RCD Magazine #13 by Zuidas Publishers

#13

RCD

ROTTERDAM-CENTRALDISTRICT.NL FEBRUARY 2024

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

WHERE WILDLIFE & HUMANS MEET Coverstory with Gabriël Martina a.k.a. Wildebras

ROTTERDAM CENTRAAL Keen to connect with the city

WTC ROTTERDAM A façade of plants in Beursplein parking garage

RCD HOME TOURS With José Soto Rosales

Where game changers meet change makers 2

Find out more!

INDEX

ROTTERDAM CENTRAAL Keen to connect with the city

WTC ROTTERDAM A façade of plants in Beursplein parking garage

RCD HOME TOURS With José Soto Rosales

7 What’s on? Check the RCD Agenda 8

Coverstory with Gabriël Martina Where wildlife and humans meet

Taking the stage 14

RCD People Share #centraldistrict

cove rst or y

Socials 15

Column by Eduard Voorn

Rotterdam Centraal Rotterdam Central Station keen to connect with the city

RCD BIZ Development updates

Sustainability Special

Municipality of Rotterdam among top 3 most sustainable government organisations 22

World Trade Center Rotterdam

WHERE WILDLIFE & HUMANS MEET Coverstory with Gabriël Martina a.k.a. Wildebras

R C D

Beursplein parking garage will soon have a façade full of plants 24

Hightower Keuringen Takes building inspections to the next level

Coffee Break

With Michelle de Lange, part of the NS Stations sustainability team 30

a.s.r. real estate Weena 70 upcycling platform takes shape

RCD Hotspots

Success Story Artist Maurik Stomps disrupts daily life

RCD Members

Home tours

“Even when it is crowded, it doesn’t feel that bad because of the open structure of this city.” 41

Social impact

SIF-Rotterdam provides funds to help businesses make an impact 42

Culture

Visual improvisations with designer duo Thomas & Jurgen 44

Rotterdam Centrum The best Instagram museums in Rotterdam

Architecture WEENA 200

Memoboard

Join the Rotterdam Central District Community

RCD Members and BIZ & Colophon

M A G A Z I N E

PREFACE

BACK TO MY 010 ROOTS 4

First, I hope everyone had a brilliant start to 2024. The new year is off and running! For me, this year marks a new chapter. Not only am I proud to introduce myself as the brand-new editor-in-chief of this magazine, I have also settled back in my native port city. ‘New year, new me’, as the catchphrase goes. Usually that refers to resolutions like exercising more, ginger shots for breakfast or getting a new do. For me it meant packing up my belongings and coming home to my 010 roots.

means to him and what he is doing to be a role model for the younger generation. Also in this issue, our regular columnist Eduard shares his thoughts on urban green spaces, and we look at how Rotterdam Centraal is bringing city visitors and residents together to celebrate the station’s tenth anniversary, and how artist Maurik Stomps is disrupting RCD with his artistic interventions. There is so much happening in the Central District. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Rotterdam otherwise! I can’t wait to rediscover the city and this district’s community of inhabitants, entrepreneurs, workers and creatives from

I have been involved in RCD Magazine from the very first

my new professional and personal home base. If you know

issue. First as a freelance writer, then as managing editor

someone with an interesting story to share or maybe, you

and now as editor-in-chief, for which I owe my colleague

are that someone yourself? Don’t hesitate and reach out!

and mentor Romy Lange a huge thank you for her faith in me. And for the chance to have so many inspiring and won-

Talk to you soon! Happy reading,

derful conversations with our partners and to share those stories with the whole city through this platform. Céline Boute On the cover of this issue is local celebrity Wildebras at

Editor-in-chief

Dakakker on the Schieblock. He told us what Rotterdam

c.boute@rcdpublishers.nl

THANKS TO

R C D

7 What’s on?

Check the RCD Agenda

Doppio Bike The efficient and eco-friendly way to get around

8 Coverstory with Roos Zondervan

RCD BIZ Development updates

Concept developer at Re:Invent

RCD Members

‘Good Energy Tank Station’ to add colour to Weena

RCD Introduces New community manager Wendy Krohn

RCD Up 2 Date

RCD People

Taking the stage

“Central District has gone from an area you’d avoid

18 21

40 43

Culture

Architecture

Malek Abu Ayyash: our own Rotterdam salsa king

Success Story KROZANT connects locals in car park

RCD Hotspots

Innovation Special

Introduction with Dirk Deichmann,

FIRST 47

Social impact

Duo for a Job: connecting diverse backgrounds and

associate professor at RSM 28

Savills Investors more flexible and looking to smaller ticket sizes

Column by Eduard Voorn “Dancing to Berlin beats in a Rotterdam car park”

to a place you want to go.”

Coffee Break With Marius Meurs, treasurer RCD Association

Home tours

generations

D&B The Facility Group

Memoboard

Develops innovative concepts with

Join the Rotterdam Central District Community

RCD Members and BIZ & Colophon

hospitality at heart

M A G A Z I N E

AGENDA

MUSEUMNACHT010

2 March @ Various locations On the night of 2 March, various museums will be opening their doors outside normal hours and offering visitors a once-in-a-year experience! Expect a sensational programme packed with exhibitions, performances, workshops, fantastic flavours and more.

KANDACE SPRINGS (SONGS FOR MY FATHER) 20 April @ Bird & LantarenVenster

The incomparable Kandace Springs returns to LantarenVenster with her brand-new album ‘Songs For My Father’. The New York City-based singer has built an impressive repertoire and collaborated with the likes of Norah Jones, Gregory Porter and David Sanborn. She was even invited by Prince himself to sing with him at the 30th anniversary of ‘Purple Rain’. Springs is a must-see!

R C D

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

Through 22 February @ Theater Rotterdam by Erik Whien “Must-see heartbreaker of a play”, wrote the New York Times about the inti-

mate and existentialist A Case for The Existence of God. After the successes of Sadness is the thing with feathers and Slaughterhouse five, director Erik Whien brings the first Dutch adaptation of this acclaimed performance to the stage. Co-starring Emmanuel Ohene Boafo (2021 Louis d’Or winner) and Bram Suijker (2022 Louis d’Or winner).

VROEG PIEKEN: KING’S NIGHT 26 April @ Annabel

Dive into a great big bubbly blast this King’s Night! With an explosion of inflatable madness, popping confetti, all your favourite beats and an evening of non-stop surprises. Dance from early to midnight this King’s Night! Cheers to the king!

RCD DRINKS (MEMBERS ONLY) Every third Thursday of the month @ CIC Groot Handelsgebouw

Want to hear what’s hot and happening in the Central District and touch base with other local professionals and entrepreneurs? Then join us for RCD Drinks! This is a great opportunity to get together, catch up on developments and build our community in a casual setting over drinks.

M A G A Z I N E

TEXT Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Marjolijn Tenge

COVER STORY

COVERSTORY WITH GABRIËL MARTINA A.K.A. WILDEBRAS

WHERE WILDLIFE & HUMANS MEET Tricked out in his trademark fishing hat and green jacket, Gabriël Martina is used to being recognised wherever he goes. As self-styled ‘wild child’ Wildebras, he started making humorously informative video clips about animals a few years ago. The videos were a hit and Gabriël’s career took flight, with a book publication, his own TV series and a spot in the competition reality show Het Perfecte Plaatje Op Reis – and that’s only the beginning. As a role model for the younger generation, Gabriël is keen to share why he feels animals are an awesome topic to learn about.

GABRIËL, CAN YOU TELL SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD AND GROWING UP IN ROTTERDAM? “This city was my home turf as a kid and all my friends are here. We moved around a lot during my childhood, Except for Hilversum and Gouda, we mostly moved in or near Rotterdam. From east to west, to Pendrecht, De Slinge and to Capelle. I attended eight different primary schools and that definitely shaped me. Being the new kid each time, you keep having to prove yourself. I was left to myself a lot from early on, and that’s a big reason why I ended up diving so deep into my passion for animals.”

WHAT DOES ROTTERDAM REPRESENT FOR YOU? “Rotterdam is home, where I can be who I am. At the same time, with so many things changing all the time, I’m constantly rediscovering the city. It’s a multicultural place where you can learn from all the people around you. That’s been hugely valuable for me and still is to this day. And, growing up here, the street talk was part of me and something I internalised from the time I was a kid.”

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR LOVE OF WILDLIFE AND NATURE? “That goes way back. My mum used to take me out to the zoo, mostly Diergaarde Blijdorp, when I was little. After summer holidays, when we went round the classroom telling where we’d been, I felt like I never had big stories to tell like the other kids. To me, trips to the zoo felt insignificant. As a teen, I didn’t talk about it either because it didn’t seem ‘cool’. It wasn’t until maybe five years ago that I realised I actually wanted to embrace it, and that all those visits to the animals are the reason I’m so fascinated by nature. That’s when I set aside the idea that I couldn’t be myself and decided to express what makes me happy. To just be who I want to be and share what I want to share.”

