schiekade-
block finds itself in a turbulent time and many changes will R
YOU MENTIONED HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BOTH take place in the near future, we consider this a creative C
OF YOU TO PROVIDE A SHOWCASE PARTICULARLY period in which beautiful collaborations can arise with new D
FOR ARTISTS JUST STARTING OUT. WHY IS THAT SO partners. We feel at home here and will remain in this area.
IMPORTANT? We think the soul of the area is important. That is why we reg-
It’s important that young makers are given opportunities. ularly get together with our neighbors Crimson Historians & 11
After all, you learn by doing. As an artist or designer, you’ve Urbanists to talk about the future and the preservation of
got to be incredibly motivated, have discipline and grit. Even the creative ecosystem of the Rotterdam area.
more so when you’re taking your first steps. Not everyone gets M
lucky, so to give someone an opportunity could well make all WHAT MORE DO YOU THINK RCD NEEDS? IS THERE A
the difference for them. Had our neighbours not offered us ANYTHING MISSING HERE? G
that space years ago, Opperclaes would never have existed. We think it would be great for the area to have a public out- A
We feel it’s important to show clients and Rotterdam what a door sports facility. We’ve discussed this with MESS in the Z
wealth of designers and artists we have, so projects don’t just past and did some sketches, so – who knows – maybe one day? I
always end up going to the usual suspects. When we had our Wouldn’t it be great though if after a hard day’s work there N
gallery, we noticed a lot of people have a hard time even cross- was a court with awesome murals where everyone could go E
ing the threshold. That’s why, years ago, we started painting shoot some hoops? An RCD tournament: I can see it now!
the mural on the side of the Hofbogen. Now we invite differ-
ent artists to paint the wall each year, and it’s still a kind of WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2021?
public gallery. We believe art should be for everybody, not just At the moment we’re hard at work on Project Rebound, one of
for the elite. Artworks evoke emotion in everyone, they set our own initiatives that – thanks to CityLab010 and a whole
something in motion. That’s another reason why we mostly bunch of others – we’re fortunate enough to start develop-
work in public spaces. ing. This will transform the pitches along Beukelsdijk in Rot-
terdam West into valuable public spaces where art and sports
OPPERCLAES HAS A HIGH PROFILE IN RCD. WHAT’S converge. Working with residents and sport partners, we’ll
YOUR VIEW OF THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD? be developing leadership programmes to turn this area into a
We’re proud to have contributed to making this a highly positive gathering space, with a massive 2,500 m2 floor paint-
diverse area. We painted the Schieblock Luchtsingel [‘air ing. This project will start taking shape this summer. It’s been
canal’, ed.], our studio and Joren Joshua collaborated on a a long road, but it’s amazing to be going into production now.
large mural, we curated the two painted tunnels here, sup- Moreover, we’re also continuing on existing projects like the
plied new paintings for Biergarten and laid out a skate park Opperclaes XL-Hofbogen mural project, the Luchtsingel and
in Park Pompenburg with great big wooden 3D letters for the skate park in Park Pompenburg, and there are various oth-
skateboarding. RCD is a fertile place: there are lots of terrif- er projects in the pipeline we hope to tackle soon.12
R
C
D
13
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
provast.nl14
MORNING RUSH
LUNCH TIME
AFTER WORK
Rushing in between appointments or far planned upfront,
Rob Peetoom Zuidas is here to get you ready for every occasion.
Book online to find the perfect time that suits you.
ROB PEETOOM ROT TERDAM | MEENT 128 | 3011 JS ROT TERDAM | 010 411 87 11
BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.ROBPEETOOM.COMUPDATES
RCD
UP 2 DATE
There’s no lack of urban renewal
and development in Rotterdam
Central District. On this page, we
keep you up to date with the most
important news about the place
you work, live or come to visit. ELECTRIC CAR-SHARING
PILOT WILL START
THIS SUMMER
As spring transitions into summer, public life in Rotterdam
naturally gravitates towards the green oases scattered
throughout the historically industrial port city. Safe, inclusive,
healthy and green streets and spaces are becoming ever more
abundant throughout the crowded city centre and this will
only increase in the foreseeable future. This transformation R
of public spaces is facilitated by freeing up space in conjunc- C
tion with other green transitions sprouting from Rotterdam’s D
innovative ecosystem. Shared mobility not only facilitates the
growing demand for inclusive mobility within the developing
BICYCLE PARKING Rotterdam Central District, but also frees up space to create 15
CONRADSTRAAT these green oases. That’s why during the first weeks of sum-
mer, Rotterdam will introduce their green electric carsharing
In succession of the recent expansion of the pilot in RCD. In collaboration with the participating carsharing M
bicycle parking along the Stationssingel, a new partners, an initial fleet of up to 20 electric vehicles will be sta- A
bicycle parking will be built next to the bus tioned and made accessible at the covered car park Schouw- G
station near Rotterdam Central Station. The burgplein 2, better known as the Kruispleingarage. Rotterdam A
parking facility consists of approximately 1.000 aims for a greener future in the broadest sense of the word Z
spaces and also offers parking space for scoot- while ensuring freedom of mobility for everybody. I
ers and large sized bicycles. It will replace the N
temporary scooter parking facility and provides E
highly needed bicycle parking space as well. The
parking facility is located between the train BRAND-NEW APP:
station and the bus station, right next to the COMPANY EXPLORER
bicycle tunnel. During the design process, much
attention has been paid to the green appear- Want to find out which shops and
ance of the current location. The parking facil- businesses are based in all the different
ity has been designed in such a way that part of buildings in RCD? Looking for a creative
the green hill is preserved. This grass edge sur- agency or web designer near you?
