mei
mei Rotterdam 1
“With creativity, expertise and courage, we introduce innovative technical applications and user concepts that contribute to social and ecological sustainability.”
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Mei architects and planners
Mei architects and planners realises leading projects in the Netherlands and abroad. Our work is founded on respect for the environment: for the history of the location, the current context and future living environment. Based on our expertise in the field of adaptive re-use of architectural heritage, new build projects and urban development strategies, we work on designs that put the user first. Our distinct designs tell their own story, which increases the involvement with the building and the connection between its users. With creativity, expertise and courage, we introduce innovative technical applications and user concepts that contribute to social and ecological sustainability. Mei was founded by Robert Winkel, who leads the firm together with Michiel van Loon and Robert Platje. Established in Rotterdam, we work with an ambitious, international team on assignments in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Russia and Norway, among other countries. The office structure is based on the expertise domains of Building Transformation, New Build projects and Urban Planning, within which research is fostered and knowledge is secured. To further increase brain power and decisiveness, Mei seeks collaboration with various parties in the field, from experts in the area of urban nature to the building materials industry. Mei’s work has been widely published and awarded. Mei is known for transformation projects such as Fenix I and Jobsveem in Rotterdam and the Cheese Warehouse in Gouda, and new construction such as Schiecentrale 4B and the McDonald’s pavilion at Coolsingel in Rotterdam. With the design and development of SAWA, a fully wooden residential building in Rotterdam, Mei is a pioneer in the field of creating future-proof, nature-inclusive housing. At an urban planning level, Mei specialises in complex inner-city and redevelopment projects. Mei designs dynamic masterplans for, among other things, the site of the former silk factory in Naro-Fominsk, the OPG location in Utrecht and the Cable District in Delft.
See a collection of our top projects in the Mei book:
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Robert Winkel architect | director (01.05.1963)
“We constantly ask ourselves why something happens in a certain way”
The entrepreneurial architect Robert Winkel founded Mei Architects and planners back in 2003. As an energetic foreman he inspires a team of about fifty designers and specialists. After studying Architecture at the TU Delft (1991), Robert worked as a project architect, founding Archined in 1995. In 1996, he started his own firm (Robert Winkel Architecten), which became Mei architects and planners in 2003. In 2019, Nice Developers joined the firm. The move into development illustrates Robert’s drive for innovation and progress. When Robert sees a need, he can’t help but act on it. “We constantly ask ourselves why something is done a certain way. There is a great eagerness in our company. But we don’t just want to talk about it, we want to do it! We want to show what we believe in. Show don’t tell!” As a developing architect, he was the mastermind behind SAWA: the first wooden (and prize-winning) building in Rotterdam. “The innovation at SAWA was in the clever combination of design solutions and technical elaborations. The result is a building with a supporting structure made of more than 90% wood.” In line with this, Robert holds various external roles of social importance. He was for many years chairman and member of the Spatial Quality Commission in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, is currently supervisor of ‘Rotterdam - The Hague Airport’ and chairman of the ‘Quality Team Feyenoord-City’ (Rotterdam) and ‘Merwede’ (Utrecht). Robert is a guest lecturer at numerous universities and colleges and a much sought-after juror for awards in architecture and urban development.
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Robert Platje architect | partner (01.07.1975)
“You can’t monitor everything, so focus on the most important aspects.”
Robert joined Mei architects and planners in 2000 as a project manager and building technologist, became an associate partner in 2017 and a full partner in the firm in 2022. Robert is Mei’s building technologist and has been a valuable addition to the team since 2000 with his specialisation - architectural detailing and sustainable construction. Robert looks at how a concept can be realised as smartly as possible. “I translate a concept into something that is easy to understand and easy to make. Then, I explain it to those who are building it and monitor it during its implementation.” He is the concept supervisor at Mei and has a fascination for technical solutions. Technology is always a means, not an end in itself. The aim is to create functional and pleasant ‘people buildings’. “Fenix I is a friendly building because of the space it offers for personalisation. It is a plea for living the way you want to live. It’s not the architecture, but the people dictating that.” Robert believes that ‘perfect’ buildings are soulless buildings. He, therefore, offers controlled space to make small mistakes: an approach known within Mei as ‘selective control’. It is this pragmatic approach that typifies the firm. “Our starting point here is: you just can’t monitor everything, so we focus on the most important aspects.” The puzzle between form, function and details is what keeps him busy: designing until ‘something works’. It is no coincidence that he is also a BREEAM-NL expert with the Dutch Green Building Council, a committee member for Non-Residential Construction with SBR and a member of the BNA’s Technology and Regulation policy advisory committee. He is also happy to share his knowledge of construction technology as a guest lecturer and visiting critic at, among others, TU Delft, SBR and Bouwen met Staal.