YOU STUDIED AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION, WHICH FITS WELL WITH YOUR MEDIA WORK. WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO STEP IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA YOURSELF? “I actually chose it because I wanted to make nature documentaries, and this way I could do the camera work myself. Then I went to Curaçao for six months to film sea turtles. That was an amazing experience! And I did a work placement at EMS FILMS. It wasn’t until after this that I discovered how tough it is to get a job in documentaries. My dream was to make a film about sea turtles and I tried crowdfunding for that, but didn’t have a big enough following to get the money together, so it didn’t pan out. This led to the idea to step in front of the camera myself and tell my own story about animals. There was loads to learn about working in front of the camera, but the videos turned out to be a hit and at some point things started happening really fast. Now I do have the reach to make that nature film, but with everything else going on I have to leave it on my wish list for now.”

WHAT WAS THE WATERSHED MOMENT IN YOUR SUCCESS AS WILDEBRAS? “These past two years have been a roller-coaster. It all started for me personally when I went abroad

and got to do the things I had in my head. That was when I started believing in my dream and got to work on actually making it happen. The explosion of interest came after I’d been a guest on Jinek. It felt like a very serious moment and I was super psyched about it. After that, I started getting all sorts of requests, such as to do a book. That was something I thought about, but wasn’t actively pursuing yet. I’m used to putting things together on my own, and all at once I was getting very different offers for next steps in my career. Now it’s all happening so fast that I’m mainly just taking things as they come, because I want to give everything my best shot. Maybe something new will cross my path, and, if not, I can go back to my wish list and see what else I might want to do.”

THE FIRST SEASON OF YOUR ZAPP WILDLIFE PROGRAMME WILDE BUREN WAS A BIG HIT. WHERE DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR IT, AND WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT NEXT? “During the pandemic, me and two friends went to Costa Rica because that was a place you could still go at the time. My idea was that if I went there and filmed it, maybe some TV shows would take note. I’d already come up with Wildebras, with the hat and the green jacket, as a way to keep it from being stuffy and stay true to me. Then VPRO phoned to ask if I wanted to create and present my own show. I was really chuffed. And still am. That’s why I also want to stay in this moment and be sure to make the most of it. I’ve stopped dreaming because I’m already living the dream. For 2024, I’m really excited to continue my work on online platforms and focus on future television programmes.”

ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR MOMENTS THAT MADE A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU? “After shooting Het Perfecte Plaatje Op Reis in South Africa, I tacked on another week and went out to see the baboons early one morning, as that’s when they go around the city looking for food. This one baboon and her baby were almost hit by a car, and I saw it all happen. That really stayed with me. I was already working on Wilde Buren then, which is all about conflicts between humans and wildlife. It validated for me the importance of tackling this issue, because it’s the reality. Nature is amazing, but there are so many more facets when you relate it to humans.”

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

WILDEBRAS Favourite Rotterdam wildlife: The fox in Delfshaven. Favourite spot in Rotterdam: Schiebroeksepark and Vroesenpark in the Blijdorp district. Hobbies: Playing football and running.

VOX POPS

TAKING THE STAGE

People all do different things to live more sustainably, from sorting and separating their waste to buying clothes second-hand or bringing their own reusable cups when getting takeaway coffee at the local espresso bar. Being green has become an everyday part of modern life. What does it mean to people in Rotterdam? What are they doing in their daily lives to live more sustainably?

C. DE BRUIJN (54)

“When I was 18 or so, I began questioning why I did things the way I did. I decided that from then on

I’d only do things that made sense to me. To scale back and live more sustainably. I don’t let myself get caught up in trends, and I weigh up whether it’s worth buying things new. I only ever buy new clothes when the old ones are worn out, and I don’t wear jewellery at all. I go for practicality over style. So, I might wear a watch with useful messaging and payment features, but not because it enhances my outfit.”

MICHIEL VALKENBURCH (53)

SANNE WIENTJENS (28)

solutions in and around the house

er I can. I got a SodaStream last year

for a couple years now. When the

so I wouldn’t have to buy sparkling

fluorescent lamps in my shed quit

water in plastic bottles anymore.

working recently, I replaced them

It’s sustainable as well as practical.

with LEDs to conserve energy.

I steer clear of plastic bags, too, and

We’ve installed solar panels on

have a Susan Bijl shopper that I al-

the roof and are looking into a

ways take along. And, when buying

green alternative for our boiler.

clothes, I check what fabric they’re

Our family is also making changes

made of. No synthetics, and prefer-

food-wise. We’re eating meat less

ably cotton. I don’t buy from the big

often and doing our best not to

chains either, but invest in quality

waste any food.”

so my clothes will last longer.”

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY Lysanne Wilkens

“I’ve been looking for sustainable

“I try to avoid using plastic whenev-

WIETZE WIERSMA (59)

“How sustainable I am varies. Sometimes I’ll find out about something and make a point of doing that for a while. Like recently, I heard that crisp bags are terrible for the environment and hard to recycle, so now I hardly buy those anymore. For the rest, I’m careful not to let food go off. I live alone and plan my meals in advance, cooking for several days and freezing portions for another time. I would prefer to buy more things organic, but only really do when there’s a special offer on.”

EVA SIBS (27)

“I’m doing a master’s in architec-

HAIFA ABDALLAH (31)

ture, and sustainability is a recur-

“I think folks get rid of furniture too easily. The moment tastes change, they buy

example, about what construction

something new. It’s a shame, because you can usually get dozens more years out of

materials to use – like wood – and

something. I give furniture a second lease of life. I reupholster chairs and sofas and

integrating nature in designs by

repaint tables, cabinets and cupboards a different colour. I look for used furniture

adding planted rooftops and nest-

put out on the kerb and online on Marktplaats. My house is filled with tables and

ing boxes for birds on building ex-

cupboards I’ve fixed up myself, although I sell some, too. Older furniture tends to be

teriors. In my own day-to-day life,

good quality, plus it’s nice because you have a one-off!”

I use sustainable transport options

ring theme in our assignments. For

as much as possible, taking my bike or public transport. And I’ve

FRANCISKA MORANG (60)

“I’m allergic to consumerism and materialism. We’re all killing the planet with our buying habits. I have always been eco-conscious, probably to an obnoxious degree. I don’t buy anything brand-new, so no new clothing apart from underwear. For books, I go to the library. I take short showers and I don’t put the heating on but wear warm layers instead. I buy my clothes second-hand. I’ve had this coat I’m wearing for forty years. I just restyle it so it stays trendy. Beyond that, I eat mainly seasonal veg, buy local where I can and always take along my own carrier bag for shopping.”

only been going on no-fly holidays for several years now. Interrail is a great alternative.”

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

#RCD ONLINE

SHARE YOUR VIEW ON #RCD

@southofgold @krozantrotterdam @meettuesdayrotterdam

14 @rdammarriott

@cicrotterdam

@delftsepoort

@wederopbouwrotterdam @clubnomadrotterdam

@rotterdam.centrum

@centraldistrict

@wtcrotterdam

/rotterdamcentraldistrict

@stadscafeweena

Rotterdam Central District

/ vrcd

COLUMN

THE PEREGRINE SOARS OVERHEAD IN PURSUIT OF A JUICY DOVE For once, look up instead of down at your coloured sneaker tips or around at the towering architecture or black bronze Moments Contained. Look at the birds. At street level, Rotterdam Central District (RCD) is not spectacularly green. That’s particularly noticeable in the depths of this winter. But I have high hopes for the greening and blueing of Hofplein, stretches of Weena and the Hofbogen. Right now, this is one of the stoniest places in all of Rotterdam. So, please, can we have some trees, bushes, patches of grass and ripples of water?

R C D

At least the birds add some colour and sound to the grey winter skies. So, look up. But look as Gabriel Martina, a.k.a. Gabs Wildebras, does. Through his media channels, this bright young Rotterdam

vlogger – who lives on the doorstep of RCD, as we read in this issue – is teaching city folk to look at the animals. He’s doing an excellent job of that, describing a hawk as a “an upgraded dove” in one of his videos. In short, he’s a bone fide ‘wildlife influencer’. Maybe one day Gabs Wildebras will make a film about peregrine falcons circling high above the old and new high rises of RCD. I once saw a marvellous documentary about urban wildlife that followed a peregrine falcon as it went hunting for food between the skyscrapers. Nesting high up in crevices and crannies, this is the fastest bird in the world, in pursuit of a juicy dove.

