RCD Magazine - Editie 2 (mei 2021) by Zuidas Publishers

RCD

ROTTERDAM-CENTRALDISTRICT.NL MAY 2021

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M A G A Z I N E

PROVIDING A SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG MAKERS Linda van der Vleuten, co-founder Opperclaes

UNILEVER Mobility as a Sustainable Service

VOX POPS RCD People are taking the stage

GROENEMORGEN Dreaming of a Weena parkscape with pavement

PREFACE

ENJOY THE TASTE OF HOMEMADE HONESTY!

e xt i s su The ne d dul e i s sc h e 6t h o f for the be r S e pt e m

PROUDLY PRESENTING OUR SECOND ISSUE! We’re thrilled that you’ve picked up this second issue of RCD Magazine! This magazine fills you in on developments in RCD and spotlights the diversity of entrepreneurs and businesses, stakeholders and partners active in this district. Featured on the cover of this issue is Linda van der Vleuten, co-founder of Opperclaes. If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind all the marvellous mural paintings in RCD – that’s Opperyoung makers who are just starting off. Linda talked to us about her work and her perspective on RCD. For this issue, we also paid an illuminating visit to our partner, Unilever. They’re working on adapting their mobility scheme one step at a time so as to enable all staff to commute to the article on pages 46 & 47. A big thank you to all of our partners who shared their wonderful stories for this issue. Got an idea for us? Feel free to drop us a line at info@rcdpublishers.nl. Hope to see you soon at one of the outdoor terraces in RCD! Happy reading!

LEBKOV & SONS ROTTERDAM 06:00 - 18:30 | MON-FRI 07:30 - 17:00 | SAT & SUN

STATIONSPLEIN 50

[GROOT HANDELSGEBOUW] @LEBKOV

claes! Opperclaes provides a contemporary art platform for

area as efficiently and sustainably as possible. Read the full

EAT REAL FOOD

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Romy Lange

Rob Ittmann

RCD Publishers

Rotterdam Central District Association

THANKS TO

M A G A Z I N E

INDEX

UNILEVER Mobility as a Sustainable Service

VOX POPS RCD People are taking the stage

GROENEMORGEN Dreaming of a Weena parkscape with pavement

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cove rst or y

PROVIDING A SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG MAKERS Linda van der Vleuten, Co-Owner Opperclaes

What’s on?

28 Living in RCD

Check the RCD Agenda

32 Success story Marcus Groeneveld: “With perseverance and hard work, you may achieve anything”

8 Linda van der Vleuten, Co-Owner Opperclaes Providing a showcase for young makers 15

34 Savills – Partner Renovating Rotterdam gems

RCD Up2Date

16 Unilever

36 D&B the Facility Group

Mobility as a Sustainable Service 18 RCD People

…… 38 WTC Rotterdam

Are taking the stage 20 Coffee Break

Revitalized WTC: A multifunctional, dynamic place 41 RCD Interview OPERATOR:

With Alida Dors, artistic director at Theater Rotterdam 22 Maarsen Groep In the spotlight: Premier Suites & Offices 25

RCD Hotspots

#RCD Online

27 Column by Eduard Voorn Soon safe for Louboutin stilettos and funky sneakers

“The city’s alternative and cultural sound” 42

Architecture: Schieblock

45 RCD Interview Groenemorgen: Dreaming of a Weena parkscape with pavement 47 Join the Rotterdam Central District Community 48 Memoboard 51

RCD Members & Colophon

M A G A Z I N E

AGENDA

TRADEMARK LAW

WHAT’S ON?

OUR EXPERTS WILL UPDATE YOU ON RECENT TRADEMARKS CASES IN THIS (FREE OF CHARGE) WEBINAR. SCAN THE QR-CODE TO REGISTER.

For the latest updates and any changes, see www.rotterdamfestivals.nl

14-22 May

Apart from live shows in Ahoy, Rotterdam will be hosting

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

a range of other Eurovision activities, Covid-measures permitting. In any case, some of the city programming – with a big spotlight on vocal talent – will be streamed online.

R C D © Fleur Beerthuis

ROTTERDAM ROOFTOP DAYS

ROTTERDAM ART WEEK

3-6 June

30 June-4 July

After 2020’s online edition, this year’s Rotterdam Rooftop Days are all geared up for a Covid-proof festival weekend.

the city into a mecca for art, design

The event seeks to promote rooftop

and architecture lovers. This year’s

use by demonstrating how they can

Rotterdam Art Week transforms

festival has been moved from February to the summer.

add to a healthy, attractive, lively and future-proof urban environment. This festival is part of Rotterdam Architecture Month.

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM 2-6 June

Following the most recent virtual winter edition, IFFR returns to celebrate its 50th. All films will be available online, and the IFFR Unleashed streaming platform will also show a pick of the best films from the past fifty festivals.

M A G A Z I N E

COVER STORY

PROVIDING A SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG MAKERS

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9 Linda van der Vleuten, born in Nederweert in the province of Limburg, has lived in Rotterdam for 18 years. After studying graphic design at the School of Art & Design in Den Bosch and Breda, she decided to put down roots in Rotterdam. Then as now, landing a job at a good design studio wasn’t easy. Still too inexperienced to start her own business, Linda wound up working at a succession of agencies. There she learned a lot, but never felt quite at home. In 2007, Linda met Bruce Tsai-Meu-Chong, and in 2010 they opened a gallery together: Opperclaes. Neighbours offered the couple an old vacant ground-floor shop to use as a project space for three months.

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

HAIR & MAKEUP Rob Peetoom

They crammed their calendar with projects and expos, setting up new openings nearly every week. In the end, they got to use the space for seven years, enabling them to build Opperclaes from the ground up.

YOU HOST EXHIBITIONS IN YOUR GALLERY ON CLAES DE VRIESLAAN AND TAKE ON A VARIETY OF PROJECTS ON LOCATION. WHAT KINDS OF EXHIBITIONS AND PROJECTS ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? We ran Opperclaes gallery from 2010 to 2017. We noticed that, like us, many artists, designers and photographers had a hard time forging a path for themselves after art school. They can’t get a foothold because they’re not known or experienced enough to get gallery shows or enough clients to make a living. We had this amazing space in the city and tried to offer a showcase for as many talented people as possible – a first, for many. It was an experiment, but I’d say we did really well. And in those seven years we also built up a big network that’s still immensely valuable to us nowadays. In

TEXT Romy Lange

2010 we called it quits. It was time for a next step and we were increasingly keen to make work of our own. There were a growing number of requests and commissions coming from outside the gallery and we wanted to focus on those: to make our own work again, while still collaborating with the many artists and designers we got to know through the gallery. It’s still important to us to connect young designers and artists with clients, and we’re still curating all kinds of projects.

“ We believe art should be for everybody, not just for the elite. Artworks evoke emotion in everyone, they set something in motion.”

M A G A Z I N E

COVER STORY

“RCD is a fertile place: there are lots of terrific things being developed and produced here.” BRUCE TSAI-MEU-CHONG IS YOUR PARTNER, BOTH IN

ic things being developed and produced here. It encourages

LIFE AND BUSINESS. HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?

us to keep working to enhance the public space, both in and

Bruce and I met through a mutual friend. We were at a horrible

outside RCD. There’s also an incredible energy here. We work

party in the Maassilo and got to talking. A few days later we

from a studio along the railway tracks in the Schiekadeblok

went to the première of a documentary about Wu-Tang Clan

and are surrounded by wonderful, hardworking partners. We

at Thalia – that was our first date. Bruce was still in art school

support each other’s progress. The architectural firm ZUS,

in Utrecht, and I had a job with Unilever. Our lives were run-

Operator, Hiphophuis, the furniture maker Jeroen van Sluis,

ning on very different tracks, but in 2010 we finally moved in

Biergarten, Pinkman’s record shop, Poing (previously BAR),

together. Now we have two kids and work together full time.