rounds the parking facility, so this spot retains Now, it’s easy to check out who your
its green appearance. The parking is designed in neighbours are! You can also update
such a way that the bicycle racks are partly hid- your own business profile: just claim
den from view by the green hills. However, users your business.
of the parking are always clearly visible from
the sidewalk for extra social safety. Construc- Find it all with this new tool at
tion will take place immediately after the 2021 www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl.
construction recess in August. Support your locals!RCD PARTNER
Unilever:
Mobility as
a Sustainable
Service
It was more than ten years ago that Unilever introduced its Sustainable Living Plan
(USLP) and demonstrated that corporate profit and sustainability can go hand in
hand. During those years, the need for action became a public priority and sustain-
able living a hot topic for organizations and individuals alike. Pioneering as ever,
Unilever is currently designing a ‘Future of the Workplace’, in which sustainable
mobility plays a key part. Charlotte Potman, HR specialist for employee and in-
dustrial relations, and her colleague Laura Knoop, HR business partner, have both
worked at Unilever for years and were closely involved in developing the company’s
new sustainable mobility plan.
16
One of the most significant things to have changed this past year is office work cul-
tures. As working from home became the norm, a huge shift took place in our mind-
set about where we work. At Unilever, mobility plans until recently revolved around
a five-day working week at a single location. Its new plan, by contrast, is based on
four pillars. The four pillars entail: sustainability, employee experience, future of
work(place), and simplicity. “Underpinning it all is Unilever’s purpose: ‘Making sus-
tainable living commonplace’. We need to create a sustainable mobility community.
We need that to make sustainable living into a commonplace thing. A sustainable
mobility policy will advance sustainable behaviour in our workforce”, Laura explains.
One ambition is to get to one green mobility scheme. Its Weena location has adopted
a mobility scheme promoting public transport use. Unilever’s new office on Hofplein,
Charlotte Potman
however, seems to have made less of an effort. But that’s about to change.
PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam
FUTURE OF THE WORKPLACE
In spite of all the uncertainty in the world right now, Unilever is hard at work to ex-
plore and map the ‘Future of the Workplace’ and develop a suitable mobility model
that’s flexible and not tethered to specific journeys and mobility patterns. According
to Charlotte, “The results of various surveys we’ve done with our staff, discussion
groups and meetings with our central works council, indicate that people would wel-
TEXT Romy Lange & Céline Boute
come a flexible mobility plan. On the other hand, we’ve also noticed they aren’t yet
consciously thinking about alternative options to travel to and from work. For us,
it’s important to get people on board with this plan and, if needed, advise them on
journey options.” This is further supported by the ‘Employee Experience’, which is
also about flexibility and catering to individual needs that may vary from one day
to the next. In essence, this mobility plan leaves the role and meaning of ‘flexibility’
open for everyone to define it as suits them best.Laura Knoop
STIMULATING SUSTAINABILITY
The incentives and mobility reimbursements Unilever offers employees at its R
Weena office have boosted uptake of this option. Now, with Unilever having C
traded its De Brug location for Hofplein, the team are hopeful mobility behaviour D
will shift in a more sustainable direction here, too, according to Charlotte. “Our
new model is about rewarding sustainable mobility, by updating the traditional
bike scheme where you can also purchase an e-bike in exchange for vacation days. 17
Many of our employees are making use of that arrangement. Basically, we’re try-
ing to make mobility easier and more accessible while also giving people an added
incentive.” The fourth and final pillar is ‘Simplicity’. To achieve this, all non-car M
leasers will be offered one and the same scheme they may taylor to their own A
requirements. It has to be simple for employees to use and easy for the organiza- G
tion to implement, Laura sums up. The fact that all providers are facilitated via a A
single app, is in the interests of simplicity, too. Z
I
N
E
“Underpinning it
all is Unilever’s purpose:
Making sustainable living
commonplace”
POSITIVE CYCLE
Currently, Unilever is working hard to anchor all these elements in the plan’s four
pillars. Charlotte: “It’s such an interesting issue and we can’t wait to see the re-
sults. The central works council hasn’t shied away from experimenting and giving
its recommendations on this. Ultimately, we hope the experience and ease of use
will spark a positive vibe in our people. Then we can all contribute toward a sus-
tainable future!”VOX POPS
TAKING
THE STAGE
Rotterdam Central District is a district in
development. Which means that it’s still
undiscovered territory for many. RCD Magazine
hit the streets to ask what ‘RCD’ actually stands
for, and what it represents to you. With the
early spring sun shining, you shared your very
diverse and personal perspectives.
CHANTAL
RISSEEUW (19)
“I just happened to notice on
the magazine that it’s called
Rotterdam Central District. I
visit to this part of Rotterdam
that much, but the area in front
of the station has nice spots
where you can sit down. There
18 EVANDER are so many different kinds of
HOPPS (21) buildings here, so to me it rep-
“I think it stands for Rotterdam resents something completely
Central something, but I’m not different from, say, a city like
sure what the something is. This Amsterdam.”
is a very important part of the
city for me, personally, because
of its skateboarding opportuni-
ties. This piece of Rotterdam is NIRVANA ACHTERBERGH (32)
basically skater-central for the “Having been born and raised in Rotterdam, the city centre is my favourite part of
whole country. I live in Gouda, the city. So, working at Centraal Station, I’m totally at home. RCD draws a mixed,
but regularly come here with youthful and artistic crowd. That’s also what it represents for me: the part of the
friends.” city that has all kinds of people, cultures and businesses.”