M A G A Z I N E

If the Rotterdam-based architect, builder and project developer Nanne de Ru Eduard Voorn is a freelance

has his way, RCD will get plenty more skyscrapers. He wants to extend the per-

journalist with a focus on

egrine’s airspace with a fantastically tall 286-metre tower. Sited on Hofplein,

economics, and first and

De Ru has christened this project RISE. In the time-honoured Rotterdam tradi-

foremost a Rotterdammer.

tion, some other things have to be torn down first. Such as the architect Carl

He lives in the villagey outskirts

Weeber’s old Pompenburg apartment building. And there are more construction

of Rotterdam Central District,

developments slated for the coming years: The Modernist, Tree House – ‘a tree in

eats his pizza at BIRD, raises

the forest’ of RCD – Schiekadeblok, Pompenburg, Lumière and Weena 70.

gets his caffeine fix at Lebkov,

These new high-rise rooftops are sure to be green, rainwater-absorbing and

catches the latest flicks in Pathé

filled with crevices and crannies, because the peregrine falcon as well as other

Schouwburgplein and sees

birds need spots to hatch their young. New green spaces both high and low are

Scapino at Theater Rotterdam.

absolutely essential to give RCD’s lacklustre biodiversity a boost. I am looking

His kids were born in the now-

forward to a Gabs Wildebras film featuring a peregrine falcon soaring over-

famous Mecanoo architectural

head. What a great opener that would make for our IFFR – International Film

firm’s first project on Kruisplein.

Festival Rotterdam!

PHOTOGRAPHY Ralf Emmerich

a pint at Biergarten or Weena,

RCD MAGAZINE PARTNER

ROTTERDAM CENTRAL STATION KEEN TO CONNECT WITH THE CITY For many people, Rotterdam Central Station constitutes the gateway to the city centre. NS manager Mirjam Schokker and station manager Marion den Hooglander are striving to create the best possible station experience.

nual station experience surveys. “We likely have our strong internal community at Rotterdam Central to thank for that”, Marion says. “We connect people from different parts of the station,

The iconic design of Rotterdam Central

a connection with the city, from art ex-

from cleaners to vendors to office and

Station has become a defining feature

hibitions to activities for disadvantaged

service staff. The better the connec-

of the local urban landscape. A lot of

workers. Rotterdam is also a city that

tions between everyone, the more sat-

work is happening behind the scenes to

hosts a ton of events. We regularly col-

isfied and safe people feel at work. And

optimise the station experience for trav-

laborate with event organisers, such as

when employees feel good, it has a pos-

ellers and visitors here. “Rotterdam Cen-

Rotterdam Festivals, by giving festivals

itive ripple effect on travellers.”

tral Station is an entry point to the city”,

a stage at the station. This enhances the

explains Marion, the station’s manager.

overall experience for festival-goers and

TENTH ANNIVERSARY

“It’s a place where all layers of the popu-

makes the station more attractive for

Rotterdam Central Station as we know

lation converge.”

travellers. It’s a way to make Rotterdam

it officially opened on 13 March 2014.

Central Station a place that people want

This means the renovated station is cel-

to come back to.”

ebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

OPTIMAL EXPERIENCE Three organisations are involved in sta-

PHOTOGRAPHY Marjolijn Tenge TEXT Céline Boute & Lysanne Wilkens

“We’re not going to let this pass by un-

nicipality of Rotterdam. As the station

SAFETY AND CONNECTION

manager, Marion represents the inter-

Another big focus area at Rotterdam

activities and events to mark the occa-

ests of all three. “I am in charge of day-

Central Station is social safety. “We

sion. There will be things happening at

to-day station management, ranging

have had a number of challenges re-

the station every day!”

from operational processes and events

cently,” Mirjam explains. “The sudden

that we put on to liaising with tenants

increase in people looking for deposit

FUN FACT

in the station area and optimising the

bottles in bins, the ban on sleeping

You can still see a relic of the old sta-

traveller experience.”

on benches and most recently people

tion along track 2 and 15/16: Van Ra-

wanting to demonstrate in the station

vesteyn’s ‘speculaasjes’; two granite

Rotterdam Central Station is one of

concourse has led to some difficult dis-

statues got their nickname after the

the country’s four ‘cathedrals’ – as the

cussions. It is important that we deal

speculaas biscuits they resemble. The

largest of its railway stations are also

with these issues in a way that finds a

architect incorporated the character-

known. “Every major city has its own

balanced solution for all involved while

istic motif in the design of the new

identity and we reflect that in how we

ensuring that the station remains a safe

station, including in the façades and

position the station”, notes NS manager

environment for all users.”

at the information and tourist infor-

tion operations: NS, ProRail and the Mu-

noticed”, Marion assures us. “Between 8 and 17 March, we’ll be organising

mation desks. Even the solar panels on

Mirjam, who translates national policy to the local context. “In Rotterdam, we

Despite these challenges, Rotterdam

the station roof were inspired by these

focus on social initiatives that promote

Central Station gets high marks on an-

artworks.

R C D

“ It’s a place where all layers of the population converge.” Marion den Hooglander and Mirjam Schokker

M A G A Z I N E

RCD BIZ

RCD BIZ UPDATE RCD BIZ area development activities are targeting three areas: liveability, mobility and climate adaptation.

LIVEABILITY The aim is to work together to shape a better ‘city at eye level’, pretrian survey was recently completed to shed light on the composition of target groups visiting RCD. The resulting report will set out refinements to street-level commercial and retail programming, detailing the types of amenities suited to RCD XL and which concepts should be included. It further recommends the addition of speciality retail, catering, creative businesses and social amenities. The specifics will be fleshed out with property owners and the municipality. Good management of public spaces is vital and agreements are being made with the municipality to define roles and responsibilities and the desired quality level. This will be monitored by the area manager, who will contact municipal authorities or law enforcement if needed to resolve bottlenecks. We will be actively partnering this year with companies that want to contribute in some way on the ‘liveability’ front. We are also launching a series of events called ‘Monthly District Drinks’. These gatherings will offer opportunities to discuss the latest developments and plans. Outdoor sport programmes are also in the works. And, in addition to events hosted by Het Block, we will be organising arts and cultural activities.

senting a more vibrant streetscape for visitors to the area. A pedes-

MOBILITY Plans to revamp Hofplein will boost the quality of the city centre but at the same time severely impact access to the area. The BIZ is closely involved in the project plans to ensure ongoing access, and the municipality is working on a traffic circulation plan to which the BIZ will contribute. We are also scheduling several meetings jointly with the municipality for RCD members in

order to engage and promote local interests. The area manager will be actively involved in the Hofplein work-

ing groups and traffic circulation plan as well. Work is underway to set up shared mobility and neighbourhood hubs to promote changes in mobility behaviour. The new neighbourhood hubs are located at Weena, Central Post and the Shell station. Sever-

R C D

al more neighbourhood hubs will soon be realised at Delftse Poort and Weena 70. In addition, a feasibility study on the development of a ‘logistics hub’ has been launched in collaboration with

Logistics 010 and Stichting Zuid Holland Bereikbaar. This hub would centralise parcel services and deploy electric vehicles to deliver parcels in the city centre.

CLIMATE ADAPTATION We are currently working on greening the area through the creation of pocket parks. Pocket parks have already been planted at Schieveld and at the skating rink (Schaatsbaan). In addition, a façade garden will soon be put up in Delftsestraat. Four spots in the RCD area have been designated for containers with trees as well as flowerbeds and other planting. Façade greening is also being recommended on a one-to-one basis among property owners. Further recommendations on water storage, energy-saving measures and heat stress are still being developed.

M A G A Z I N E

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL INTRO

MUNICIPALITY OF ROTTERDAM AMONG TOP 3 MOST SUSTAINABLE GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS © 500WATT

SOURCE Municipality of Rotterdam – Duurzaam 010

In early December 2023, MT/Sprout published the first edition of the Sustainable Development 400 (SD400), ranking Dutch organisations on sustainable business practices. The survey looked at companies that are leading efforts themselves as well as service providers and suppliers that are facilitating the transition for others. Within the SD400’s ranking of most sustainable government organisations, the Municipality of Rotterdam came out among the top three.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 400

Its 2022-2026 Coalition Agreement accordingly includes ad-

The SD400 rankings were compiled by researchers at the

ministrative agreements to make Rotterdam resilient and

Amsterdam Centre for Business Innovation (part of the

future-proof for all city inhabitants and businesses. As of

University of Amsterdam) based on responses from 1,553

December 2023, the municipality is monitoring progress on

respondents. Respondents were all verified sustainable

these agreements through its Climate Action Plan (Klimaat

business leaders in the Netherlands with professional back-

Actieplan Rotterdam, or KAR). Rotterdam is on the right

grounds demonstrating the requisite relevant knowledge.

track, but there are more strides to make. This progress can

They evaluated the organisations included in the ranking

be traced in the KAR, which details how the plans will be

on three sustainable ESG dimensions: corporate environ-

put into practice.

mental sustainability, social sustainability and governance practices.