MESS, Crimson Historians & Urbanists and so many more

That’s going surprisingly well. We don’t always see eye to eye,

with whom we’re striving to make this area more beautiful,

of course, but we complement each other well.

better and recognized. Despite the fact that the Schiekadeblock finds itself in a turbulent time and many changes will

YOU MENTIONED HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BOTH

take place in the near future, we consider this a creative

OF YOU TO PROVIDE A SHOWCASE PARTICULARLY

period in which beautiful collaborations can arise with new

FOR ARTISTS JUST STARTING OUT. WHY IS THAT SO

partners. We feel at home here and will remain in this area.

IMPORTANT?

We think the soul of the area is important. That is why we reg-

It’s important that young makers are given opportunities.

ularly get together with our neighbors Crimson Historians &

After all, you learn by doing. As an artist or designer, you’ve

Urbanists to talk about the future and the preservation of

got to be incredibly motivated, have discipline and grit. Even

the creative ecosystem of the Rotterdam area.

more so when you’re taking your first steps. Not everyone gets lucky, so to give someone an opportunity could well make all

WHAT MORE DO YOU THINK RCD NEEDS? IS THERE

the difference for them. Had our neighbours not offered us

ANYTHING MISSING HERE?

that space years ago, Opperclaes would never have existed.

We think it would be great for the area to have a public out-

We feel it’s important to show clients and Rotterdam what a

door sports facility. We’ve discussed this with MESS in the

wealth of designers and artists we have, so projects don’t just

past and did some sketches, so – who knows – maybe one day?

always end up going to the usual suspects. When we had our

Wouldn’t it be great though if after a hard day’s work there

gallery, we noticed a lot of people have a hard time even cross-

was a court with awesome murals where everyone could go

ing the threshold. That’s why, years ago, we started painting

shoot some hoops? An RCD tournament: I can see it now!

the mural on the side of the Hofbogen. Now we invite different artists to paint the wall each year, and it’s still a kind of

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2021?

public gallery. We believe art should be for everybody, not just

At the moment we’re hard at work on Project Rebound, one of

for the elite. Artworks evoke emotion in everyone, they set

our own initiatives that – thanks to CityLab010 and a whole

something in motion. That’s another reason why we mostly

bunch of others – we’re fortunate enough to start develop-

work in public spaces.

ing. This will transform the pitches along Beukelsdijk in Rotterdam West into valuable public spaces where art and sports

OPPERCLAES HAS A HIGH PROFILE IN RCD. WHAT’S

converge. Working with residents and sport partners, we’ll

YOUR VIEW OF THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD?

be developing leadership programmes to turn this area into a

We’re proud to have contributed to making this a highly

positive gathering space, with a massive 2,500 m2 floor paint-

diverse area. We painted the Schieblock Luchtsingel [‘air

ing. This project will start taking shape this summer. It’s been

canal’, ed.], our studio and Joren Joshua collaborated on a

a long road, but it’s amazing to be going into production now.

large mural, we curated the two painted tunnels here, sup-

Moreover, we’re also continuing on existing projects like the

plied new paintings for Biergarten and laid out a skate park

Opperclaes XL-Hofbogen mural project, the Luchtsingel and

in Park Pompenburg with great big wooden 3D letters for

the skate park in Park Pompenburg, and there are various oth-

skateboarding. RCD is a fertile place: there are lots of terrif-

er projects in the pipeline we hope to tackle soon.

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M A G A Z I N E

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M A G A Z I N E

provast.nl

UPDATES

RCD

UP 2 DATE There’s no lack of urban renewal and development in Rotterdam Central District. On this page, we keep you up to date with the most important news about the place you work, live or come to visit.

ELECTRIC CAR-SHARING PILOT WILL START THIS SUMMER As spring transitions into summer, public life in Rotterdam naturally gravitates towards the green oases scattered throughout the historically industrial port city. Safe, inclusive, healthy and green streets and spaces are becoming ever more abundant throughout the crowded city centre and this will only increase in the foreseeable future. This transformation of public spaces is facilitated by freeing up space in conjunction with other green transitions sprouting from Rotterdam’s

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innovative ecosystem. Shared mobility not only facilitates the

BICYCLE PARKING CONRADSTRAAT

growing demand for inclusive mobility within the developing Rotterdam Central District, but also frees up space to create these green oases. That’s why during the first weeks of summer, Rotterdam will introduce their green electric carsharing

In succession of the recent expansion of the

pilot in RCD. In collaboration with the participating carsharing

bicycle parking along the Stationssingel, a new

partners, an initial fleet of up to 20 electric vehicles will be sta-

bicycle parking will be built next to the bus

tioned and made accessible at the covered car park Schouw-

station near Rotterdam Central Station. The

burgplein 2, better known as the Kruispleingarage. Rotterdam

parking facility consists of approximately 1.000

aims for a greener future in the broadest sense of the word

spaces and also offers parking space for scoot-

while ensuring freedom of mobility for everybody.

ers and large sized bicycles. It will replace the temporary scooter parking facility and provides highly needed bicycle parking space as well. The parking facility is located between the train station and the bus station, right next to the

BRAND-NEW APP: COMPANY EXPLORER

bicycle tunnel. During the design process, much

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attention has been paid to the green appear-

Want to find out which shops and

ance of the current location. The parking facil-

businesses are based in all the different

ity has been designed in such a way that part of

buildings in RCD? Looking for a creative

the green hill is preserved. This grass edge sur-

agency or web designer near you?

rounds the parking facility, so this spot retains

Now, it’s easy to check out who your

its green appearance. The parking is designed in

neighbours are! You can also update

such a way that the bicycle racks are partly hid-

your own business profile: just claim

den from view by the green hills. However, users

your business.

of the parking are always clearly visible from the sidewalk for extra social safety. Construc-

Find it all with this new tool at

tion will take place immediately after the 2021

www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl.

construction recess in August.

Support your locals!

M A G A Z I N E

RCD PARTNER

Unilever: Mobility as a Sustainable Service

It was more than ten years ago that Unilever introduced its Sustainable Living Plan Laura Knoop

(USLP) and demonstrated that corporate profit and sustainability can go hand in hand. During those years, the need for action became a public priority and sustainable living a hot topic for organizations and individuals alike. Pioneering as ever, Unilever is currently designing a ‘Future of the Workplace’, in which sustainable

STIMULATING SUSTAINABILITY

mobility plays a key part. Charlotte Potman, HR specialist for employee and in-

The incentives and mobility reimbursements Unilever offers employees at its

dustrial relations, and her colleague Laura Knoop, HR business partner, have both

Weena office have boosted uptake of this option. Now, with Unilever having

worked at Unilever for years and were closely involved in developing the company’s

traded its De Brug location for Hofplein, the team are hopeful mobility behaviour

new sustainable mobility plan.

will shift in a more sustainable direction here, too, according to Charlotte. “Our new model is about rewarding sustainable mobility, by updating the traditional

bike scheme where you can also purchase an e-bike in exchange for vacation days. One of the most significant things to have changed this past year is office work cul-

Many of our employees are making use of that arrangement. Basically, we’re try-

tures. As working from home became the norm, a huge shift took place in our mind-

ing to make mobility easier and more accessible while also giving people an added

set about where we work. At Unilever, mobility plans until recently revolved around

incentive.” The fourth and final pillar is ‘Simplicity’. To achieve this, all non-car

a five-day working week at a single location. Its new plan, by contrast, is based on

leasers will be offered one and the same scheme they may taylor to their own

four pillars. The four pillars entail: sustainability, employee experience, future of

requirements. It has to be simple for employees to use and easy for the organiza-

work(place), and simplicity. “Underpinning it all is Unilever’s purpose: ‘Making sus-

tion to implement, Laura sums up. The fact that all providers are facilitated via a

tainable living commonplace’. We need to create a sustainable mobility community.

single app, is in the interests of simplicity, too.

We need that to make sustainable living into a commonplace thing. A sustainable mobility policy will advance sustainable behaviour in our workforce”, Laura explains. One ambition is to get to one green mobility scheme. Its Weena location has adopted a mobility scheme promoting public transport use. Unilever’s new office on Hofplein,

TEXT Romy Lange & Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

however, seems to have made less of an effort. But that’s about to change.