JEAN
JALONG (60)
PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam
“This part of the city is marvellous.
I’m from Rotterdam Zuid, but the
Central District is a lovely place
to be. There’s a nice buzz, it has a
relaxed atmosphere and there are
lots of interesting people around.
TEXT Céline Boute
I’m meeting someone here later on,
so I came over early to enjoy the
sunshine and the hustle and bustle.”BO VAN DEN HOEVER (25)
“To be honest, I don’t know what RCD stands for, even though I work at Delftse-
plein. We sometimes call this area the Zuidas of Rotterdam. There are good trans- R
port links and clients like coming here. In talking to people you always notice this C
part of the city makes an impression, and I’d recommend it as a business location D
to anyone.”
19
NICOLAS WELIS (23) ARON OTTE
“For me, this is a world away from small-town Leuven in Belgium, where (31) M
I’m from. I’ve been living and working here for the past six months. Be- “I used to look at Delftse Poort A
cause of the coronavirus, I’ve not experienced much of the urban life, but from my window when I was a G
there’s definitely a wow-feeling just walking around here.” little boy. To me, it was always A
synonymous with the centre of Z
Rotterdam, since back then it was I
tthe only skyscraper around. My N
JOOST VAN father lived in the Central District E
DER HEIJDEN for a long time. And he didn’t
(22) recognize it when he went back re-
“Having just started living cently. The constant developments
and working in Rotterdam, I really make Rotterdam special.”
can only say that the Central
District is a cool place. People
call it the New York of the
Netherlands, and I think that
fits. All the flashy buildings like
Delftse Poort are really iconic.
In my time off I enjoy going to
Annabel, Biergarten and occa-
sionally Toffler.”INTERVIEW
COFFEE
BREAK
Long affiliated with the city because of her exciting choreographies for
Productiehuis Rotterdam (now Productiehuis Theater Rotterdam), and with many
years’ experience as a maker and artistic manager of Solid Ground Movement, in
2020 Alida Dors decided it was time to step up her impact and work for change as
artistic leader at Theater Rotterdam. Earlier this year she was promoted to artistic
director, putting her fully in charge of pursuing her mission and vision.
20 HOW DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? WHAT’S THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN THIS CITY, IN
“Theater Rotterdam is a performance stage and production YOUR VIEW? HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?
company. We invite guests to present their work and com- “I strongly believe that culture connects. It brings different
plete that programming with our own productions. In my sections of society together. During the pandemic, I’ve also
vision, TR should revolve around the artists at the heart of observed that culture makes daily stresses easier to bear.
the organization, so they’re visible and have room to contin- Just to take some time out and let yourself be enriched by a
ue evolving. Alongside that, there has to be a focus on qual- story or someone’s imagination. For young people or people
itative mutual relationships: relationships in which people with those interests, it’s also a tool for expression. It’s im-
learn from one another. As a company, we also want to be a portant for everyone to have that.”
reflection of the city, of the place we’re a part of.”
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD OR CHANGE
WHAT DOES DANCE CULTURE MEAN TO YOU, AND IN RCD?
WHAT IS IT YOU WANT PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE? “I’d love to contribute to the redesign of Schouwburgplein.
“Movement releases pent-up energy and so it’s a kind of Artistic organizations could make a valuable contribution
outlet. It’s great to just jam at a club, and at home with the there, I think. The power of the performing arts lies in orga-
kids there’s loads of jumping and dancing. In the perform- nizing and orchestrating meetings between different kinds
ing arts, dance gives me a way to share that energized state of public. It would be amazing if we could achieve that to-
PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Bolk
with the audience. It’s a tool to express myself. I want to gether and I’m looking forward to it.”
evoke something in people – thoughts, feelings or empathy
with other perspectives on the world. Moving bodies are a IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE
good medium for that, because first you feel something, WITH READERS OF RCD MAGAZINE?
and then if there’s a good story the images stay with you. “We have to ride this out, but we’re in the process of organiz-
The themes driving my work tend to revolve around conflict ing all kinds of ways to reunite with our audiences. This last
between the individual and society, or the tensions that year we worked on R.I.O.T. (Ready In Order To), a performance
TEXT Céline Boute
come with socioeconomic growth.” we hope to put on early next year. For those who are interest-
ed, in May we’ll be releasing a filmic essay on the same theme
with scenes from the show. We haven’t been idle and we’re
keenly anticipating the moment we can reopen.”“The power
of the
performing
arts lies in
organizing
and
orchestrating
meetings
between
different
kinds
of publics”
R
C
D
21
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
ALIDA DORS
Age: Born in 1977
Job: Artistic director at Theater Rotterdam
Hobbies: Inline skating, hiking and Thai boxing
Favourite spot: KruiskadeIN THE SPOTLIGHT
Premier Suites & Offices
Maarsen Groep has spent the past decade will house a mix of retail, hospitality, offices
working on extensive, iconic developments and residential units. Premier Suites &
at the Weenapoint location in the center of Offices, located at Weena 730, in the heart
Rotterdam, a stone’s throw from Rotterdam of Rotterdam directly across from Centraal
Centraal Station. Developments which Station, accommodates various functions
make Maarsen Groep one of the key players such as a hotel, hospitality, a Business
in the transformation of the Rotterdam Center and general office space, all of which
Central District. complement each other to make a dynamic
whole that’s active 24/7.