ROTTERDAM CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

ONGOING KAR PROJECTS The Municipality of Rotterdam is implementing these plans through a number of different sustainability projects.

Its third-place rank in the survey illustrates the commitment that the municipality has made to addressing climate

One is the Smart Energy Systems (SES) subsidy scheme to

change. Climate change is something we have to contend

advance the energy transition. Through this scheme, the

with, respond to and take responsibility for. The municipali-

municipality provides funds to organisations and entrepre-

ty therefore also wants to make it easier for city businesses

neurs whose innovative initiatives can accelerate the ener-

and inhabitants to become more sustainable.

gy transition. The SES scheme also provides knowledge to

R C D

facilitate innovative enterprises in areas such as network-

all commercial traffic as from 2030. The municipality and

ing, business development and real estate. To date, it has

business community are working hand in hand to achieve

supported more than thirty such innovative enterprises.

this goal.

There will be a new funding round in early 2024. The Rotterdam Climate Action Plan is available to the pubTo promote energy conservation, the municipality has sus-

lic and input about what points should or could be included

tainability vouchers available for business owners in Rot-

are welcome. It is an ambitious plan, but building a sustain-

terdam. They can use the vouchers to have an energy scan

able city is in everyone’s interest.

carried out free of charge by an approved sustainability consultant. All Rotterdam businesses can also get a free consultation with Servicepunt Zon on the installation of solar panels. Both schemes have been very successful, with many consultations carried out and more than 560 vouchers claimed. Rotterdam is also tackling logistics and has set a zero emissions goal for urban logistics (ZES for short). From 2025, new commercial vans and lorries will not be allowed to emit harmful gases when in ZES zones. The same will apply to

M A G A Z I N E

RCD MAGAZINE PARTNER

WORLD TRADE CENTER BEURSPLEIN PARKING GARAGE WILL SOON HAVE A FACADE FULL OF PLANTS WTC Rotterdam is in the midst of a major revitalisation project. Not only is the building being modernised, now the public WTC-Beursplein garage is also getting a facelift. Managing director Eveline Steenbergen and project manager Tim Venneman fill us in on the plans.

This will accommodate 400 square me-

conference-goers.”

tres of flowers and plants”, estimates

SUSTAINABILITY AND CONVENIENCE

Steenbergen. “It is challenging to add greenery to the center of Rotterdam on a horizontal level, but with this WTC is showing that you can also do it vertical-

Cushman & Wakefield Netherlands, has

ly. The green façade will be an attractive

been involved in the WTC -Beursplein.

contribution to this part of the city.

“The construction activities began in

Houses and restaurants around the

2022 and the roll-out started in January

WTC-Beursplein garage will no longer

2024. As the project manager, I evaluat-

look out on a concrete block, but on a

WTC Rotterdam’s garages are located

ed the design, looking at how the plans

green oasis. More green space in the

right in the heart of the city, between

align with WTC’s ambitions”, explains

city centre will also boost biodiversity,

Coolsingel, Meent and Beursplein, and

Venneman. “Sustainability was a key

retain water and noise and it helps to ab-

can accommodate more than six hun-

guiding principle for the revitalisation,

sorb CO2 and improve air quality.

dred vehicles. The P1 and P2 sections are

as was convenience.”

SPACIOUS DESIGN

ing, while the WTC-Beursplein garage is

VERTICAL VEGETATION

located across the street. “Both covered

An eye-catching new feature will be the

facilities are getting a major overhaul.

car parks are accessible for WTC tenants

green wall on the Leeuwenstraat side.

“The entrance is being widened and fit-

and the general public”, says managing

“Planters will be integrated at different

ted with sliding doors to make it easier

director Eveline Steenbergen. “The cen-

levels along the outer wall, eventually

for people coming in”, says Steenbergen.

The design has been

PHOTOGRAPHY Marjolijn Tenge

covering the façade with vegetation.

pers, restaurant and hotel guests, and

Tim Venneman, project manager at

located directly underneath the build-

TEXT Romy Lange & Lysanne Wilkens

tral location makes them ideal for shop-

created by Cushman & Wakefield PDS

The interior and exterior of the parking

R C D

Eveline Steenbergen & Tim Venneman

“Outside the entrance, there will be a

addition, the parking guidance system

new green façade another step is being

seating area made of sustainable hard-

will be equipped with lights to indicate

made. In time, the roof of the garage will

wood for people to use while they wait.”

if parking spaces are available. That way,

be fitted with solar panels to generate

The interior will also get a new floor

tenants can easily see which level has

energy for the complex itself. There are

coating and wider parking bays. “The

spaces left. On the roof of the garage

also plans to collect waste water from

parking bays for SUVs were too small”,

will be a bridge connecting it to the AIR

the planters to channel back into the

Steenbergen continues. “For the new

Offices.”

irrigation system for later reuse. Steen-

ones we used wider dimensions that are much better. There will also be more

AMBITION

parking spaces with charging points for

The new look and feel of the WTC-Beur-

electric cars.”

splein garage is wholly in keeping with

ROUTING

its sustainability ambitions. “Biodiversity and integration of plants are becom-

bergen: “With all of these changes, we are literally and figuratively creating a green garage.”

WORLD TRADE CENTER ROTTERDAM

Another improvement is the routing for

ing increasingly important”, observes

cars, says Venneman. “The spiral ramp

Venneman. “Municipalities are amping

was fairly complicated, so that’s being

up their requirements and companies

modified.” To improve the visual aspect,

can’t get around that.” The renovation

Beursplein 37

the spiral ramps will be fitted with ex-

in WTC Rotterdam is already making a

3011 AA Rotterdam

panded metal; an aluminium mesh that

positive contribution to a sustainable

www.wtcrotterdam.com

unfolds around the ramp’s curve. “In

living environment, with adding the

M A G A Z I N E

ADVERTORIAL

HIGHTOWER KEURINGEN TAKES BUILDING INSPECTIONS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

PHOTOGRAPHY Caily Bobbie Jo

Getting ready to buy a home? Got your eye on a great new office for you and your team? Or own your own place already, but want to look into energy-saving measures? Then don’t forget to get the condition of the property fully checked out, because no one likes having to do damage control after the fact. Mike Ambtman, owner of Hightower Keuringen, is the go-to for any and all questions involving building inspections and is at someone’s disposal all throughout The Netherlands. He’ll assess your entire property from top to bottom and draw up a detailed report with in-depth recommendations. “From engineering and architecture firms to institutional investors to private clients”, says Mike, “anyone putting a property on the market or looking to buy can take advantage of Hightower’s services”.

best for buildings as a whole. That’s why looking at the bigger picture is absolutely essential, Mike stresses. “We walk through the entire building and document everything. Then we do a BENG calculation, short for Bijna Energie Neutrale Gebouwen, which is about getting the building as near to energy-neutral as possible. We focus mainly on the return on investment, as retrofitting measures don’t always pay off.” Mike keys his inspections to what a customer wants, the property’s structural characteris-

ALL-ROUND EXPERTISE

a thorough inspection. Though the spe-

tics and problems the owner is having,

‘Hightower’ is a nickname going back to

cifics vary, Mike’s first step is usually to

the current energy consumption and

Mike’s days in the Dutch Armed Forces

determine a property’s lifespan and the

what systems are installed. Hightower’s

and a nod to the old TV sitcom Police

types of building materials used. “Our

inspections are comprehensive enough

Academy. After leaving the military,

equipment keeps getting better and the

that they cover all the bases. “We are

Mike went into teaching neurocommu-

technology to solve structural puzzles

very active in Rotterdam and then most-

nication in higher education, and then

has advanced tremendously. We have

ly on sustainability, because of all the

changed tack entirely to follow his in-

underwater and aerial drones, for ex-

old buildings from the fifties and sixties

terest in the property sector. He opted

ample, and use infrared and endoscopes

here. Pretty soon, people won’t be able

to go into the inspection business and

to look through walls.” He emphasizes

to lease or sell a property if they haven’t

got all the qualifications needed for

it is a privilege to work in an architec-

got the right energy labels. Plus, no one

building inspections, retrofitting and

tural paradise like Rotterdam. And a

wants sky-high utility costs.”

forensic engineering. Mike: “I inten-

challenge sometimes because buildings

tionally established Hightower to offer

are protected by the province or munic-

all-round expertise and take that to the

ipality, which limits the possibilities to

next level. We work with a variety of

improve a property.

professionals, such as engineers who are

HIGHTOWER KEURINGEN

and pathology and can read foundation

IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY

data, which is important in Rotterdam.”

