De Rotterdam is a modern skyscraper located on the Wilhelminapier quays in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA, it was completed in 2013. With 44 floors and a surface area of 160,000 m², it is the largest building in the Netherlands.
Galerie photos
Timelezz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
History and construction
The construction of De Rotterdam began in 2009 after the municipality of Rotterdam committed to renting 25,000 m² of office space. Its highest point, 149 meters, was reached at the end of 2012, and the building was officially completed on November 21, 2013. The project cost was estimated at 340 million euros.
Location and surroundings
The building is located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas, in the Kop van Zuid district, Feijenoord borough. It is surrounded by several other iconic towers such as:
- The KPN Tower (in the immediate vicinity)
- The Rotterdam Cruise Terminal
- The Montevideo Tower
- The New Orleans Tower
- The World Port Center
The district has undergone rapid development with the rise of numerous residential and commercial towers since the 2000s.
Architecture and design
Architect Rem Koolhaas designed De Rotterdam as a structure in motion: depending on the viewing angle, the three towers appear to separate and merge. The building consists of three towers (West, Central, and East) resting on a shared six-story base.
At around 90 meters in height, the towers are slightly offset from one another to improve wind stability and create spaces for terraces. Initially, the towers were to be independent, but they were ultimately connected at several points for simplification and cost reduction.
Features and use
The De Rotterdam building is designed as a vertical city combining multiple functions:
- 240 residential apartments
- 72,000 m² of offices and conference rooms
- A hotel with 285 rooms
- 1,500 m² of cafés and restaurants
- 5,000 m² of retail space
- 2,500 m² of sports facilities
- An underground car park with 684 spaces
Each function is grouped into distinct blocks, but the different users intersect in the common areas, reinforcing the concept of a multifunctional and dynamic building.
A modern symbol of Rotterdam
With its unique architecture and versatility, De Rotterdam embodies the modernity and innovation of the city. It attracts around 5,000 people every day, making it a key element of Rotterdam’s urban landscape.