The port of Rotterdam is rapidly changing in the area between Delfshaven, Merwehaven and Vierhaven. The new Rotterdam Innovation District is taking root there, pushing aside old and obsolete functions, with the aim of revitalising the port, offering waterfront access to the public and embracing the new economy of makers. The two old warehouses in Merwehaven, previously operated by Total Produce (the area is also known as “Fruithaven“), are transformed into a flexible working space for medium-sized companies with a small production line. The main volume of the buildings does not change. Instead, within the existing building envelope a series of office spaces facing the waterfront are arranged in a modular way, as per the tenants’ requirements, leaving the rest of the space open for production processes. Common-use areas for meetings, gatherings and events are centrally placed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and information between the housed companies.
program | Adaptive reuse of two harbor warehouses into offices & factories
info | 2017, Rotterdam, NL
type | 3rd place in closed tender submission with Gearcraft, Rotterdam
role | Lead design architect
responsibilities | Concept development, original design, 2d & 3d modelling and illustrations
client | Private developers & Port of Rotterdam
Marialena Kasimidi Studio 