Whether talking homes or offices, envi-

www.hightower-keuringen.nl

A tall guy, Mike regularly has to squeeze

ronmental impact-reducing measures

@hightowerkeuringen

through tight spaces in the interests of

have become a must. However, small

knowledgeable about building science TEXT Céline Boute

improvements are not always what’s

+31 (0)6 50 64 01 23 info@hightower-keuringen.nl

TIPS & TRICKS During his years in the business, Mike has seen various trends and changes. He shares a number of important considerations we can all take into account. • If you’re buying an apartment in Rotterdam, take a good look at

R C D

maintenance plans for the whole building, including things like paintwork and exterior cleaning. As a member of the homeowners’ association (vereniging van eigenaren in Dutch), you’ll have to pay your share of these costs. • With the current preference for large open spaces, people are increasingly removing structural or load-bearing walls inside buildings. If you remove a load-bearing wall in a building with multiple apartments and homeowners, some are likely to end up with warped floors. • Mould has become a widespread problem. The reason is that, as gas and electricity prices have gone up, people have stopped heating their homes. Heating is essential, however, as is permanently ventilating by keeping ventilation grilles open. That means: central heating on and radiators open.

M A G A Z I N E

PHOTOGRAPHY Claire Droppert

A MAGNIFICENT VIEW OVERLOOKING THE ICONIC HOFPLEIN AND CITY CENTER OF ROTTERDAM

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

TEXT Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Marjolijn Tenge

“ As consumers, we’re hardly confronted with the huge amount of waste we produce.”

INTERVIEW

COFFEE BREAK WITH MICHELLE DE LANGE

Like many other organisations, Nederlandsche Spoorwegen (NS) – Dutch Railway Stations - is working hard to become more sustainable. Michelle de Lange is part of the sustainability team at NS Stations, in which her focus lies on making all Dutch railway stations zero waste by 2040. She stresses that although the first steps are always uphill, it’s crucial to stop and celebrate every gain. In March, Rotterdam Central Station and the City of Rotterdam will be testing a new pilot project in which Michelle has a key role. “Rotterdam is a city of innovative businesspeople who want to make the effort, and there’s loads of momentum to tackle this together.”

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT NS?

bins for paper and we sort, among other things plastic, metal

“I have worked at NS for ten years now. I started my career as

and drinks containers from our residual waste. I got involved

a management trainee on the operations side of the compa-

shaping the next stage in 2020: the ambition to make sta-

ny, and from there went on to policy advisor at NS Security

tions zero waste by 2040.

and then switched to the consumer side. Six years ago I joined the merged Retail and Sustainability team at NS Stations, so

“It was important to prioritize plasticized cardboard con-

at the intersection of how to incentivise consumers to make

tainers, most notably coffee cups, which constitute 15 to 20

sustainable and conscious choices. It’s brilliant to see how

percent – so a significant share – of all the different residual

much we have learned and the steps we’ve been able to take

waste products. We have done a lot of tests in recent years

in really quite a short time.”

to redesign these cups, with changes in the recycling industry and edible cups, for instance. And since 2018 we’ve really

HAS THIS FUELLED YOUR PERSONAL INTEREST IN

been working to promote the use of reusable cups at our own

SUSTAINABILITY AS WELL?

stores Kiosk, Stationshuiskamer and Julia’s. For example, if

“It has always been an important part of my life, but this

customers bring their own cup, they receive a 35-cent dis-

job definitely reinforced it. We don’t have a car at home, for

count. In 2022 another 35 parties joined. We also got rid of

example, so we always use public transport. Also, my diet is

our plastic lids. And, as of 2023, national legislation has come

mostly vegan. An important turning point for me personally

into force requiring an additional charge for disposable cups

was a work visit we paid to the national waste centers. In our

and the use of reusable utensils for on-site consumption.”

daily lives we’re hardly confronted with the huge amount of waste we produce. Seeing the massive scale of the problem

ARE THERE ANY IMPORTANT PLANS FOR

made a tremendous impression on me.”

THE NEAR TERM? “In March we’ll be testing something new not only at Rot-

YOUR JOB IS TO EXAMINE HOW TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL

terdam Central, but city-wide. It will serve as a blueprint for

OF ZERO WASTE AT STATIONS BY 2040. ARE THERE

something we might subsequently want to roll out country-

ANY CONCRETE STEPS IN SIGHT YET?

wide. More than thirty partners are involved in setting it up,

“It started with the Green Deal in 2015, looking at consumer

including the municipality, the ministry, Verpact, PackBack,

waste flows at stations with partners ProRail and the Min-

Mission Reuse and many businesses based at and around the

istry of Infrastructure. We literally started digging through

station. I hope this will create a renewed impetus and help us

waste to record what was in there. Since then, businesses

cut down on the percentage of disposable cups together. So,

have begun separating organic waste, stations have separate

look out for that in March!”

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

RCD MAGAZINE PARTNER

W70 UPCYCLING PLATFORM TAKES SHAPE In the next few years, the W70 upcycling platform in the former Shell offices on Weena will be welcoming a mix of tenants and activities. Both the ground floor and first floor will accommodate a wide range of public functions, with a focus on working, meeting, events, culture and social enterprise. Roos Zondervan, concept developer at Re:Invent, is proud to share that social coffee collective SOCOCO, The Swapshop, Ruwe Bolster and De Lepelaer have all recently become partners of W70.

TEXT Romy Céline Lange Boute & Lysanne PHOTOGRAPHY Wilkens Marjolijn PHOTOGRAPHY Tenge Caily Bobbie Jo

UPCYCLING PLATFORM

Bolster, a creative lighting company,

other out. For example, by offering

Slated for future redevelopment for

has crafted a series of unique lamps

schools and cultural institutions a

a.s.r. real estate, the building will be

using materials from the building,

platform for their programmes, shows

used in the interim as an upcycling

which are now for sale. And The Swap-

and exhibits. We want to put together

platform accommodating a mix of

shop will have its own retail space on

a broad programme of activities that

functions and activities, including

the ground floor to give clothes and

can go from early in the morning to

working, meeting, events, culture and

fabrics a second life. They give cus-

late at night.”

social enterprise. Roos explains, “The

tomers digital ‘swap’ points for every

upcycling philosophy is being broadly

piece they bring in, and those can then

SOCIAL OFFICE SPACE

applied to both the interior and ac-

be used to get a fifty per cent discount

Ultimately, a.s.r. real estate will be

tivities. Existing furnishings and ma-

on all items in the shop. Kringloop Rot-

transforming the former Shell offices

terials will be reused and repurposed

terdam will supply furniture for the

at Weena 70 into a social office space,

in W70. The philosophy is also being

spaces, which will all have price tags

bringing together a wide range of

fleshed out through partnerships

and be for sale. It’s brilliant to see how

office and workspace options with a

with companies like SOCOCO and The

it is all coming together now”.

diverse offering of Rotterdam trend-

Swapshop, so the building genuinely gives back to the city”.

GOOD ENERGY CHARGING STATION

setters. Building operator Re:Invent is implementing the shared vision and will manage operations and monitor

W70 has partnered with the social

By working with these partners, Roos

coffee collective SOCOCO to operate

says they are giving the building a

a barista café on the ground floor and

positive purpose and expanding the

The concept as developed by Re:Invent

catering for various activities in the

offering on Weena. “This ties in with

and a.s.r. real estate is an innovative,

building, as well as set up a unique

our ambition to transform what was

sustainable way of using real estate,

on-the-job learning environment for

a drab and shuttered office block into

in line with their shared sustainability

local talent. Roos continues, “The art-

a genuinely unique building that adds

ambitions. It combines flexible func-

ist De Lepelaer is also getting his own

colour and character to the area. The

tions and services that add value for

ground-level space and will be making

focus is on impact, conscious enter-

tenants and users, as well as for the

custom teaspoons for SOCOCO. Ruwe

prise and finding ways to help each

wider city and neighbourhood.

quality on a daily basis.

R C D

M A G A Z I N E Roos Zondervan

W70 Weena 70 3012 CM Rotterdam www.w70.club info@reinvent.re

“ THEY JUST GET SH*T DONE THE RIGHT WAY” 32

- OUR CLIENTS -

We aren’t going to argue with our clients. For over 15 years we’ve been helping them out with everything related to design or communication. Websites, logos, business cards or complete branding cases. No matter what you throw at us, we will make sure it gets done the right way. On time. Within budget. We promise.

HOTSPOTS

HOTSPOTS The Central District has welcomed some exciting new arrivals in recent months. Such as coffee bar SOCOCO in the colourful W70 and Duke of Tokyo on Hofplein. SOCOCO is the place to go for coffee that’s both delicious and ethical. And for a killer karaoke session, head to Duke of Tokyo, where you and your friends can sing your hearts out. Also not to be missed is the fabulous Rooftop Teds All Day Brunch, high up in the Schieblock tower. Read on for more about these cool new hotspots with plenty to enjoy any time of day.