Weena 730
Having renovated “the Monument” into a
modern and sustainable A-label head office The unique combination of hotel and offices
for Greenchoice, collaborated with Nauta allows optimum benefit from the facilities
Dutilh, Rabobank, Robeco and others to which serve both, such as the hospitable
realize the First Rotterdam office building reception area and the shared lobby, a modern
and renovated the Premier Suites & Offices, space which accommodates both hotel
we are on the eve of realizing the latest high- guests and office visitors. Weenapoint users
quality development at Weenapoint, The also have access to a unique courtyard, which
Modernist. This multifunctional building is an oasis of peace in the busy city center.
22R
C
D
Renting office space on 23
Weena in Premier Offices
A limited number of individual office units, plus 2x M
A
half floors, are still available to rent in Premier Offices.
G
The light, modern 12th and 13th floors of the Premier
A
Suites & Offices building each measure ca. 290 m², Z
with a favorable length to width ratio which lends I
well to partitioning. These offer fantastic views of N
the Rotterdam Central District on one side and the E
city center, port area and Nieuwe Maas river on the
other. For those who want a simple “plug & play
concept”, the Business Center on the 10th floor still
has some modern-finished office units from 14 m² up
to combined areas measuring approximately 65 m².
Parking is never a problem as Weenapoint users have
access to a parking garage.
Could this dynamic, easily accessible location in the
heart of Rotterdam become the place your business
flourishes? Commercial real estate brokers De Mik
(010-4530303) and Parc Makelaars (010-4365700)
will be happy to arrange a viewing.
For more information, go to www.weena730-734.nlFrom
24
19 CT
CARSHARING
/min*
IN ROTTERDAM
1. Download the SIXT app and register
2. Choose your vehicle on the map
3. Unlock it through the app and off you go!
Download the SIXT app nowHOTSPOTS
HOTSPOTS
This city is sizzling with all kinds of hotspots.
In the Central District, too, there are loads
of colourful, delicious and fun places to go.
For this issue we’ve lined up three unique
places that are well worth a visit, each
with its own story and style.
LEBKOV
& SONS ROOFTOP
Wafting from the right-hand corner of FONTEIN
the Groothandelsgebouw outside the Last year, Fontein opened its Rooftop
station, the scents of fresh sandwich- restaurant on the roof of Hofplein19,
es and coffee are all but impossible to offering five-course fine dining with a R
resist. Lebkov & Sons café opens extra relaxed vibe plus a panorama of Rotter- C
early so there’s no waiting time to get dam and beyond. The restaurant, styled D
your caffeine fix. All sandwiches, sal- in tones of brown and green, has a lovely
ads, juices, soups and sweets are pre- warm atmosphere and offers a perfect
pared fresh on-site. Complete your or- escape from the crowded city. Especial- 25
der with a coffee brewed from Arabica ly with the glorious view of Rotterdam
beans that are roasted fresh each week. from ten storeys high! Ease your way into
And that’s not all: for the full experi- the evening with bubbles or a signature M
ence, enjoy your delicious fresh prod- LUCIE WITH G&T, then choose from a menu of meat, A
ucts while listening to Lebkov Radio in THE SIX fish and vegetarian options, offering G
one of the café spaces, designed by Stu- PUNCHES something for everyone. During lock- A
dio Akkerhuis architects, the ideal spot RCD’s own Boutique Boxing Gym isn’t down, you can order a four-course take- Z
to chat, study or read a book. And if you out for a fight, but all about having away menu on Fridays and Saturdays. I
can’t make it there, don’t worry. Lebkov fun getting fit! Founders Bas and Errol The menu is posted on Instagram each N
also delivers all its fresh sandwiches, met in the Marine Corps and are former week with a G&T, picture of the view and E
salads and juices to offices and will also masters at discipline and endurance. a Spotify playlist to help you recreate the
do catering for your whole company. They set up Boutique Boxing Gym out Rooftop mood at home. What’s not to
of a shared ambition help members love about that?
push their limits, with a team trained
to help everyone get stronger, fitter
and more energetic. They loved the idea
of Boutique Boxing, a NYC trend that
combines sport with music and visual
elements. LUCIE also has a fab lounge
where you can hang out, enjoy a healthy
shake and catch your breath after some
High Intensity Interval Training. This
year, the gym created an outdoor loca-
TEXT Céline Boute
tion to keep up the workouts. So, high
time to strap on those boxing gloves
and get fit with some LUCIE with the six
punches-style fun.#RCD ONLINE
SHARE YOUR VIEW ON #RCD
@ikrotterdam
@fit_life_addicts @jackbeanfood
26
@operator.radio
@jester_schilder @groothandelsgebouw
@youngcreatives010
@xsamaarr @travelauntysampje @micks.photo
@centraldistrict /rotterdamcentraldistrict Rotterdam Central District / vrcdCOLUMN
SOON SAFE
FOR LOUBOUTIN
STILETTOS AND
FUNKY SNEAKERS
Cows grazing on Schouwburgplein? In the archives of the Boijmans van Beuningen
museum is a postcard, made by Rotterdam-based artist Wim Gijzen. Issued on
the occasion of C’70 – short for ‘Communication 1970’, a happening celebrating
the 25th anniversary of the Liberation – it’s a picture of cows in a grassy field.
