Neighbourhoods, Rotterdam

The Afrikaanderwijk terminates in the Hillekop housing project, consisting of a fan-shaped tower, a meandering medium-rise builing and a L-shaped volume inserted into an existing block of buildings. The project has a total of 186 public sector dwellings, several cafés and a community center.

Architect: Mecanoo
Design: 1985
Construction: 1987-1989

Müllerpier forms part of a large urban redevelopment zone around the basins Parkhaven, St. Jobshaven and Schiehaven, and lies between the city center and Delfshaven. The use of different dwelling types, construction types, heights and orientations results in an architectural collage. The buildings were designed by different architecture firms. The architectural design was put in place along with the urban plan.

Urban designer: Kees Christiaanse
Design: 1998
Construction: 1999-

The urban plan by T. Koolhaas of 1987, comprises roughly 4,500 dwellings, 335,000 m2 of office space, 35,000 m2 for recreational and cultural amenities and 3,500 m2 of commercial space. The Wilhelminapier is mainly used for office blocks. The largely filled-in basin of Spoorweghaven and the adjacent quay area have a residential function.

Urban designer: T. Koolhaas
Design: 1987
Construction: 1990

The urban plan for Prinsenland comprises rouphly 5,000 dwellings distributed over four neighbourhoods plus a park, an elongated lake and an additional main access road. The existing ribbon development was incorporated into the new plan. The designers aimed to create a varied district with ample greenery, a district with the character of a garden city.

Urban designers: J.H. Jonker & F. Palmboom, in collaboration with R. Bakker, M. Pemmerlaar, J. Schrijnen, C. van de Graaf, E. Meulema and R. Zee
Design: 1984
Construction: 1988-1996

On the Landtong 625 owner-occupied and rented houses, over 1,000 m2 business space, 328 roofed parking spaces, a sports accommodation, and a cr?che have been realised. The building plan for Landtong consists of two residential blocks flanking a public square where a light object will be placed in memory of Loods 24. Thousands of Jews were transported from this storehouse to concentration camps.

A historical area with old houses (from around late 1800’s), a windmill, a little harbour and cosy cafes and restaurants. This is one of the few places that not have been destroyed in the war. Just take some time to stroll here in the night and you will like it for granted.

Also located at Kop van Zuid, this peninsula contains a lot of history. The Rhine Harbour (on the left) was dug and this peninsula existed. Hotel New York used to be the shipterminal for boats to New York. Many thousands of Dutch people left to the new country to build up an existence there. Nowadays often large cruise ships come here to dock. Cafe Rotterdam is also a nice place to drink something. Furthermore the Luxor theater is located here.

A newly developed area at Kop van Zuid. The entrepot building once was a warehouse for products from the far east. Most of those warehouses were destroyed because of the Kop van Zuid project. This building has remained and has been entirely renovated. In the beginning the building was full of cosy little bars and restaurants (and some shops). Nowadays there are only a few left. This is because of people do not know this place. In a few years however it will be as vivid as ‘Oude Haven’. On a summer day it is awesome to sit on one of the teraces and see all the yachts in the little harbour. A must see!

A newly developed area with modern houses. In the eightees Rotterdam wanted to expand the center, and the only way was to the south. In 1987 the plans were made and in the ninetees constructions started. The Erasmusbridge was built, modern apartments and houses were constructed and shopping facilities were made (Vuurplaat and Entrepot area).

Still buildings are being built, in 2010 the masterplan will be completely realised. The architecture of the houses is very interesting to see, especially the terrace houses which you can see from the Erasmusbridge.

In 2001 the historical Western Trade-area was completely restyled. These warehouses were originally constructed in 1894. Nowadays it is an exclusive area with arts, design, food, drinks and dance. You will find nice restaurants, cafes, dancings, museums and galleries. A very nice area to stay.