R C D

SOCOCO COFFEE BAR

DUKE OF TOKYO

SOCOCO opened its doors in the brightly

If you’re looking for a guaranteed un-

coloured W70 in December. Here, own-

forgettable group experience, there’s

er and Rotterdam native Perry van Gils

no better place than the brand-new ka-

blends his dual passions for entrepre-

raoke bar on Hofplein. Shamelessly belt

neurship and coffee. From a partnership

out your favourite hits in your own, pri-

with FamilyBondsCoffee, a Guatemalan

vate karaoke room! Each karaoke room

ROOFTOP TEDS

coffee farming family committed to a fair

features a distinctively styled interior

Already one of the hottest spots in Rot-

and healthy coffee supply chain, SOCOCO

to set a colourful tone and get the good

terdam, now you can also enjoy an all-

expanded to an alliance with coffee bean

vocal vibes buzzing. And as no evening

day brunch menu at Dakakker! With a

farmers in Uganda’s Great Lakes. All of

is complete without sipworthy drinks,

bright interior boasting stunning views

their coffee beans are hand-picked and

Duke of Tokyo serves the best premium

of Rotterdam’s skyline, Teds serves a

subject to a rigorous selection process.

cocktails, sakes and spirits. Sung up

finger-licking menu ranging from waf-

Everyone in the SOCOCO chain works

an appetite? The Rotterdam location’s

fle fries and cocktails to yoghurt with

closely together, from coffee bean farm-

Izakaya Duki restaurant offers plenty

fruit to banana pancakes or avocado

ers to roasters to baristas. And that’s not

to tempt your taste buds. For a stellar

toast. You can also book this cosy ven-

all. SOCOCO is now unrolling its business

night, come out to Duke of Tokyo!

ue for private functions or dinners with

philosophy across the Netherlands with

friends, family or colleagues after 5pm

training and job tracks to help people

any day of the week!

M A G A Z I N E

find or return to employment.

HOFPLEIN 19 WWW.DUKEOFTOKYO.COM

TEXT Céline Boute

SCHIEKADE 189 WWW.TEDS-PLACE.NL

WEENA 70 WWW.SOCOCO.COFFEE

SUCCESS STORY

ARTIST MAURIK STOMPS DISRUPTS DAILY LIFE

Artist Maurik Stomps (age 34) has been active in the Central District for ten years. Much of his work is set in the public domain and explores questions around who the city belongs to and how much room is left for individual input. Maurik unleashes his creativity in the urban streetscape, intentionally planting objects that seek to interrogate and subtly disrupt daily routines. “Creating a tiny glitch in daily life reveals how the deck is shuffled”, this passionate artist explains.

INSPIRATION Delftsestraat and the surrounding properties have been the

neighbourhood? My aim is to just slightly disrupt people by

subject of intense focus for years. Following an announce-

inserting creative elements in the daily ebb and flow.” Char-

ment that the buildings would be torn down, many residents

acteristic of Maurik’s artistic insertions in Rotterdam’s land-

and businesses packed up and left. “In 2014, I was told I had

scape are a small bicycle stand and a miniature post box. The

one month left, so in that time I built a wooden bathroom on

artist has discovered that his work also lays bare some of the

my balcony.” Then, when the plans were tabled until further

power relations at work. Though urban spatial planning is to

notice, tenants returned to the vacant buildings. Over the

some extent a democratic process, Maurik peels back differ-

years, the Central District reinvented itself from a place that

ent layers to reveal ingrained patterns. “For me as an artist,

people mostly avoided to the popular hotspot it is today,

it’s interesting to pick away at that and see what happens.”

PHOTOGRAPHY Lysanne Wilkens

with busy hangouts like Biergarten, Annabel and Roodkapje. “I was inspired by visible changes in the public space. I want-

POWER RELATIONS

ed to know: what are the implications for this area? And who

For example, Maurik has seen homelessness become a

gets to decide or has a say in what happens to this street or

growing problem in the past five years, with more and more people sleeping in the entryways of residential buildings. He responded by adapting a creative intervention to help someone else. “There was a guy sleeping in the doorway of our building, and he and I chatted sometimes. He was forced to lug his stuff around town all day. I made a replica of a lockable Eneco electricity box on the street where he could stow his belongings.” This intervention’s success only whetted the artist’s appetite. Maurik subsequently set about building

TEXT Céline Boute

a street-legal 1.5-metre house on wheels. Though designed entirely within the confines of the law, his ‘bike’ proved unwelcome in the city’s streamlined streets. “I had parked this miniature wheeled house on the pavement and a Polish gentleman moved in soon after. We exchanged a few written

R C D

35 notes and eventually it transpired that they were sharing it with three people. My neighbours were fascinated by these developments. In the end we received a notice from the district officer informing us that the bike would be removed as it invited illegal activity like rough sleeping. So, although the public space belongs to everyone, when elements veer too far from the basic template you get a repelling effect.”

COMMUNITY-RUN NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK Future plans are to transform the site of the Schiekadeblok car park into a dynamic green meeting place surrounded by restaurants and outdoor terraces, with below-ground parking for newly constructed offices and apartments. “Until that happens, there will be space for temporary activities, which is absolutely brilliant! I think it would be great if this became an accessible space – a place for interaction with room to be able to add something new”, Maurik continues with clear enthusiasm. “That would fit with the aim of balancing a top-down and a bottom-up approach. The fact that this area was built mostly from the bottom up is precisely one of the qualities that makes it so interesting. That said, I have some reservations about the new plans.” If it were up to Maurik, the parking spaces would make way for colourful allotments and chickens: “I think it would make a great community-run neighbourhood park.”

M A G A Z I N E

RCD MEMBERS

SPACES HOFPLEIN Hofplein 20 Spaces is where the community expands its horizons. Spaces is for all those driven to discover new ideas, innovations and breakthroughs to achieve their objectives. Whether you’re a small business owner or a big-time entrepreneur, Spaces is the place for you. The office leasing provider also offers a programme of events for professionals as well as added services. To enjoy all the benefits of community mem-

bership, join the Spaces business clubs.

GROOT HANDELSGEBOUW

HUMANOIDS ROTTERDAM

Stationsplein 45

WTC Rotterdam

Located in the heart of Rotterdam Central

Beursplein 37 (Units 522 - 527)

District, right outside Central Station, is

The designers and developers of Humanoids

the iconic Groot Handelsgebouw, built in

work at the interface of design and tech, en-

1953. Property owner Jamestown is actively

gineering complex digital products. Human-

working on several projects to inject new life

oids is your complete digital product devel-

into the premises. Tenants are a mix of mul-

opment partner, making simple work of even

tinationals, start-ups, creatives and cultural

the most complex projects. Their UX Design

organisations. The Groot Handelsgebouw

expertise and cutting edge development de-

boasts three open-air courtyards, a large

livers the best results for your new ideas. The

open rooftop space, several shared common

team are also strongly invested in new talent

areas and lounges, spacious and flexible of-

and welcome guest academics twice a year

fices and a range of food and beverage out-

as part of their training programme to help

lets and retailers on the ground floor.

build a sustainable tech jobs market.

R C D

In mid-December, RCD Association members were invited to gather for a toast to ring out 2023. Stalls set up outside at Annabel and Biergarten served goodies as well as mulled wine, hot cocoa and other beverages. Adding to the festive spirit were games, music and dancing, and much clinking of glasses to a brilliant 2024 for our community!

M A G A Z I N E

PHOTOGRAPHY Bastiaan de Haas

RCD END-OF-YEAR PARTY @ ANNABEL & BIERGARTEN

LIVING IN RCD

HOME TOURS

IN ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT WITH JOSÉ SOTO ROSALES

A few years ago, José Soto Rosales came to the Netherlands on holiday. He instantly fell in love with the land of windmills and tulips, and even changed his travel plans to conclude his trip here. He began his Dutch life in the splendid Emmahuis, built in 1932, on Schiekade in the Central District, where he now feels right at home. Though he will soon be leaving the city for love, José said he would definitely consider coming back. 38 JOSÉ, COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS CITY?

IMPRESSION OF THE NETHERLANDS?