The pasture is set off with gnarled pollard willows, spaced at regular intervals
between De Doelen and Theater Rotterdam. Gijzen’s work has always contained R
more than a touch of irony, and his postcard illustrates our ongoing struggle C
with this square. It was a challenge back then, and it still is now, a half-cen- D
tury later.
It’s fair to say we Rotterdammers have a love-hate relationship with 27
Schouwburgplein. It’s an iconic spot for sure, and everyone’s got
an opinion about it. All the more since the Rotterdam landscape
designer Adriaan Geuze came along and turned it into “a reflec- M
tion of the Port of Rotterdam” done in steel, wood and rubber. A
Which was unfortunate for women trying to cross it on Christian G
Louboutin stilettos or men attempting to walk on crepe soles. It A
had become something of a danger zone – more slip ‘n slide than a Z
spot to stroll. The coloured artificial lawn laid down by the Flying I
Grass Carpet restored what had been missing: warmth – in this city, N
practically a four-letter word. E
Something needs to be done. And now, something will, as part of the ‘seven ur-
Eduard Voorn is a freelance ban projects’ slated to upgrade the city’s outdoor spaces. Happily, its planners
journalist with a focus on
listened to Janneke Staarink, director of De Doelen, who has a front-row seat to
economics, and first and
foremost a Rotterdammer.
this square. I talked to her about the iconic but ‘difficult’ space outside her door-
He lives at the outskirts of way. She aired her wish to make it low-traffic, stretch wall-to-wall and also let
Rotterdam Central District,
it serve as a stage – say if hippie Harry Hamelink, artistic director of Motel Mo-
breakfasts at Op Het Dak, eats
his pizza at Bird, raises a pint at
zaïque, wants to host his muse Eefje de Visser here. Janneke: “Instead of going
Biergarten, gets his caffeine fix to De Doelen and then straight back home, it should be a place where people will
at Lebkov and catches the latest
want to linger.”
flicks at Pathé Schouwburgplein.
His kids were born in the now-
famous Mecanoo architectural Will Geuze get another go? Who knows. One thing’s certain, though. In a few
firm’s first project on Kruisplein.
years it will be safe to walk your stilettos from a Doelen concert to a good pub
across the way or dance in your funky sneakers to Harry’s latest bands. But let’s
not make it too warm and green. Skateboarders – another iconic part of Rotter-
dam – need the city’s rough edges to do their tricks, and grass just doesn’t give
you a good roll. So, Adriaan: one hubba, if you please.LIVING IN RCD
HOME TOURS
IN ROTTERDAM
CENTRAL DISTRICT
For those not in the know, the name ‘Central District’ conjures visions of
chock-a-block offices. But nothing could be further from the truth! Scores
of people call RCD home and wouldn’t have it any other way. Once settled
in RCD, few ever want to leave. Take Sander de Breuk and Lara Schrijver,
for example. They graciously invited RCD Magazine around to visit their
homes and told us all about living in Rotterdam Central District.
DID YOU EVER IMAGINE YOURSELF LIVING IN RCD? enters in so many ways. During spectacular thunderstorms
Lara: “After living in different places in the city for 25 years, it’s breathtaking, at sunrise you see the city come to life and
28 I knew I wanted to stay in Rotterdam, but hadn’t thought to on a dark winter’s morning I can gaze at the Brienennoord
settle in a flat. Having three kids, I was stuck in a search for bridge in the distance, where you see the car headlamps
a small family home. It was my first viewing of a Maastoren flash by. My favourite spot is reading in my chair beside the
flat that opened my eyes, and after that I was sold as soon right-most window.”
as I saw this round tower on Weena. Now, I’ve been happily S: “The lounge is a real gem. I can unwind while losing myself
living here for four years.” in the view. I love being anyplace with a good view. Wheth-
Sander: “When I moved into this Weena tower 21 years ago, er I’m at the dining room table whilst I’m working, or on the
it was meant to be temporary. As you can see, I never left. swivel chair by the window: the view is like a painting to me.”
The Rotterdam mindset, that forthrightness, suits me well
and so I felt right at home.” DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE OBJECT?
L: “I love all my artworks, really. Many are by artists from Rot-
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE HERE? terdam. In the living room I’ve got Pim Palsgraaf, Anne van
L: “Being in the city centre is so convenient. Despite a busy Toor and Silas Schletterer. And my rug is Bauhaus, reworked
lifestyle and three kids, running a quick errand is always by Bas van Beek, a fantastic designer and close friend.”
easy with everything so nearby. For me, as an architecture S: “I love beautiful things and art. I get a lot of pleasure from
professor in Antwerp, it’s ideal to have the central railway the family and other works of art on the walls. My favourite
station so close. I did sort of miss having a garden, but a hol- painting is by the Rotterdam-based artist Nazif Lopulissa.”
PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam
iday cottage by the sea and afternoons at the lake in Kralin-
gen make up for that.” WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO GO IN RCD?