FUTURE OF THE WORKPLACE

Charlotte Potman

“Underpinning it all is Unilever’s purpose: Making sustainable living commonplace”

In spite of all the uncertainty in the world right now, Unilever is hard at work to explore and map the ‘Future of the Workplace’ and develop a suitable mobility model that’s flexible and not tethered to specific journeys and mobility patterns. According to Charlotte, “The results of various surveys we’ve done with our staff, discussion

POSITIVE CYCLE

groups and meetings with our central works council, indicate that people would wel-

Currently, Unilever is working hard to anchor all these elements in the plan’s four

come a flexible mobility plan. On the other hand, we’ve also noticed they aren’t yet

pillars. Charlotte: “It’s such an interesting issue and we can’t wait to see the re-

consciously thinking about alternative options to travel to and from work. For us,

sults. The central works council hasn’t shied away from experimenting and giving

it’s important to get people on board with this plan and, if needed, advise them on

its recommendations on this. Ultimately, we hope the experience and ease of use

journey options.” This is further supported by the ‘Employee Experience’, which is

will spark a positive vibe in our people. Then we can all contribute toward a sus-

also about flexibility and catering to individual needs that may vary from one day

tainable future!”

to the next. In essence, this mobility plan leaves the role and meaning of ‘flexibility’ open for everyone to define it as suits them best.

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M A G A Z I N E

VOX POPS

TAKING THE STAGE

Rotterdam Central District is a district in development. Which means that it’s still undiscovered territory for many. RCD Magazine hit the streets to ask what ‘RCD’ actually stands for, and what it represents to you. With the early spring sun shining, you shared your very diverse and personal perspectives.

CHANTAL RISSEEUW (19) “I just happened to notice on the magazine that it’s called

plein. We sometimes call this area the Zuidas of Rotterdam. There are good trans-

visit to this part of Rotterdam

port links and clients like coming here. In talking to people you always notice this

that much, but the area in front

part of the city makes an impression, and I’d recommend it as a business location

of the station has nice spots

to anyone.”

where you can sit down. There

“I think it stands for Rotterdam

resents something completely

Central something, but I’m not

different from, say, a city like

sure what the something is. This

Amsterdam.”

buildings here, so to me it rep-

NICOLAS WELIS (23)

“For me, this is a world away from small-town Leuven in Belgium, where I’m from. I’ve been living and working here for the past six months. Be-

ARON OTTE (31)

“I used to look at Delftse Poort

cause of the coronavirus, I’ve not experienced much of the urban life, but

from my window when I was a

city for me, personally, because

there’s definitely a wow-feeling just walking around here.”

little boy. To me, it was always

basically skater-central for the

synonymous with the centre of

NIRVANA ACHTERBERGH (32)

“Having been born and raised in Rotterdam, the city centre is my favourite part of

whole country. I live in Gouda,

the city. So, working at Centraal Station, I’m totally at home. RCD draws a mixed,

but regularly come here with

youthful and artistic crowd. That’s also what it represents for me: the part of the

friends.”

city that has all kinds of people, cultures and businesses.”

Rotterdam, since back then it was

JOOST VAN DER HEIJDEN (22)

tthe only skyscraper around. My

“Having just started living

cently. The constant developments

and working in Rotterdam, I

really make Rotterdam special.”

JEAN JALONG (60)

can only say that the Central

“This part of the city is marvellous.

Netherlands, and I think that

I’m from Rotterdam Zuid, but the

fits. All the flashy buildings like

Central District is a lovely place

Delftse Poort are really iconic.

to be. There’s a nice buzz, it has a

In my time off I enjoy going to

relaxed atmosphere and there are

Annabel, Biergarten and occa-

lots of interesting people around.

sionally Toffler.”

I’m meeting someone here later on, so I came over early to enjoy the sunshine and the hustle and bustle.”

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are so many different kinds of

is a very important part of the

ties. This piece of Rotterdam is

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

“To be honest, I don’t know what RCD stands for, even though I work at Delftse-

Rotterdam Central District. I

EVANDER HOPPS (21)

of its skateboarding opportuni-

TEXT Céline Boute

BO VAN DEN HOEVER (25)

District is a cool place. People call it the New York of the

father lived in the Central District for a long time. And he didn’t recognize it when he went back re-

M A G A Z I N E

INTERVIEW

COFFEE BREAK Long affiliated with the city because of her exciting choreographies for Productiehuis Rotterdam (now Productiehuis Theater Rotterdam), and with many years’ experience as a maker and artistic manager of Solid Ground Movement, in 2020 Alida Dors decided it was time to step up her impact and work for change as artistic leader at Theater Rotterdam. Earlier this year she was promoted to artistic director, putting her fully in charge of pursuing her mission and vision.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

WHAT’S THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN THIS CITY, IN

“Theater Rotterdam is a performance stage and production

YOUR VIEW? HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?

company. We invite guests to present their work and com-

“I strongly believe that culture connects. It brings different

plete that programming with our own productions. In my

sections of society together. During the pandemic, I’ve also

vision, TR should revolve around the artists at the heart of

observed that culture makes daily stresses easier to bear.

the organization, so they’re visible and have room to contin-

Just to take some time out and let yourself be enriched by a

ue evolving. Alongside that, there has to be a focus on qual-

story or someone’s imagination. For young people or people

itative mutual relationships: relationships in which people

with those interests, it’s also a tool for expression. It’s im-

learn from one another. As a company, we also want to be a

portant for everyone to have that.”

“ The power of the performing arts lies in organizing and orchestrating meetings between different kinds of publics”

M A G A Z I N E

reflection of the city, of the place we’re a part of.”

TEXT Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Bolk

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD OR CHANGE WHAT DOES DANCE CULTURE MEAN TO YOU, AND

IN RCD?

WHAT IS IT YOU WANT PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE?

“I’d love to contribute to the redesign of Schouwburgplein.

“Movement releases pent-up energy and so it’s a kind of

Artistic organizations could make a valuable contribution

outlet. It’s great to just jam at a club, and at home with the

there, I think. The power of the performing arts lies in orga-

kids there’s loads of jumping and dancing. In the perform-

nizing and orchestrating meetings between different kinds

ing arts, dance gives me a way to share that energized state

of public. It would be amazing if we could achieve that to-

with the audience. It’s a tool to express myself. I want to

gether and I’m looking forward to it.”

evoke something in people – thoughts, feelings or empathy with other perspectives on the world. Moving bodies are a

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE

good medium for that, because first you feel something,

WITH READERS OF RCD MAGAZINE?

and then if there’s a good story the images stay with you.

“We have to ride this out, but we’re in the process of organiz-

The themes driving my work tend to revolve around conflict

ing all kinds of ways to reunite with our audiences. This last

between the individual and society, or the tensions that

year we worked on R.I.O.T. (Ready In Order To), a performance

Age:

come with socioeconomic growth.”

we hope to put on early next year. For those who are interest-

Job: Artistic director at Theater Rotterdam

ed, in May we’ll be releasing a filmic essay on the same theme

Hobbies: Inline skating, hiking and Thai boxing

with scenes from the show. We haven’t been idle and we’re

Favourite spot: Kruiskade

keenly anticipating the moment we can reopen.”

