Mecanoo

The iconic Maritime Center Rotterdam will be located in the middle of the water on the Rijnhaven. The organic building contrasts with the rational, industrial design of the port. It is elegant, versatile and invites you to discover. The triple helix of the international maritime world comes together in this center: the past, present and future. It will be a place for maritime entrepreneurs, science and culture. The center will be accessible to the public and will create a place to stay, on and in the water, with a view of the surrounding port.

The Maritime Center Rotterdam will form a key element of the ‘Rondje Rijnhaven’ and the jetty path from the Wilhelminaplein towards Katendrecht; creating a walk along the quays of the Rijnhaven and connecting to the planned network of paths along and on the water. Part of the building will be under water. As a result, the building offers an extensive program without becoming too large for the port in terms of size and scale.

At low tide, the part of the building submerged underwater also becomes visible, making the tidal difference of 1.5 to 2 meters tangible. In addition to logistics spaces, the underwater world is also suitable for exhibitions, with ideal indirect lighting by means of round skylights that protrude above the water.

A multi-layered route that runs under, along, over and through the Maritime Center gives shape to the design and structures the organization of the building. An elegant ribbon winds around the pavilions and stimulates interaction between different program components.

In the near future, the Rijnhaven will undergo a thorough transformation. The water will be more frequently used, and the port must allow for a range of activities. New construction will completely change the skyline around the port, but also intensify it programmatically. Central to the developments in the port is the Maritime Center, acting as a pivot for activities and a catalyst for this area.