S: “For me, it’s about the comfort of being in the city. I’m L: “I enjoy going to the cinema, which sometimes coincides
surrounded by urban life. I love all the sounds of the city: with my job. And I go to Bird and Annabel a lot, for the good
the trains, the people, the traffic. The diversity is fun, too. vibes and live music. In summer, I like going to the Weena Café
Loads of young people are attracted to the creative devel- to watch the endless stream of people and cars going by.”
opment area near here as that’s the part of RCD where it all S: “I tend to meet with people at the Weena Café and I like
TEXT Céline Boute
happens. The constant changes are great.” going to all the fun and creative spots like Biergarten. I’ve
also been going out for lots of walks with friends recently
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT AT HOME? and we’ll stop at Central Station to explore the city from
L: “The wall of windows in my living room is fantastic. Light there. I miss the Suicide Club; that was a real hotspot.”SANDER DE BREUK
R
C
D
29
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
LARA SCHRIJVERTEXT Céline Boute PHOTOGRAPHY StudioVollaersZwart
30R
C
D
31
M
A
G
A
Iconic buildings such as the Z
Groot Handelsgebouw that are I
brightly decorated, flags from N
north to south with the lyrics E
of Eurovision songs, colorful
flyovers of the metro track.
Rotterdam has undergone
a colorful metamorphosis in
the run-up to the Eurovision
Song Contest.
The city is being decorated by Studio
VollaersZwart, Mothership, Arttenders,
Hiphop In Je Smoel Foundation and
Flowerdales Agency. These five creative
city dressers have come up with
everything from fashion and photography
to light art, street art and installations.
Everything to make the city sparkle
around the Eurovision Song Contest on
18, 20 and 22 May in Ahoy.SUCCESS STORY
“With perseverance
and hard work, you may
achieve anything”
Twelve storeys above Delftseplein, overlooking the
city centre, a successful new company strives to build
a digital future. Ciphix is the result of three young
entrepreneurs, and Marcus Groeneveld (26) is one of the
cofounders. He believes in the adaptability of society,
and that perseverance and resolve can take us far. With
this enterprising mentality, Groeneveld and his team are
working to widen the impact of robotization.
Marcus knows all about perseverance. As a young child, he handle. The responses so far have been incredibly enthusi-
32 set up his own neighborhood IT business. As a student, he astic, because we can offload the work people don’t always
co-founded one of the most successful IT boutiques in the enjoy doing; freeing up their time to tackle more complicat-
country. Three years ago, while finishing his degree, Marcus ed or challenging projects.”
realized that the corporate lifestyle was not for him. He got
to talking with his university friend Matthijs and mate Bas, IMPACT
and a shared vision was born: to start a new business. “All The firm already has won clients in Iceland, Sweden and
of us had worked in RPA [robotic process automation] at Australia, and its sights are currently set on a future where
our previous employers”, Marcus says. “We discussed that, Ciphix becomes the ‘digital workforce’ expert in the Bene-
but felt there was a better way. We started out in my stu- lux. “As a service company, Ciphix is looking to expand. Es-
dent basement before we even graduated. All three of us sentially, we need more volume to have more impact. We
threw ourselves into it, and from day one we knew there also have plans for a ‘Ciphix Group’, in which all our ideas
was nothing else we’d rather do.” will be developed. In addition, we’re looking into options to
conduct training so we can share our knowledge. That way,
DIGITAL WORKFORCE instead of deploying our own team to clients, we can actu-
From the outset, Ciphix’s mission has been to ‘take the ally equip them for a technological future.”
robot out of the human’. Having observed that many large
companies find it challenging to take advantage of tech- WINNING MENTALITY
PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam
nological innovations, the trio decided to focus on help- The Ciphix team is young and driven. It has an open atmos-
ing these companies automate. “What we do, is replicate phere and encourages giving and receiving feedback. Mar-
human work on a computer and graft that into a software cus credits this to his love of sports. “I really believe in sim-
robot. We simulate the human process through the appli- plifying and approaching ideas from their essence. Every
cation of sophisticated technologies. I’m talking about day I face all kinds of setbacks, but then the next time I do
the simulation of tedious, repetitive, high-volume work better. We’ve grown tremendously in a very short period of
that requires little human thought. For example, entering time by collaborating on all of our ideas. Don’t leave ideas
TEXT Céline Boute
invoice data into an application and other such adminis- unacknowledged in your mind. Everything is being docu-
trative tasks.” What started with RPA software, branched mented, and continuously improved. We’re all ambitious
out into chat and intelligent automation (IA) technologies. and hard-working, because that’s how we believe we can
“You often see people’s workloads are too much for them to collectively get to where we want to be.”R
C
D
33
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
“I really believe
in simplifying
and approaching
ideas from their
essence.”
Marcus GroeneveldRCD PARTNER
SAVILLS
RENOVATES
ROTTERDAM
GEMS
Rotterdam Central District is the first truly mixed-
use urban centre in the Netherlands. And for a port
city, that’s even more unique. Savills, a major player
in real estate, is at the forefront of investments and
sustainable renovation to promote urban vitality.
By modernizing, upgrading and restoring properties
to their former glory, Savills is helping to boost
building diversity in our city.
34 These days, real estate advisor Savills has an extensive portfolio
of projects in Rotterdam. To guide these projects to successful
completion, Riaan Peene joined the team five years ago as building
and project consultancy director. His technical and practical ex-
pertise in evaluating building performance is indispensable: “If an
investor is interested in acquiring a commercial property, my team
and I can help conduct a technical due diligence”, Riaan explains.