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ALIDA DORS Born in 1977

Premier Suites & Offices Weena 730

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Maarsen Groep has spent the past decade working on extensive, iconic developments at the Weenapoint location in the center of Rotterdam, a stone’s throw from Rotterdam Centraal Station. Developments which make Maarsen Groep one of the key players in the transformation of the Rotterdam Central District. Having renovated “the Monument” into a modern and sustainable A-label head office for Greenchoice, collaborated with Nauta Dutilh, Rabobank, Robeco and others to realize the First Rotterdam office building and renovated the Premier Suites & Offices, we are on the eve of realizing the latest highquality development at Weenapoint, The Modernist. This multifunctional building

will house a mix of retail, hospitality, offices and residential units. Premier Suites & Offices, located at Weena 730, in the heart of Rotterdam directly across from Centraal Station, accommodates various functions such as a hotel, hospitality, a Business Center and general office space, all of which complement each other to make a dynamic whole that’s active 24/7. The unique combination of hotel and offices allows optimum benefit from the facilities which serve both, such as the hospitable reception area and the shared lobby, a modern space which accommodates both hotel guests and office visitors. Weenapoint users also have access to a unique courtyard, which is an oasis of peace in the busy city center. R C D

Renting office space on Weena in Premier Offices A limited number of individual office units, plus 2x half floors, are still available to rent in Premier Offices. The light, modern 12th and 13th floors of the Premier Suites & Offices building each measure ca. 290 m², with a favorable length to width ratio which lends well to partitioning. These offer fantastic views of the Rotterdam Central District on one side and the city center, port area and Nieuwe Maas river on the other. For those who want a simple “plug & play concept”, the Business Center on the 10th floor still has some modern-finished office units from 14 m² up to combined areas measuring approximately 65 m². Parking is never a problem as Weenapoint users have access to a parking garage. Could this dynamic, easily accessible location in the heart of Rotterdam become the place your business flourishes? Commercial real estate brokers De Mik (010-4530303) and Parc Makelaars (010-4365700) will be happy to arrange a viewing. For more information, go to www.weena730-734.nl

M A G A Z I N E

HOTSPOTS

HOTSPOTS This city is sizzling with all kinds of hotspots. In the Central District, too, there are loads of colourful, delicious and fun places to go. For this issue we’ve lined up three unique places that are well worth a visit, each with its own story and style.

LEBKOV & SONS

From CT /min*

CARSHARING IN ROTTERDAM 1. Download the SIXT app and register 2. Choose your vehicle on the map 3. Unlock it through the app and off you go!

Wafting from the right-hand corner of

ROOFTOP FONTEIN

the Groothandelsgebouw outside the

Last year, Fontein opened its Rooftop

station, the scents of fresh sandwich-

restaurant on the roof of Hofplein19,

es and coffee are all but impossible to

offering five-course fine dining with a

resist. Lebkov & Sons café opens extra

relaxed vibe plus a panorama of Rotter-

early so there’s no waiting time to get

dam and beyond. The restaurant, styled

your caffeine fix. All sandwiches, sal-

in tones of brown and green, has a lovely

ads, juices, soups and sweets are pre-

warm atmosphere and offers a perfect

pared fresh on-site. Complete your or-

escape from the crowded city. Especial-

der with a coffee brewed from Arabica

ly with the glorious view of Rotterdam

beans that are roasted fresh each week.

from ten storeys high! Ease your way into

And that’s not all: for the full experi-

one of the café spaces, designed by Stu-

LUCIE WITH THE SIX PUNCHES

the evening with bubbles or a signature

dio Akkerhuis architects, the ideal spot

RCD’s own Boutique Boxing Gym isn’t

down, you can order a four-course take-

to chat, study or read a book. And if you

out for a fight, but all about having

away menu on Fridays and Saturdays.

can’t make it there, don’t worry. Lebkov

fun getting fit! Founders Bas and Errol

The menu is posted on Instagram each

also delivers all its fresh sandwiches,

met in the Marine Corps and are former

week with a G&T, picture of the view and

salads and juices to offices and will also

masters at discipline and endurance.

a Spotify playlist to help you recreate the

do catering for your whole company.

They set up Boutique Boxing Gym out

Rooftop mood at home. What’s not to

of a shared ambition help members

love about that?

ence, enjoy your delicious fresh products while listening to Lebkov Radio in

G&T, then choose from a menu of meat, fish and vegetarian options, offering something for everyone. During lock-

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M A G A Z I N E

push their limits, with a team trained to help everyone get stronger, fitter and more energetic. They loved the idea of Boutique Boxing, a NYC trend that combines sport with music and visual elements. LUCIE also has a fab lounge where you can hang out, enjoy a healthy shake and catch your breath after some High Intensity Interval Training. This tion to keep up the workouts. So, high

Download the SIXT app now

time to strap on those boxing gloves and get fit with some LUCIE with the six punches-style fun.

TEXT Céline Boute

year, the gym created an outdoor loca-

#RCD ONLINE

COLUMN

SHARE YOUR VIEW ON #RCD

SOON SAFE FOR LOUBOUTIN STILETTOS AND FUNKY SNEAKERS

@ikrotterdam

Cows grazing on Schouwburgplein? In the archives of the Boijmans van Beuningen @fit_life_addicts

@jackbeanfood

museum is a postcard, made by Rotterdam-based artist Wim Gijzen. Issued on the occasion of C’70 – short for ‘Communication 1970’, a happening celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Liberation – it’s a picture of cows in a grassy field. The pasture is set off with gnarled pollard willows, spaced at regular intervals between De Doelen and Theater Rotterdam. Gijzen’s work has always contained more than a touch of irony, and his postcard illustrates our ongoing struggle with this square. It was a challenge back then, and it still is now, a half-cen-

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tury later.

It’s fair to say we Rotterdammers have a love-hate relationship with @operator.radio

Schouwburgplein. It’s an iconic spot for sure, and everyone’s got an opinion about it. All the more since the Rotterdam landscape designer Adriaan Geuze came along and turned it into “a reflection of the Port of Rotterdam” done in steel, wood and rubber. Which was unfortunate for women trying to cross it on Christian Louboutin stilettos or men attempting to walk on crepe soles. It had become something of a danger zone – more slip ‘n slide than a @groothandelsgebouw

@jester_schilder

spot to stroll. The coloured artificial lawn laid down by the Flying Grass Carpet restored what had been missing: warmth – in this city, practically a four-letter word. Something needs to be done. And now, something will, as part of the ‘seven ur-

@youngcreatives010

Eduard Voorn is a freelance

ban projects’ slated to upgrade the city’s outdoor spaces. Happily, its planners

journalist with a focus on

listened to Janneke Staarink, director of De Doelen, who has a front-row seat to

economics, and first and foremost a Rotterdammer.

this square. I talked to her about the iconic but ‘difficult’ space outside her door-

He lives at the outskirts of

way. She aired her wish to make it low-traffic, stretch wall-to-wall and also let

Rotterdam Central District,

it serve as a stage – say if hippie Harry Hamelink, artistic director of Motel Mo-

breakfasts at Op Het Dak, eats his pizza at Bird, raises a pint at

zaïque, wants to host his muse Eefje de Visser here. Janneke: “Instead of going

Biergarten, gets his caffeine fix

to De Doelen and then straight back home, it should be a place where people will

at Lebkov and catches the latest

want to linger.”

flicks at Pathé Schouwburgplein. His kids were born in the nowfamous Mecanoo architectural

Will Geuze get another go? Who knows. One thing’s certain, though. In a few

firm’s first project on Kruisplein.

years it will be safe to walk your stilettos from a Doelen concert to a good pub across the way or dance in your funky sneakers to Harry’s latest bands. But let’s

@xsamaarr

@centraldistrict

@travelauntysampje

/rotterdamcentraldistrict

@micks.photo

Rotterdam Central District

not make it too warm and green. Skateboarders – another iconic part of Rotter/ vrcd

dam – need the city’s rough edges to do their tricks, and grass just doesn’t give you a good roll. So, Adriaan: one hubba, if you please.

M A G A Z I N E

LIVING IN RCD

HOME TOURS

IN ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT For those not in the know, the name ‘Central District’ conjures visions of chock-a-block offices. But nothing could be further from the truth! Scores of people call RCD home and wouldn’t have it any other way. Once settled in RCD, few ever want to leave. Take Sander de Breuk and Lara Schrijver, for example. They graciously invited RCD Magazine around to visit their homes and told us all about living in Rotterdam Central District.

SANDER DE BREUK

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DID YOU EVER IMAGINE YOURSELF LIVING IN RCD?

enters in so many ways. During spectacular thunderstorms

Lara: “After living in different places in the city for 25 years,

it’s breathtaking, at sunrise you see the city come to life and

I knew I wanted to stay in Rotterdam, but hadn’t thought to

on a dark winter’s morning I can gaze at the Brienennoord

settle in a flat. Having three kids, I was stuck in a search for

bridge in the distance, where you see the car headlamps

a small family home. It was my first viewing of a Maastoren

flash by. My favourite spot is reading in my chair beside the

flat that opened my eyes, and after that I was sold as soon

right-most window.”

as I saw this round tower on Weena. Now, I’ve been happily

S: “The lounge is a real gem. I can unwind while losing myself

living here for four years.”

in the view. I love being anyplace with a good view. Wheth-

Sander: “When I moved into this Weena tower 21 years ago,

er I’m at the dining room table whilst I’m working, or on the

it was meant to be temporary. As you can see, I never left.

swivel chair by the window: the view is like a painting to me.”