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Michiel van Loon architect | partner (28.06.1985)
“At the level of both the city and the building, that space is incredibly important.”
Michiel joined Mei architects and planners in2012 as a project architect, became an associate partner in 2017 and a full partner in the firm in 2022. After the HTS in Tilburg (2007) and his Master of Architecture at TU Delft (2011, cum laude) Michiel gained experience at several architecture firms in the Netherlands and abroad (New York, Vienna, Rotterdam). In 2012 he applied at Mei. “I loved the aesthetics of projects like the Schiecentrale. This kind of project, with its high complexity and the layering of existing and new buildings, was the exact reason I applied for a job. I like working on different levels of scale and can do that well. Without those skills, I wouldn’t be able to do projects like Fenix I or Kabeldistrict in Delft.” At Mei’s, he learned the importance of making choices in a design, by constantly weighing up what is really important and daring to make a selection. “Choosing is essential, that is my most important lesson. You can make everything important, but that doesn’t necessarily make it more relevant.” The reservation of space - within residential buildings, projects and cities - is Michiel’s pet subject. In addition to working on the content of projects, he would therefore like to become more involved in the discussion about architecture and spatial interpretation in the future. Michiel previously worked as a guest speaker and graduation supervisor at Avans University of Applied Sciences in Tilburg.
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Fenix I, Rotterdam
Jobsveem, Rotterdam
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Division Existing & New
Joost Wetzel domain lead
Building on the existing Mei retains qualities of the existing built environment for new use. With over 20 years of experience in the realisation of urban development and architectural transformation projects, we are specialised in repurposing. For both national monuments and heritage without formal status, we make designs that make historical layers visible and allude to history that is no longer physically present. Our work is based on a careful inventory and appreciation of the existing, often in collaboration with architectural historians. Based on knowledge of the constructive and material-technical structure of the original buildings, we assume maximum use of what is present. Using clear interventions - aimed at natural lighting, accessibility and the addition of usable surface - to create space for a new interpretation.
Kaaspakhuis, Gouda
MENU, Utrecht
25 kV, Rotterdam
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SAWA, Rotterdam SPOT, Amsterdam
Schiecentrale 4B, Rotterdam
De Caai, Eindhoven
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Division New build
Geert Krusemann domain lead
Outspoken, adaptable and sustainable Mei creates innovative buildings, with commitment to the impact on the lives of residents, users and local residents of now and future generations. We create residential and working environments with a distinct design. Adaptability, flexibility and guaranteeing space for appropriation are also leading in the design. Spaces aimed at meeting and shared use play an important role in the formation of a closeknit community. By introducing shared facilities - such as workshops, bikes and cars - we capitalise on the power of the sharing economy. With a lot of attention for circular, CO2-neutral and nature-inclusive design, we use our knowledge and experience to build a future-proof environment and accelerate a transition in construction.
Max & Moore, Amsterdam
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Kabeldistrict, Delft
Silk Factory, Naro-Fominsk
Desiré Colombe, Nantes
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Division Urban planning
Rob Grim domain lead
Future-proof and full of identity Mei is working on robust regional visions that create the conditions for the emergence of green, mixed and lively cities. With carefully designed frameworks, we safeguard the character of the place, the spatial quality and sustainable, functional infrastructure for the long term. Within this, we create space for initiative and new insights. By integrating existing structures with precision, the new developments are embedded in the environment. To allow the use of the location to build on the energy present in the area, we are actively involved in the programming and placemaking. With knowledge of both architecture and urban planning, we connect different levels of scale. Urban planning mass, building typology, green and water structure, public space and visual quality are always closely interwoven.
Silk Factory, Naro-Fominsk
Lloydkwartier, Rotterdam
Kabeldistrict, Delft
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Core values
Our distinct designs tell their own story, which increases the involvement with the building and the connection between its users. With creativity, expertise and courage, we introduce innovative technical applications and user concepts that contribute to social and ecological sustainability. What Mei stands for has been translated into 5 Core Values: context, community, new aesthetics, flexibility and new values.
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Context
Built and narrative history Mei cherishes the history of the place and uses it in the design. At the start of each project, we delve into the local history: the background of existing buildings, on and around the location, and the images and stories that are part of our collective memory. We build on this by preserving structures, integrating physical objects and translating stories into recognisable elements. In addition to the cultural importance, the economic value of building elements and materials will also play an increasingly important role in design and construction practice in the future. By reusing existing buildings where possible, we contribute to circularity in construction.