“The pace of life feels slower here. I really enjoy how, despite

“Usually, when people visit a place, they look at it through a

the rush, it’s more laidback compared to Amsterdam – where

different lens. You don’t think about certain aspects that you

I ended up for my job. It is not as busy. And, even when it is

would if you wanted to live there. When I was here in 2017, we

crowded, it doesn’t feel that bad because of the open struc-

were mostly exploring Amsterdam, but it still gave me a good

ture of this city. I’m from a big city where it takes three hours

impression of the culture and way of life in this country. Dutch

to get from one side to the other. Here, I can jump on a bike

people don’t judge – and if they do you won’t necessarily know,

and get to the other end in an hour.”

haha, or they’ll tell you up front. I really connected with this kind of transparency. Besides that, it’s amazing to see how

WHAT MAKES THE CENTRAL DISTRICT A GREAT SPOT

much people love being outdoors and have benches by their

TO LIVE?

front doors if there’s no backyard. After finishing my studies

“I personally like it so much because it is a five-minute walk

back home in Chile, I wanted to travel through Japan. Unfor-

from the station, and within a ten-minute run you’re in the

tunately, the pandemic hit, and I stayed in Chile, working from

surrounding countryside. The two areas feel completely dif-

home. It was a very depressing time. In early 2022 I decided to

ferent but you’re still in Rotterdam.”

move to the Netherlands on my Italian passport. Within four

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY Céline Boute

months I arranged everything to move to Rotterdam.”

YOU ARE LEAVING THE CITY SOON FOR LOVE, BUT WOULD YOU EVER MOVE BACK?

WHY ROTTERDAM?

“I think so, yes, but that’s also to do with my affinity for big

“I ended up here by chance through the cycle of finding a job

city life. All the sounds, the police sirens, the ambulances

and a home. I expanded my options to multiple cities. Due to

rushing by, and literally the chaos. It is still mild compared to

the taxes, the requirements for renting a place are difficult if

my country, but it’s something I enjoy. And also things like

you are not a European or Dutch citizen yet. And the woman

the pavement and the heat it radiates during summer. Some-

who runs these apartments in Rotterdam was very helpful

times it’s nice to sit and people-watch. The only thing that

and understanding. After my first few months of living here, I

would hold me back is the lack of space, but that’s a problem

felt quite at home, so I decided to stay.”

in any city in the Netherlands.”

R C D

JOSÉ SOTO ROSALES Hobbies: running, reading and watching anime. Favourite spots: Kralingse Bos and Park Zestienhoven for Rotterdam Marathon training.

M A G A Z I N E

R IG

H et

dy Tren

E ef

“Dit

van kje nd rou ingela Sl ten ING

B IL

st el

ti k w ar

orisc

st en hi pots en hots uw gebo

In te

ri eu

rt re

nds

201

ie en

man onen , patr roze

zoet

fort

Com he

o o gd ke dag je V el

t mij rras ep ve eer” w

bero

st Ern Jan root e de G elhaiz ld D

A ho

21 R 20 COM DA S. CTOBE OZUI R • O HELL EMBE SEPT

S TO UTE ING TRIBER LIVNT N O C ET T ME A B VIRON EN

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

Y WINAS MA R NDE FOU CO- MVRDV F O HZ57

• Magazine Management & Editing • Citymarketing • Company Video’s & Photography • Branded Content & Advertorials • Online Marketing

Strawinskylaan 151

Stationsplein 45

1077 XX Amsterdam

3013 AK Rotterdam

www.zuidaspublishers.nl

www.rcdpublishers.nl

leet.in

Comp

SOCIAL IMPACT

SIF-ROTTERDAM PROVIDES FUNDS TO HELP BUSINESSES MAKE AN IMPACT R C D

SIF-Rotterdam is a social impact fund that invests in businesses aspiring to make a positive social impact in the Rotterdam region. Their support enables companies to make an active commitment to tackling unemployment, poverty, environmental pollution and other societal challenges. Bart Meijs, managing director of SIF-Rotterdam, explains how. 24-08

The vast majority of companies SIF-Rotterdam invests in want to achieve impact in the realm of employment, by helping people who are at a disadvantage on the labour market to find work. Circularity is also a growing target area. One of the companies SIF-Rotterdam

SIF-Rotterdam was established some

enterprises looking to grow their oper-

supports, for example, is SOCOCO spe-

four years ago in response to a munic-

ations and regular SMEs that want to

ciality coffee, whose ambition is to

ipal appeal to the private sector for

implement social or sustainable chang-

make the coffee chain fairer and more

support in addressing societal chal-

es”, says Meijs. “It can take the form

sustainable. SOCOCO also runs an on-

lenges. “The city was struggling with

of financial support, but we also offer

the-job training programme for disad-

rising unemployment, unequal oppor-

knowledge, experience and an exten-

vantaged workers of all ages. The taxi

tunities and environmental problems”,

sive network.”

company Mama Taxi is another social

Meijs recalls, “and the Rotterdam Companies with ambitions to make

support. “In SIF-Rotterdam’s four-year

private sector”. This led to the creation

an impact can apply to SIF-Rotterdam

history, our portfolio has grown to

of the Rotterdam Impact Coalition, an

for support. It then assesses whether

fifteen companies. I’ve noticed that

alliance between the Municipality of

the business is a good match and what

companies are increasingly prioritising

Rotterdam, Stichting VoorGoed, the

form of assistance SIF-Rotterdam can

social and sustainable objectives. At

THRIVE Institute and SIF-Rotterdam.

provide. The partnerships have a span

the same time, many are still holding

of five to seven years, on average. “We

back, because: where do you start? My

R IG

B IL

st el

er ar ti

orisc

In te

201

zo ie en

man onen , patr roze

fort

Com he

INVESTMENT AND GUIDANCE H et

st en hi pots en hots uw gebo

offer an investment incentive to help

advice”, Meijs sums up, “is don’t set the

t mij rras ep ve eer” w

the enterprise grow. The fact that it’s

bar too high. For example, you could

SIF-Rotterdam is a place-based im-

a multi-year partnership ensures they

start with responsible sourcing from lo-

pact investment fund, meaning their

have enough time to recoup and repay

cal companies that are making an envi-

investments are designed to achieve

the funding”, Meijs explains. “The aim

ronmental or social impact, such as The

impact in a specific geographic region.

for us is to achieve both social impact

Good Roll for toilet paper and Heilige

“SIF-Rotterdam supports both social

and a financial return.”

Boontjes for coffee.”

dy Tren

E ef

“Dit

nds

bero

o o gd ke dag je V el

M A G A Z I N E

enterprise operating with the fund’s

council wanted to join forces with the

re eu rt

TEXT Lysanne Wilkens

-2021

13:26

MAKING AN IMPACT

CULTURE

VISUAL IMPROVISATION WITH DESIGNER DUO THOMAS & JURGEN

TEXT Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Marjolijn Tenge & Willem de Kam

Het Block is filled with extraordinary creative entrepreneurs, from radio makers to festival organisers to graphic designers. Designer duo Thomas & Jurgen belong to this last category and are making unique creative waves in the artistic sphere. The two have been working closely together for over a decade and have even made their mark on local public spaces, with murals in Schiestraat and De Esch. “To go from taking our first steps as fledgling artists at the Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam to ultimately landing a studio right next door in the Central District feels like coming full circle”, Jurgen says with a grin.

CREATIVE HUB Thomas and Jurgen have known each other for years and pursued similar routes, in the same places, but in different artistic directions. The creative spark proved so strong that their dream of starting a studio together became a reality in 2013. “We have known each other since secondary school in Bergen op Zoom, and skating and graffiti were a big part of our friendship”, Thomas says. Jurgen continues, “That was about twenty years ago. After that, we both attended the Grafisch Lyceum here in the Central District and then the

R C D

art academy in Breda. By that time we were also doing jobs together, as we have the same interests and feel for things like colour, typography and, of course, graphic design.” Thomas and Jurgen both moved to the port city around 2016 and got a space in Het Block through connections five

JAM SESSIONS

years ago. “It’s amazing how a diversity of artists are clus-

Besides both being designers, Thomas & Jurgen also share a

tered in this district and are being given opportunities to

love for music. They are inspired by jazz and the improvisa-

show their art in outdoor spaces. We did the garage door

tion that goes along with it. “It’s fascinating to see a group

down on Schiestraat, for example, and there are things like

of musicians improvise a composition into being. We want-

that popping up all over.”

ed to play like those musicians do, but then visually”, Jurgen

ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL

explains. The pair worked out what parameters they would need to guide such a jam session, including things like dar-

The common denominator in all of their various designs,

ing to fail, not planning ahead but creating in the moment,

according to Jurgen, is their “raw edginess”. “We see com-

and responding to and keeping pace with each other. Work-

puters as tools, much like paintbrushes or photocopiers,

ing this way, the pair have created applied graphic designs

for achieving a particular visual language. All of our designs

and experimental exploratory work. Thomas: “By continual-

have a manual element, so the creation isn’t completely

ly switching up ideas and materials in this process, we come

digital”. They either paint and copy first, and then scan, or

up with all different designs. What we did mainly on paper

start out with a digital design and then create manually on

at first, we now also produce in ink on glass plates. During

that. “Working together so closely, we have developed our

sessions, we also use tools like rolls of tape or combs. It’s all

own practice over the years. Things come together in a kind

about action-reaction, with no limitations on what we can

of ping-pong process.”

use. And even if the final result is not satisfactory, something interesting may have come up in the process that we can use again some other time.”