M A G A Z I N E

The Rotterdam mindset, that forthrightness, suits me well and so I felt right at home.”

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE OBJECT?

TEXT Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

L: “I love all my artworks, really. Many are by artists from Rot-

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE HERE?

terdam. In the living room I’ve got Pim Palsgraaf, Anne van

L: “Being in the city centre is so convenient. Despite a busy

Toor and Silas Schletterer. And my rug is Bauhaus, reworked

lifestyle and three kids, running a quick errand is always

by Bas van Beek, a fantastic designer and close friend.”

easy with everything so nearby. For me, as an architecture

S: “I love beautiful things and art. I get a lot of pleasure from

professor in Antwerp, it’s ideal to have the central railway

the family and other works of art on the walls. My favourite

station so close. I did sort of miss having a garden, but a hol-

painting is by the Rotterdam-based artist Nazif Lopulissa.”

iday cottage by the sea and afternoons at the lake in Kralingen make up for that.”

WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO GO IN RCD?

S: “For me, it’s about the comfort of being in the city. I’m

L: “I enjoy going to the cinema, which sometimes coincides

surrounded by urban life. I love all the sounds of the city:

with my job. And I go to Bird and Annabel a lot, for the good

the trains, the people, the traffic. The diversity is fun, too.

vibes and live music. In summer, I like going to the Weena Café

Loads of young people are attracted to the creative devel-

to watch the endless stream of people and cars going by.”

opment area near here as that’s the part of RCD where it all

S: “I tend to meet with people at the Weena Café and I like

happens. The constant changes are great.”

going to all the fun and creative spots like Biergarten. I’ve also been going out for lots of walks with friends recently

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT AT HOME?

and we’ll stop at Central Station to explore the city from

L: “The wall of windows in my living room is fantastic. Light

there. I miss the Suicide Club; that was a real hotspot.”

LARA SCHRIJVER

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PHOTOGRAPHY StudioVollaersZwart

Iconic buildings such as the Groot Handelsgebouw that are brightly decorated, flags from north to south with the lyrics of Eurovision songs, colorful flyovers of the metro track. Rotterdam has undergone a colorful metamorphosis in the run-up to the Eurovision Song Contest. The city is being decorated by Studio VollaersZwart, Mothership, Arttenders, Hiphop In Je Smoel Foundation and Flowerdales Agency. These five creative city dressers have come up with

TEXT Céline Boute

everything from fashion and photography to light art, street art and installations. Everything to make the city sparkle around the Eurovision Song Contest on 18, 20 and 22 May in Ahoy.

M A G A Z I N E

SUCCESS STORY

“With perseverance and hard work, you may achieve anything” Twelve storeys above Delftseplein, overlooking the city centre, a successful new company strives to build a digital future. Ciphix is the result of three young entrepreneurs, and Marcus Groeneveld (26) is one of the cofounders. He believes in the adaptability of society, and that perseverance and resolve can take us far. With this enterprising mentality, Groeneveld and his team are working to widen the impact of robotization.

Marcus knows all about perseverance. As a young child, he

handle. The responses so far have been incredibly enthusi-

set up his own neighborhood IT business. As a student, he

astic, because we can offload the work people don’t always

co-founded one of the most successful IT boutiques in the

enjoy doing; freeing up their time to tackle more complicat-

country. Three years ago, while finishing his degree, Marcus

ed or challenging projects.”

realized that the corporate lifestyle was not for him. He got to talking with his university friend Matthijs and mate Bas,

IMPACT

and a shared vision was born: to start a new business. “All

The firm already has won clients in Iceland, Sweden and

of us had worked in RPA [robotic process automation] at

Australia, and its sights are currently set on a future where

our previous employers”, Marcus says. “We discussed that,

Ciphix becomes the ‘digital workforce’ expert in the Bene-

but felt there was a better way. We started out in my stu-

lux. “As a service company, Ciphix is looking to expand. Es-

dent basement before we even graduated. All three of us

sentially, we need more volume to have more impact. We

threw ourselves into it, and from day one we knew there

also have plans for a ‘Ciphix Group’, in which all our ideas

was nothing else we’d rather do.”

will be developed. In addition, we’re looking into options to

DIGITAL WORKFORCE From the outset, Ciphix’s mission has been to ‘take the

TEXT Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

robot out of the human’. Having observed that many large

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M A G A Z I N E

conduct training so we can share our knowledge. That way, instead of deploying our own team to clients, we can actually equip them for a technological future.”

companies find it challenging to take advantage of tech-

WINNING MENTALITY

nological innovations, the trio decided to focus on help-

The Ciphix team is young and driven. It has an open atmos-

ing these companies automate. “What we do, is replicate

phere and encourages giving and receiving feedback. Mar-

human work on a computer and graft that into a software

cus credits this to his love of sports. “I really believe in sim-

robot. We simulate the human process through the appli-

plifying and approaching ideas from their essence. Every

cation of sophisticated technologies. I’m talking about

day I face all kinds of setbacks, but then the next time I do

the simulation of tedious, repetitive, high-volume work

better. We’ve grown tremendously in a very short period of

that requires little human thought. For example, entering

time by collaborating on all of our ideas. Don’t leave ideas

invoice data into an application and other such adminis-

unacknowledged in your mind. Everything is being docu-

trative tasks.” What started with RPA software, branched

mented, and continuously improved. We’re all ambitious

out into chat and intelligent automation (IA) technologies.

and hard-working, because that’s how we believe we can

“You often see people’s workloads are too much for them to

collectively get to where we want to be.”

“ I really believe in simplifying and approaching ideas from their essence.” Marcus Groeneveld

RCD PARTNER

SAVILLS

RENOVATES ROTTERDAM GEMS Blaak Five55 - after

Rotterdam Central District is the first truly mixeduse urban centre in the Netherlands. And for a port city, that’s even more unique. Savills, a major player in real estate, is at the forefront of investments and sustainable renovation to promote urban vitality. By modernizing, upgrading and restoring properties to their former glory, Savills is helping to boost building diversity in our city.

Blaak Five55 - before

Finished project at Blaak Five55

ROTTERDAM PROJECTS Savills was responsible for the revitalization of several high-profile, large properties in Rotterdam, including the KPN Tower (Toren op Zuid) and several buildings along Blaak – Blaak House and Ploum House. According to Riaan, this focus on Rotterdam and large projects has everything to do with Savills’ solid ties with important partners. “Before starting a new project, we consider the options in consultation with client, architect and other consultants. Blaak Five55 on Blaak,

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completed last year, was a comprehensive upgrade of the main space, coffee bar,

restaurant and offices. Next to that, for these sorts of buildings we always look These days, real estate advisor Savills has an extensive portfolio

at retrofitting based on a BREEAM certification.” One such project currently un-

of projects in Rotterdam. To guide these projects to successful

derway is the World Port Center at the Wilhelminakade, where the objective is a

completion, Riaan Peene joined the team five years ago as building

sustainable, modern renovation to benefit both the building and its users.

and project consultancy director. His technical and practical expertise in evaluating building performance is indispensable: “If an investor is interested in acquiring a commercial property, my team and I can help conduct a technical due diligence”, Riaan explains. “We look at every facet of the building – what is the technical conwhich budget should be taken into account for future capex works – the investor may use that information to determine their offer.”

WPC Rotterdam - before

WPC Rotterdam - after

PHOTOGRAPHY © Ossip Architectuur Fotografie

dition of the building, are there any risks or backlog maintenance,

“Blaak Five55 on Blaak, completed last year, was a comprehensive upgrade of the main space, coffee bar, restaurant and offices.”