“We look at every facet of the building – what is the technical con-
dition of the building, are there any risks or backlog maintenance,
which budget should be taken into account for future capex works
PHOTOGRAPHY © Ossip Architectuur Fotografie
WPC Rotterdam - after
– the investor may use that information to determine their offer.”
WPC Rotterdam - before
© Ruben Stam
TEXT Romy Lange & Céline BouteBlaak Five55 - after Finished project at Blaak Five55
Blaak Five55 - before
ROTTERDAM PROJECTS
Savills was responsible for the revitalization of several high-profile, large proper-
ties in Rotterdam, including the KPN Tower (Toren op Zuid) and several buildings
along Blaak – Blaak House and Ploum House. According to Riaan, this focus on
Rotterdam and large projects has everything to do with Savills’ solid ties with R
important partners. “Before starting a new project, we consider the options in C
consultation with client, architect and other consultants. Blaak Five55 on Blaak, D
completed last year, was a comprehensive upgrade of the main space, coffee bar,
restaurant and offices. Next to that, for these sorts of buildings we always look
at retrofitting based on a BREEAM certification.” One such project currently un- 35
derway is the World Port Center at the Wilhelminakade, where the objective is a
sustainable, modern renovation to benefit both the building and its users.
M
REGENERATING GEMS A
“Blaak Five55 on No building design is timeless. But an optimal and flexible layout go a long G
Blaak, completed way, and are key to Savills’ philosophy. The use of eco-friendly materials and A
last year, was a components such as water-conserving toilets and water taps, LED lights and Z
comprehensive water pumps is standard. Flexibility is a way of assuring the building remains I
upgrade of the future-proof. “Our designs aren’t pinned to a specific user or activity. Even just N
main space, coffee colours, materialisation and lots of planting bring so much more life to a building. E
bar, restaurant With historic buildings in Rotterdam, it can be a challenge, but our approach is to
and offices.” be extremely thorough. To restore a building to its former glory, we really delve
into its past. Then we try to renovate these gems and give something back to the
RIAAN PEENE city.” For Savills, the surroundings are even as important as the building itself.
Every renovation has to be an improvement for the local community and visitors
to the area.
INTEGRATION
To a large extent, building use determines how it fits into a neighbourhood. Riaan
explains that this is something his team considers together with the client, ar-
chitect and asset manager. “For example, Tribes is operating the ground floor
of Blaak House. This injects more activity to attract people. We’ve done that in
the KPN Tower with Happy Italy as well. And we’re also upgrading the wider area
around Blaak Five55, adding planters with seating and a water terrace to create
a connection projecting from the inside outwards.” In RCD, there are still plenty
of strides to be made in terms of integrating buildings with their surroundings.
Through its projects, Savills is ready and eager to provide that boost.INTERVIEW
IF SHE CAN
MAKE IT
HERE…
INTERVIEW WITH
36 DANIËLLE DEKKER
GENERAL MANAGER
OF D&B SECURITY
DANIËLLE, THAT PHOTOGRAPH LOOKS LIKE YOU MEAN BUSINESS!
(Laughs) “I’m the general manager of a security company. Not a profession for wimps! I’d like to show Rotterdam
PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam
that D&B has a solid footprint here and provides a strong security service. It’s a privilege to work at the World
Port Center, WTC, Groot Handelsgebouw, Stedin and Delftse Poort. All are clients with real roots in Rotterdam
and iconic buildings that we’re proud to keep secure. And we’re keen to supply our security services to more
clients as well.”
WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES D&B’S SECURITY CONCEPT SO SPECIAL?
“Hospitality and a customer focus are what drive us. D&B Security is part of D&B The Facility Group and, like all
TEXT Michel Pan, business strategy manager, D&B
its divisions, was founded on the conviction that clients deserve the best in quality. The ‘5-star experience’, we
call it, and that sets us apart in the security landscape.”
“Our take on security is fresh and different, and we have a clear focus: on ambitious corporate clients and prop-
erty owners. Most are based in metropolitan centres, so we’ve been active in Rotterdam for years. We’re keen to
expand our portfolio as well, to clients who want to approach security from a different perspective.”
“When hiring, we apply a specific selection policy to ensure we tap the best applicants. I’m looking for security
personnel who will strictly follow protocols while also keeping abreast of the latest developments in our field. At
the same time, authenticity is essential. You have to follow rules, but also listen to your feelings and intuition.”ABOUT D&B
D&B provides 5-star facility management, cleaning, hospitality, secu-
rity, mobility and catering services to ambitious, high-end corporate
clients and property owners. D&B is active primarily in the Randstad
area and western Noord Brabant province. Its mission is to create in-
spiring environments that foster a sense of excellence and positive
experiences.
WHAT DRIVES YOU, PERSONALLY, TO WORK IN THE SECURITY SECTOR?
“I started my career in fashion and later event organization, and that has certainly
given me a different angle on this work. When I started working in security, I was sur-
prised by the lack of change. It’s a male-dominated world and had a fairly bad image.