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Community
Encouraging shared ownership Communities of committed residents, who look after each other and their living environment, form the basis for a well-functioning city. With attention to facilitating joint use and staging encounters, in generous and carefully designed collective space, Mei aims to contribute to the emergence of close-knit communities. We encourage ownership by giving residents a say in their living environment and, where possible, involving them early in the design process. Programming also plays a role in strengthening contact between residents, users and local residents. The need to consume more consciously offers opportunities for shared use. By connecting with local initiatives, new communities are embedded in the existing ones. 18
New Aesthetics
From refined to sublime Mei is looking for an image that people will remember: recognisable, but also surprising, or even alienating. From construction to façade design, we embrace the grand scale of the transformation areas where we work, shaping an almost sublime experience. Multi-edited elements, sometimes provided with an image or text, add stories to the buildings. By avoiding an unambiguous distinction between old and new, we are working on a new visual language. We design iconic elements - such as façade panels, fencing and balconies - with great precision and control. In addition, we leave room for the unpredictable aspects of the construction process. Visible appropriation by users is part of the image, which can change over time.
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Flexibility
User freedom and circularity Flexibility has been the basis of Mei’s designs for more than 25 years to give users freedom and extend the life of buildings. With open structures, we offer space for a wide range of possible interpretations, both on the scale of the building and of the urban ensemble. We guarantee the adaptability of buildings by disconnecting building components of different lifespans: the main supporting structure, façade, systems and finishing. Mei is one of the founders of OPENBUILDING. CO, the network that gives renewed attention to Open Building, as developed by John Habraken in the 1960s. Based on the current need to build in a circular way, the relevance of these principles is becoming clearer than ever.
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New values
Healthy and shared living environments Social issues guide Mei’s work. We believe that architects can and should play an important role in creating a healthy and shared living environment. From stimulating social cohesion to integrating urban nature, we incorporate social and ecological design principles, both on the scale of the building and of the neighbourhood or district. Timber construction the new standard As one of the pioneers of industrial flexible and demountable building (IFD), Mei has many years of experience with flexible and detachable building systems, which contribute to a circular economy and extend the lifespan of buildings and materials. With SAWA, we are setting a new standard in the field of timber construction. Extensive knowledge of technology, process and regulations and an always inquisitive attitude drive constant innovation in our projects. 21
Brainstorm session at office café Nice Place
Individual training
Tour at Fenix I
Excursion with the team
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Mei Academy
Bart Siemens Talent & Performance manager With a fresh and critical view, Talent & Performance manager Bart Siemens provides structure within Mei. He supervises the recruitment process and shapes Mei Academy; the internal training program. By asking questions, Bart keeps Mei’s working method sharp and ensures that everyone can develop optimally. At the Mei Academy we learn and grow together. The program consists of several parts: Mei Inside - Monthly knowledge sessions about current projects to inform and inspire each other Mei Outside - Team excursions where we visit inspiring projects Mei Studio - Organization-wide training on general topics, such as quotations and tenders Courses - Individual training courses to further develop professional skills
“We are keen to give talent as much space as possible. As Talent & Performance manager, I work on new ideas in the areas of HR, learning & development and leadership, so that you can develop yourself and the organization can grow.”
Would you like to work at Mei?
View all current vacancies at mei-arch.eu/en/working-at-mei 23
Experience Mei
Mieke Winkel PR & Marketing
Guided tour to Fenix I? Lecture on circular timber construction? Drink at Nice Place? Walk through the Lloydkwartier? Presentation about adaptive reuse? Come and visit our office? At Mei, we are eager to share our knowledge, experience and expertise. We are convinced that only by working together and sharing experience, we can continue to develop and create innovative and compelling architecture. Please contact our PR team for more information about an introductory meeting, tailor-made guided tour or lecture on location.
mail to: pr@mei-arch.eu
“The success of our projects is not limited to the pretty pictures. At Mei, we design interconnecting architecture where the user is central. And that is precisely why we love to show how our projects were realized and - even years after completion are being lived in and used. Interested in a guided tour or a lecture? We’d be happy to tell you more.”
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Nice Place Together with sister company Nice Developers, project initiator and timber construction expert led by Robert Winkel and Mark Compeer, Mei has its own office café ‘Nice Place’ on the Westzeedijk in Rotterdam. A place to meet, see detailed scale models, and have a beer at the bar. At Nice Place, we regularly organise inspiration sessions, lectures, meetings and informal gettogethers. Interested in visiting us or attending an event? Please contact our PR department. Send an email to: pr@mei-arch.eu
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Mei architects and planners Schiehavenkade 150 3024EZ Rotterdam +31 10 425 22 22 www.mei-arch.eu version 07.2022
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