REGENERATING GEMS No building design is timeless. But an optimal and flexible layout go a long way, and are key to Savills’ philosophy. The use of eco-friendly materials and components such as water-conserving toilets and water taps, LED lights and water pumps is standard. Flexibility is a way of assuring the building remains future-proof. “Our designs aren’t pinned to a specific user or activity. Even just colours, materialisation and lots of planting bring so much more life to a building. With historic buildings in Rotterdam, it can be a challenge, but our approach is to be extremely thorough. To restore a building to its former glory, we really delve into its past. Then we try to renovate these gems and give something back to the

RIAAN PEENE

city.” For Savills, the surroundings are even as important as the building itself. Every renovation has to be an improvement for the local community and visitors to the area.

INTEGRATION To a large extent, building use determines how it fits into a neighbourhood. Riaan

TEXT Romy Lange & Céline Boute

explains that this is something his team considers together with the client, architect and asset manager. “For example, Tribes is operating the ground floor of Blaak House. This injects more activity to attract people. We’ve done that in the KPN Tower with Happy Italy as well. And we’re also upgrading the wider area around Blaak Five55, adding planters with seating and a water terrace to create a connection projecting from the inside outwards.” In RCD, there are still plenty of strides to be made in terms of integrating buildings with their surroundings. Through its projects, Savills is ready and eager to provide that boost.

M A G A Z I N E

INTERVIEW

IF SHE CAN MAKE IT HERE…

ABOUT D&B D&B provides 5-star facility management, cleaning, hospitality, security, mobility and catering services to ambitious, high-end corporate clients and property owners. D&B is active primarily in the Randstad area and western Noord Brabant province. Its mission is to create inspiring environments that foster a sense of excellence and positive experiences.

WHAT DRIVES YOU, PERSONALLY, TO WORK IN THE SECURITY SECTOR? “I started my career in fashion and later event organization, and that has certainly given me a different angle on this work. When I started working in security, I was surprised by the lack of change. It’s a male-dominated world and had a fairly bad image. Supply was largely price-driven, there was no innovation to speak of, and the motto was: ‘In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king’. When D&B set up our Security division, we felt we could do quite a lot better.”

INTERVIEW WITH DANIËLLE DEKKER

“I’m out in the field a lot as that’s where it all happens. It’s a privilege to be able to forge

GENERAL MANAGER

ergy for clients. No two days are the same. What I enjoy most is coaching my managers

OF D&B SECURITY

and team leaders on their leadership skills – on how to keep that personal focus on our

so many individuals into a close-knit team and work with colleagues to invest our en-

people in the field. The minute those people turn into a personnel number, you’re well and truly lost, if you ask me. We set a very high bar, by deploying security guards who are fit in body and mind but also a bit independent-minded.”

INDEPENDENT-MINDED HOW?

TEXT Michel Pan, business strategy manager, D&B

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

DANIËLLE, THAT PHOTOGRAPH LOOKS LIKE YOU MEAN BUSINESS! (Laughs) “I’m the general manager of a security company. Not a profession for wimps! I’d like to show Rotterdam that D&B has a solid footprint here and provides a strong security service. It’s a privilege to work at the World Port Center, WTC, Groot Handelsgebouw, Stedin and Delftse Poort. All are clients with real roots in Rotterdam and iconic buildings that we’re proud to keep secure. And we’re keen to supply our security services to more clients as well.”

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES D&B’S SECURITY CONCEPT SO SPECIAL? “Hospitality and a customer focus are what drive us. D&B Security is part of D&B The Facility Group and, like all its divisions, was founded on the conviction that clients deserve the best in quality. The ‘5-star experience’, we call it, and that sets us apart in the security landscape.” “Our take on security is fresh and different, and we have a clear focus: on ambitious corporate clients and property owners. Most are based in metropolitan centres, so we’ve been active in Rotterdam for years. We’re keen to

“WTC, the Groot Handelsgebouw and Delftse Poort are iconic buildings in Rotterdam where we’re proud to

expand our portfolio as well, to clients who want to approach security from a different perspective.”

ensure a secure

“When hiring, we apply a specific selection policy to ensure we tap the best applicants. I’m looking for security

and welcoming

personnel who will strictly follow protocols while also keeping abreast of the latest developments in our field. At the same time, authenticity is essential. You have to follow rules, but also listen to your feelings and intuition.”

environment.”

“You don’t want people in this job who just blindly follow orders. You need to be able to act forcefully. But we also want you to be yourself. To show who you are, and your intrinsic motivations. ‘Only dead fish go with the flow’, I always say!”

LASTLY, COVID-19 HAS BEEN A GAME CHANGER IN MANY REGARDS. WHAT ARE THE LESSONS FOR SECURITY, AND WHAT WILL IT MEAN GOING FORWARD? “We’ve been incredibly busy. Many buildings emptied out and there was greater demand for security, but also for a different kind of security. Our people had to shift towards facility and safety support, and that has led us to develop new concepts for our clients. A good example is our ‘safety host’. That’s someone who welcomes office workers and explains how to use the space safely. And, don’t forget, there’s been a breakthrough in the use of sensors and smart cameras. Technology is becoming ever easier to integrate into our services, and it’s improving them. We firmly believe technology exists to serve humans, not the other way around.” “The most important effect of the pandemic, I think, has been the appreciation for our people. Security has proved to be a crucial job. Suddenly, it was clear our work contributes to keeping corporate Holland safe and healthy. That’s positive. It means more people will choose this great profession. And our clients will benefit.”

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M A G A Z I N E

RCD PARTNER

REVITALIZED WTC:

A MULTIFUNCTIONAL, DYNAMIC PLACE For the past three years, WTC Rotterdam has gone through a complete revitalization. The project kicked off simultaneously with Eveline Steenbergen-Kolk’s appointment as managing director of WTC Rotterdam. With the Grand Opening set for the first quarter of 2022, work is progressing at full steam. Its monumental scale, historic character and central location add up to make this a unique and exciting project.

Eveline Steenbergen-Kolk

It was at the beginning of 2015 that owner Bouwinvest came up with an idea to

MASTER PLAN

of it. Everything around is transparent, giving it a nice, open

redevelop WTC Rotterdam. Eveline had gained experience while working on WTC

The World Trade Center Rotterdam is a vast edifice with en-

atmosphere. Because of the building’s historic character, we

The Hague and was asked to do this job in Rotterdam as well. Eveline: “Asking to

tryways opening onto some of the city’s main roads, includ-

kept opening doors and finding new surprises throughout

accomplish the same thing in Rotterdam is a whole different ball game, consider-

ing Coolsingel, Meent and Koopgoot. The ground-floor layer

this process”, Eveline says, laughing. Another important as-

ing it’s one of the city’s few listed buildings. That has working on it more exciting,

consists of forty shops, above which

pect of the project is sustainability,

more fun, and more complex.”

is a monumental collar extending six

to which Bouwinvest made a serious

floors which was recently partially claimed by the Postillion Hotel & Convention Center. The 23-storey tower was added in 1987. “The master plan sets forth ideas to future-proof the entire WTC, from the listed shell right up to the big central tower. The plan was drawn up together with the City of Rotterdam, Monumentenzorg pres-

TEXT Romy Lange & Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

ervation service and BiermanHenket

“The master plan sets forth ideas to future-proof the entire WTC, from the listed shell right up to the big central tower”

commitment. The entire revitalization was done sustainably, with the use of ecological construction materials, LED lighting and radiant ceilings. The two covered car parks are furthermore fitted with thirty electric charging points, and there will also be a bike hire service.