Supply was largely price-driven, there was no innovation to speak of, and the motto R
was: ‘In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king’. When D&B set up our Secu- C
rity division, we felt we could do quite a lot better.” D
“I’m out in the field a lot as that’s where it all happens. It’s a privilege to be able to forge
so many individuals into a close-knit team and work with colleagues to invest our en- 37
ergy for clients. No two days are the same. What I enjoy most is coaching my managers
and team leaders on their leadership skills – on how to keep that personal focus on our
people in the field. The minute those people turn into a personnel number, you’re well M
and truly lost, if you ask me. We set a very high bar, by deploying security guards who A
are fit in body and mind but also a bit independent-minded.” G
A
INDEPENDENT-MINDED HOW? Z
“You don’t want people in this job who just blindly follow orders. You need to be able I
“WTC, the Groot to act forcefully. But we also want you to be yourself. To show who you are, and your N
intrinsic motivations. ‘Only dead fish go with the flow’, I always say!” E
Handelsgebouw
LASTLY, COVID-19 HAS BEEN A GAME CHANGER IN MANY REGARDS. WHAT
and Delftse ARE THE LESSONS FOR SECURITY, AND WHAT WILL IT MEAN GOING
FORWARD?
Poort are iconic “We’ve been incredibly busy. Many buildings emptied out and there was greater de-
mand for security, but also for a different kind of security. Our people had to shift
buildings in towards facility and safety support, and that has led us to develop new concepts for
our clients. A good example is our ‘safety host’. That’s someone who welcomes office
Rotterdam where workers and explains how to use the space safely. And, don’t forget, there’s been a
breakthrough in the use of sensors and smart cameras. Technology is becoming ever
we’re proud to easier to integrate into our services, and it’s improving them. We firmly believe tech-
nology exists to serve humans, not the other way around.”
ensure a secure
“The most important effect of the pandemic, I think, has been the appreciation for
and welcoming our people. Security has proved to be a crucial job. Suddenly, it was clear our work con-
tributes to keeping corporate Holland safe and healthy. That’s positive. It means more
environment.” people will choose this great profession. And our clients will benefit.”RCD PARTNER
REVITALIZED WTC:
A MULTIFUNCTIONAL,
DYNAMIC PLACE
For the past three years, WTC Rotterdam has gone
through a complete revitalization. The project kicked
off simultaneously with Eveline Steenbergen-Kolk’s
appointment as managing director of WTC Rotterdam. With
the Grand Opening set for the first quarter of 2022, work is
progressing at full steam. Its monumental scale, historic
character and central location add up to make this a unique
and exciting project.
It was at the beginning of 2015 that owner Bouwinvest came up with an idea to
redevelop WTC Rotterdam. Eveline had gained experience while working on WTC
The Hague and was asked to do this job in Rotterdam as well. Eveline: “Asking to
accomplish the same thing in Rotterdam is a whole different ball game, consider-
ing it’s one of the city’s few listed buildings. That has working on it more exciting,
more fun, and more complex.”
PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam
TEXT Romy Lange & Céline BouteEveline Steenbergen-Kolk
R
MASTER PLAN of it. Everything around is transparent, giving it a nice, open C
The World Trade Center Rotterdam is a vast edifice with en- atmosphere. Because of the building’s historic character, we D
tryways opening onto some of the city’s main roads, includ- kept opening doors and finding new surprises throughout
ing Coolsingel, Meent and Koopgoot. The ground-floor layer this process”, Eveline says, laughing. Another important as-
consists of forty shops, above which pect of the project is sustainability, 39
is a monumental collar extending six to which Bouwinvest made a serious
floors which was recently partially commitment. The entire revitalization
claimed by the Postillion Hotel & Con- “The master was done sustainably, with the use M
vention Center. The 23-storey tower plan sets of ecological construction materials, A
was added in 1987. “The master plan forth ideas to LED lighting and radiant ceilings. The G
sets forth ideas to future-proof the future-proof two covered car parks are furthermore A
entire WTC, from the listed shell right the entire WTC, fitted with thirty electric charging Z
up to the big central tower. The plan from the listed points, and there will also be a bike I
was drawn up together with the City shell right up hire service. N
of Rotterdam, Monumentenzorg pres- to the big E
ervation service and BiermanHenket central tower” DYNAMIC HEART
architects, who specialize in the res- Inside the building, a great deal of
toration and conservation of historic thought has gone into improving ac-
spaces.” One key objective during the cess. This year, a footbridge across the
past three years was to attract a mix of amenities and up- main hall will be built, which will provide a flexible regulated
grade building facilities. That has brought about a 168-room flow of visitors and tenants through the building. Ideally sit-
hotel, gym, business center and restaurants as well as a new uated in the heart of Rotterdam, WTC also boasts excellent
reception desk and escalators. The result is a multifunctional transport links for businesses and visitors. “In the past three
center for office, convention and leisure. years we’ve been successful in attracting corporate, trans-
lational, domestic and creative businesses here, and there’s
EYE-CATCHER plenty of spaces for independent contractors and small enter-
Once upon a time, the WTC’s vast main hall served place for prises. It’s a dynamic place with a balanced mix. Exciting news
insurance, shipping and commodity. BiermanHenket has re- for locals is that Brasserie Pierre on Pannekoekstraat will be
stored the space to its former splendour, with gorgeous, soft opening Brasserie Jules here in September.” In short, the WTC
materials to lend the right ambience. “This is the eye-catcher will be the perfect place to host office meet & greets, grab a
of the building: as you come up via the escalators, the main coffee at De Koffiesalon with friends or clients, or cap the day
hall fills your view and you’re just blown away by the beauty with cocktails on the planned rooftop terrace.You can also read