DYNAMIC HEART

architects, who specialize in the res-

Inside the building, a great deal of

toration and conservation of historic

thought has gone into improving ac-

spaces.” One key objective during the

cess. This year, a footbridge across the

past three years was to attract a mix of amenities and up-

main hall will be built, which will provide a flexible regulated

grade building facilities. That has brought about a 168-room

flow of visitors and tenants through the building. Ideally sit-

hotel, gym, business center and restaurants as well as a new

uated in the heart of Rotterdam, WTC also boasts excellent

reception desk and escalators. The result is a multifunctional

transport links for businesses and visitors. “In the past three

center for office, convention and leisure.

years we’ve been successful in attracting corporate, trans-

EYE-CATCHER

lational, domestic and creative businesses here, and there’s plenty of spaces for independent contractors and small enter-

Once upon a time, the WTC’s vast main hall served place for

prises. It’s a dynamic place with a balanced mix. Exciting news

insurance, shipping and commodity. BiermanHenket has re-

for locals is that Brasserie Pierre on Pannekoekstraat will be

stored the space to its former splendour, with gorgeous, soft

opening Brasserie Jules here in September.” In short, the WTC

materials to lend the right ambience. “This is the eye-catcher

will be the perfect place to host office meet & greets, grab a

of the building: as you come up via the escalators, the main

coffee at De Koffiesalon with friends or clients, or cap the day

hall fills your view and you’re just blown away by the beauty

with cocktails on the planned rooftop terrace.

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M A G A Z I N E

Photography: Erik Brons

Van der Stap Notarissen

INTERVIEW

OPERATOR:

“The city’s“ alternative and cultural ”sound”

specialists in real estate and corporate law Arnhem Jansbuitensingel 29 6811 AD Arnhem

Contact 088 188 00 00 algemeen@vdstap.com www.vdstap.com

Jorn de Vries, co-founder Operator and a designer at Almost Modern.

The most extraordinary expression of community feeling and confidence by local businesses in RCD has to be the creation of Operator. What started four years ago as Rotterdam’s first online radio, rapidly blossomed into a cultural platform. Jorn de Vries, co-founder and a designer at Almost Modern, is proud to call the Central District ‘his garden’. He talked to us about the importance of supporting art and culture.

It was in 2017 that the ‘magic fivesome’ got together to launch a project to give the port city the independent radio station it didn’t have. Jorn de Vries and his four

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fellow co-founders Osman Bas (DJ Mr. Nice Guy), Jeff van Hoek (DJ Jeff Solo), Patrick Marsman (owner of the Pinkman label) and Ofra Beenen (pop music programmer) each brought their own talents to the project. Now, together, they stream the sound of Rotterdam. Jorn: “We’re a place for like-minded people who are looking for an alternative sound. By now, we’ve given so many DJs their first air time and that’s created a showcase for a lot of the talent in this city.”

COMMUNITY For Jorn, it was a natural and logical choice to locate the station in RCD. He’d already had his base in the Schieblock for years and worked closely with Biergarten.

M A G A Z I N E

“Having an office above Biergarten and the confidence both they and the We Are You digital agency had in us gave us the stability to set up Operator. From there, we also had a launching pad to build up a good programme and community. We’re a genre-free platform, a real mix of everything.” These days, Operator isn’t only about music but also does co-productions with art and knowledge institutions. A successful crowdfunding campaign in 2018 plus subsequent city funding testified to the support for and impact of this live streaming service.

EXPLORING AND CONNECTING What Jorn loves about art and culture is that people can pass on things you’ve seen and heard. “In our collaborations, we want to go deep. Coming up, we’re going to be doing in-depth interviews with the makers of the Genderfull World exhibition

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

Rotterdam Millenniumtoren 14e verdieping Weena 690 3012 CN Rotterdam

platform also launched a flexible space for co-productions, podcasts and talk radio shows this year, called Time Is The New Space. This, too, promises to explore a wide

WEENA 686 | 3012 CN ROTTERDAM

diversity of topics in-depth. Time is the new Space is also in collaboration with Rob

WWW.MARRIOTTROTTERDAM | EVENTS@MARRIOTTROTTERDAM.COM

Ittmann from the RCD association and Mess van Biergarten.

TEXT Céline Boute

at the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam shortly. That’s a way to reach more people.” The

ARCHITECTURE

SCHIEBLOCK Rotterdam is continually evolving. The city is famed for its great diversity of 20th-century architecture as well as for its newer ultramodern structures. In each issue, we shine a spotlight on one of Rotterdam Central District’s iconic buildings. This time, we focus on the Schieblock. Transformed from a serviceable office block into a creative, inclusive collective workspace, plans for the future Schiekadeblok make this the perfect moment to shine a light on the old block in all its venerable glory.

LUCHTSINGEL

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The ZUS architectural firm was also behind the brilliantly yellow Luchtsingel. Development of this ‘air canal’ got off to a – somewhat shaky – start in 2012. The idea was to literally link the building and the city by a bridge to

bring them closer together. The wooden structure spans the busy Schiekade to the Hofplein viaduct and cuts straight through the Schieblock to end in Biergarten. ARCHITECTS: W . VERSCHOOR AND W.H. VERSCHOOR COMPLETED: APRIL 1960 ADDRESS: SCHIEKADE 189 FLOOR AREA: 9,045 M2 PAST TENANT: NILLMIJ, OOMS AND VAN VLIET & VAN DULST CURRENT TENANTS: ZUS, OPERATOR, ALMOST MODERN, PINKMAN, WE ARE

TEXT Romy Lange

PHOTOGRAPHY Marlies Lageweg

CREATIVE AND INCLUSIVE

YOU, MESS, ZOARCHITECTEN, SPATIE AND MANY MORE.

Most of us are familiar with the name Schie-

character. These days, it’s a thriving multifunc-

block. In fact, initial plans for the recon-

tional building where people come to work,

struction of the Central District called for its

meet and share. The ground floor is occupied

demolition, but the real estate crisis threw a

by Urban Guides, Steel Rides, Studio Beng

spanner in the works and the building was left

Beng, Poing and Time is the new space. All the

intact. In 2002, the Rotterdam-based architec-

way at the top is DakAkker, the Netherlands’

ture agency ZUS moved in to keep squatters

very first harvestable roof, joined in 2014 by

out, and then in 2011 was given the opportuni-

the Op Het Dak restaurant, whose kitchen

ty to manage the property for five years. Since

works with urban produce. VPS Nederland cur-

then, a host of businesses have arrived to lend

rently operates the building.

Schieblock an increasingly creative and public

To read more about this building, take a look at wederopbouwrotterdam.nl.

M A G A Z I N E

INTERVIEW

Where would we be without pavement gardens? Ponder that and come up with your best anwer. And another question: Where can we plant them in Rotterdam Central District? We turned to Berend van Zanten (left on the photo) and Raymond Landegent for the answer.

GREEN IDEAS

thousand Maasstad inhabitants seeds of Helianthus annuus

From their Delftseplein-side office in the heart of RCD,

giganteus, aka giant sunflower. The tallest of them all will win

these two born organizers run Groenemorgen, an outfit

at summer’s end. “This is a way to inject some colour into the

that launches projects and events to make Rotterdam more

city and connect inhabitants of all ages, while also teaching

sustainable, social and pleasant to live in. “We’re a campaign

people something about biodiversity in a fun way.”

agency for green ideas and come up with playful, positive

HOE ZIET JOUW IDEALE APPARTEMENT ERUIT?

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planting project for example. Our goal was to plant up to a

“WEENA HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE AN URBAN PARK”

thousand strips of pavement last year. We made it to 959.

The duo are itching to plant up more pavements and sow

That adds up to just short of an extra acre of planting in Rot-

sunflowers across RCD, and in the process connect the peo-

terdam, which is so important now, given the fact of climate

ple who live and work there. It won’t be easy, given all the

change. This planting project provides rainwater drainage,

brick and broad roadways, but with Hofplein to be redevel-

while the flowers attract bees”, Berend, explains with in-

oped one of these years, time is on their side – even if the

fectious enthusiasm. “But gardens like these are important

pace isn’t as brisk as Berend would like. “We’ve worked on

for another reason, too. It makes neighbourhoods friendlier

the Weena before, with our project ‘Happy Streets’. So, how

and encourages neighbours to get to know each other. Pave-

could the street be done differently? Weena has the poten-

ment planting makes Rotterdam a bit more social.”

tial to be an urban park. We need that for more fresh air and

and fresh ways to broach tricky topics. Take our pavement

‘ROTTERDAM IN BLOOM’

M A G A Z I N E

places to skate and play ping-pong. If you’re working in one of the offices along the Weena, wouldn’t you want to be

To ‘cultivate’ that social impact, the two have kicked off a con-

able to go outside on your lunch break? Take the ZOHO park

test (Rotterdam Bloeit Op – ‘Rotterdam in Bloom’) to grow

at the edge of RCD – that used to be a busy road. Now it’s

the biggest sunflower in Rotterdam. Teaming up with Kong-

a park. Combined with the streetside commercial develop-

si and VoorGrijs Seniorenservice, Groenemorgen has given a

ment by MONO, it’s become a great spot in the city.”

TEXT Eduard Voorn

WONEN MET DE SKYLINE VAN ROTTERDAM AAN DE HORIZON!

Dreaming of a Weena parkscape with pavement gardens and sunflowers

JOIN THE ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY In order to realize our ambitions and to optimally develop the potential of the district, we have been bundling all the knowledge and interest groups in the area into an association since 2009: Rotterdam Central District. Not only are we aware of and familiar with all of the developments in the area, we are also joining forces in the neighborhood to create a good reputation for the district. We are a catalyst for positive change. We discover, connect and take action to make this happen. In collaboration with with organizations, both small and large, investors, residents and the municipality, we are building a more social, green and sustainable area with an authentic and robust reputation. Our association stands up for the interests of your organization. Together we develop the area, we put it on the map. Join our community.

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The association keeps you informed of developments of and stories from the neighborhood. We also host various events for the community, from lunch concerts to neighborhood drinks and substantive sessions. In this way, we stimulate connections and possible collaborations, good for expanding or maintaining your network. We join forces to work on area development and a

good reputation of the district. To achieve this we have:

M A G A Z I N E

• RCD Talks: knowledge sessions about and from the district • RCD Events: network drinks, events and lunch concerts • RCD Q&A: source of information and a brainstorming day for the neighborhood • General meeting: meeting regarding the realization of the area plans • News & updates: various substantive articles, interviews and news updates © Iris van den Broek

• Magazine: 10,000 circulation, 4 times a year. RCD members advertise with a discount • RCD Podcast: conversations with entrepreneurs from the area. • Various active social media channels: Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook • Monthly online newsletter featuring the latest news from RCD

Please contact Rob Ittmann (06 222 42 177) or mail to: info@rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl Association Rotterdam Central District Weena 690 (14e verdieping)

Podcast & Livestream studio | Stadslab | Event space RCD Clubhuis | Operator

Schiekade 185 3013 BR Rotterdam

3012 CN Rotterdam For more information about RCD, please visit:

Check the website for more information.

www.timeisthenew.space

www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl

QUESTIONS OR REMARKS?

MEMOBOARD

ROTTERDAM CELEBRATED MAY 5TH WITH LIBERATION SOUP Last year 25,000 Rotterdam residents were looking forward to something new on May 5th: Liberation Soup. For €5 people bought a tin of Liberation Soup for themselves, and another tin was automatically donated to a fellow Rotterdammer in need. The 2021 recipe was a plant-based creation by chef and cookbook author Yvette van Boven. In association with care and welfare organizations Humanitas, WMO Radar, Aafje, Coalitie Erbij and others, the initiators took care of delivering the tins of soup to people in need. On May 5th, Liberation Day, several Covid-proof venues served up Liberation Soup to the public, and others joined

an online soup-centred programme. This year’s Liberation Day was another great success due

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to all the volunteers and donations, therefore

a great number of Rotterdam residents en-

OFFICIAL PRESENTATION OF RCD MAGAZINE #1 exciting. So it was with immense pride that we distributed the first issue of RCD Magazine early this February. And of course

beautiful venues or online.

Starting a new venture is always incredibly

FIRST REACTION ON ‘FOUNTAIN MEETINGS’ IDEAS ON NEW HOFPLEIN DESIGN

joyed a bowl of Liberation Soup at one of the

In the coming years Hofplein as we know it will be undergoing a complete metamorphosis into a green urban square with extra space for pedestrians and cyclists. The iconic fountain will

it wouldn’t have been complete without

continue to form the heart of this greener set-

presenting a symbolic ‘first’ copy to the

ting, where locals and visitors can gather and re-

interviewee of our very first cover story:

lax. A number of ‘fountain meetings’ held over

Bas Kurvers, city alderman for construc-

the past few months invited all city residents to

tion, housing and energy transition in the

share their input on Hofplein’s future. This has

built environment. This took place in the

fixed the broad strokes of the design, and on

town hall’s beautiful courtyard garden.

the 28th of April Alderman Judith Bokhove, Al-

Beforehand, Kurvers took us on a tour of

derman Bert Wijbenga, the designer of the new

the building that has been a city landmark

Hofplein, Cor Geluk and a number of important

for more than a century, and was one of

stakeholders gave their first reaction to your

the few buildings to survive the bombings

opinions, suggestions, wishes and dreams for

of the Second World War. It was a special

Hofplein. In the coming weeks it will become

moment in a special place. The team and

clear which dreams, ideas and suggestions will

partners of RCD Magazine are hopeful that

be included in the preliminary design.

all of our readers enjoyed the first issue, and that they’ll be just as pleased as we are

Further information is available on

with the second!

www.rotterdam.nl/wonen-leven/hofplein

M A G A Z I N E

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MEMBERS RCD MAGAZINE MAY 2021

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If your company isn’t on this list, please contact info@rcdpublishers.nl

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Partner up with RCD Publishers and create your top-quality company, client or city marketing magazine or glossy.

3MP online video

Eneco

Rabobank Rotterdam

AKRD

Gemeente Rotterdam

Roodkapje

Alticom B.V.

Greenberg Nielsen

Rotterdam Festivals

Arconiko Architecten

Greenchoice

Rotterdam Marriott Hotel

ASR

Groot Handelsgebouw

Rotterdam Partners

Atelier van Berlo

High Potential Academy

SaM& doethetgewoon.

Bar Rotterdam bv

Holmris B8

Sanderdebreukconsultancy bv

Big Room B.V./Reverse/Mykech

Humanoids BV

Scapino Ballet Rotterdam

Carthago Consultancy

JLL

Spaces Hofplein

CBRE

LaatBloeien

Steel Rides

CBRE global investors

Lebkov & Sons

Stichting De Nieuwe Poort

CIC Rotterdam

Loer Architecten

Stichting Theater Rotterdam

Ciphix BV

LS&H Lawyers

Studentflex

Codarts

LSI Ontwikkeling BV

Unilever NV

Colliers

Lucie Group B.V.

Urban Minds B.V.

Conix RDBM

Maarsen Groep

Van der Stap notarissen

Cromwell Property Group

Mess

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Cushman & Wakefield

Vereniging Rotterdam Central District

DakAkker rooftopfarm foundation

Ooms Makelaars Bedrijfshuisvesting B.V.

Vereniging Verenigd Schouwburgplein

De Mik Bedrijfshuisvesting

Pluq Studio

Workspot

District East

PPF

Wrap Maniacs

DVDW advocaten

Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam

WTC Rotterdam

Provast

ZUS

Association Rotterdam Central District

Our goal: With an excellent business climate, world-

Editor-in-chief: Romy Lange

Weena 690 (14th floor)

renowned educational institutions within reach,

Editors & Sales: Céline Boute & Nicole Pak

3012 CN Rotterdam

and leading companies in many sectors from many

Advertising: Please send an e-mail to

info@rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl

countries, RCD has huge potential. Association

info@rcdpublishers.nl for questions

www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl

Rotterdam Central District contributes to the RCD

about advertising.

by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to

Art Direction and Graphic Design: vanStijl

promote a district that has international appeal, and

Translation: Taalcentrum-VU

high quality working and living conditions.

Final Editor: Ellen Josée Westrik

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COLOPHON

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Magazine RCD is issued by:

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Do you have a message for the editorial team

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or would you like to place an ad? Send us an

reaching the (sub) target groups of RCD.

e-mail at info@rcdpublishers.nl.

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Copyright © 2021 RCD Publishers. All rights reserved. Nothing appearing in this magazine (information, pictures, images) may be copied or reproduced, in any manner whatsoever, unless explicit permission has been given in writing.

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M A G A Z I N E

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