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT Exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam on post graffiti, curated by Opperclaes. Exhibitors all came out of the graffiti culture but had evolved into other art forms. Thomas: “Suddenly we were showing with names we had looked up to for years, so that was a real milestone.” Jurgen: “We made these huge glass panels on site on which we exhibited independent work for the first time.”

M A G A Z I N E

OUT AND ABOUT IN ROTTERDAM

THE BEST INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN ROTTERDAM Curious about some cool Instagram museums in Rotterdam? Thanks to the special art, changing exhibitions and impressive architecture, you can take the best Instagram photos at these museums!

REMASTERED Remastered in Rotterdam is all about interaction. Here you are part of the work of art! With more than 1,000 m2, 60 state-of-the-art projectors, 245 million pixels, 50 speakers, 15 km of cable and the largest indoor LED screen in Europe, Remastered is a digital wonder. All your senses are stimulated in the different rooms. In the Playground you create digital 3D art yourself, thanks to a scanner

SOURCE rotterdamcentrum.nl, written by Mathilde Simon

that makes your drawing appear on the LED screen. In the Underworld you interact with thousands of fish. They also call it diving without diving equipment. Would you rather have your head in the clouds? Then walk on to the Overworld, where you can see flocks of birds floating by and ‘sailing’ through the air. Visit this Instagrammable museum under the Erasmus Bridge. A new world in which you are taken into wonderful, colourful environments. © Remastered

DEPOT It’s not really a museum, but it’s definitely worth it if you like to take some cool Instagram shots. This eye-catcher is a photogenic example of architecture, both inside and out. The Depot is not to be missed in the famous Museumpark. This forty-meter-high reflective egg shows off on the square and asks for a photo. Once inside you can browse among 151,000 art objects. But for the most beautiful photos, the interior is your best friend. Don’t forget to go to the roof, where you will find a terrace in the shape of a forest with an amazing view of the city.

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

DE KUNSTHAL One of the most popular museums in Rotterdam is the Kunsthal. With no fewer than 25 exhibitions per year, there is always something new to discover here. Contemporary art, photography, fashion and design are all discussed. But where the Kunsthal perhaps excels most are the fantastic collaborations they organize. Together with the biggest names in the world, the Kunsthal brings the most special exhibitions to our city. Definitely worth a visit for some nice photos.

ARCHITECTURE

WEENA 200 Weena 200 was completed in 1993 on the south side of Weena in Rotterdam. It is a multi-tenant office building with a prominent location in Rotterdam’s Central District. A large and growing range of Dutch and international companies are established here, attracted by the high-end environment, comfort, parking facilities, public transport links and location in the heart of the city. The property offers approximately 17,700 m2 in office space. It was designed by J.J.M. Klompenhouwer of the firm Brouwer & Steketee, now Eentien Architecten. With a disc suspended from three towers, its architecture shapes the streets to either side, while the arch marks the intersection where Lijnbaan and Weena meet.

in straight-cut natural stone and has the feel of a continuous street wall, despite the large opening. The rear of the building rises 15 storeys and consists of three semi-circular silver towers. On both sides, the design acts to disguise how flat the structure actually is. Like the De Hoofdpoort office building erected diagonally in front of the Hilton Hotel, Weena 200 was built on what had been the pavement of the Weenagebouw, designed by the architect Huig Maaskant (1966). With the construction of these two buildings pro-

The Weena 200 office building’s design

from the east façade to form a tall, slen-

jecting in front of the existing street

is based on three separate office tow-

der arch over the entry to Lijnbaan. The

wall along the south side of Weena, the

ers connected on the 8th, 9th and 10th

building has two distinct faces. On the

width of the boulevard was narrowed

floors via an air bridge that extends

Weena side, the 11-storey façade is clad

from 90 to 60 metres.

R C D

FACTS & FIGURES NAME AND ADDRESS Weena 200 SUB-MUNICIPALITY Cool PROGRAMME Offices ARCHITECT Eentien Architecten CLIENT KFN GFA 19,800 m2 START OF CONSTRUCTION 1991 DEVELOPMENT PERIOD 1986-1993

M A G A Z I N E

MEMOBOARD

2024: YEAR OF THE DRAGON A fiery new year! 2024 is the Year of the Dragon according to Chinese astrology. Rotterdam will start the year off with a bang during its Rotterdam Chinese New Year celebrations on 10-25 February. Activities will be taking place at various locations in the city centre, including on West-Kruiskade. On 17 February, the roadway will be closed to traffic in the afternoon. Four stationary trams will offer activities for all ages, and there will be loads of cool stalls along the street and small stages showcasing a variety of acts. Come watch the traditional awakening ceremony to bring the lion to life, admire the stilt walkers and dragon dancers, and enjoy musical performances, Kung Fu workshops for kids and much more. Visit www.rcny.nl to make sure you’re up to date!

SHOPPING TIME! VICTORIA’S SECRET IS OPENING A SHOP AT ROTTERDAM CENTRAL STATION A new branch of Victoria’s Secret is opening between platforms 2 and 3. Lingerie, lovely fragrances, toiletries and everything pink – all this and more will be available in the new shop! This is the first Victoria’s Secret to open in Rotterdam. Previously, Victoria’s Secret fans had to go to Amsterdam Central Station or Schiphol Airport for their underwear, body lotions and make-up. TEXT Céline Boute & Romy Lange

The American brand is renowned for its iconic runway shows, in which Dutch models Doutzen Kroes and Romee Strijd have walked multiple times, showcasing glittering lingerie and wings on their backs.

RCD AND CENTRAL ROTTERDAM MOBILITY MEETING On Tuesday 23 January, RCD and Rotterdam Centrum (ORC) hosted a mobility meeting for area owners, tenants and users. The discussion covered various major changes in the city centre as well as reactions and solutions (see below for specific

R C D

topics). Representatives of the Municipality of Rotterdam talked about a number of pressing issues, including the Hofplein redesign coming up in

2025 and how access to the city will be addressed. A traffic circulation plan (VCP) is currently in the

TOUR DE FRANCE FEMMES COMES TO ROTTERDAM IN 2024

works as a basis for the Rotterdam Mobility Approach (RMA), to be presented to the municipal council and executive board at the end of the first quarter of 2024. The meeting also included informative pitches

In 2024 the third Tour de France

by NS, RET and Shell on their respective mobility

Femmes is coming to the Netherlands!

plans and a presentation about the Mobility Scan

It promises to be a spectacular week,

by Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar. Many thanks to all

from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 August,

who attended for your participation and input. We

when the world’s top cyclists will ride

welcome input after the sessions as well! Just send

the first three stages in the Nether-

an email to: hofplein@rotterdam.nl

lands. Are you a women’s cycling fan and do you enjoy watching the Tour de France on TV? Then this is your chance to experience the real deal, because this year’s Tour de France Femmes is kicking off in our beloved port city, with the Grand Départ taking place right here in Rotterdam! Don’t miss the start of the women’s Tour de France, where the best of the best will be competing for the title.

M A G A Z I N E

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 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.

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: • 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

• 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

QUESTIONS OR REMARKS? Please contact Wendy Krohn (06 47 94 79 49) Or mail to: wendy@rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl Association Rotterdam Central District Weena 690 (14e verdieping) 3012 CN Rotterdam For more information about RCD, please visit: www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl

MEMBERS

COLOPHON Association Rotterdam Central District Weena 690 (14th floor) 3012 CN Rotterdam info@rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl Magazine RCD is issued by: RCD Publishers Groot Handelsgebouw, 7th floor Stationsplein 45 3013 AK Rotterdam +31 (0) 20 362 09 93 info@rcdpublishers.nl www.rcd publishers.nl Our goal: With an excellent business climate, world-renowned educational institutions within reach, and leading companies in many sectors from many countries, RCD has huge potential. Association Rotterdam Central District contributes to the RCD by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to promote a district that has international appeal, and high quality working and living conditions. Circulation: Free for the RCD district. The magazine is distributed by promo teams, loose circulation and HRM departments of companies within RCD to guarantee reaching the (sub) target groups of RCD. Frequency: Four times a year Editor-in-chief: Céline Boute Managing Editor: Romy Lange Editor: Lysanne Wilkens Photography: Marjolijn Tenge, Bastiaan de Haas, Lysanne Wilkens & Caily Bobbie Jo Advertising: Please send an e-mail to info@rcdpublishers.nl for questions about advertising. Art Direction and Graphic Design: vanStijl Translation: Taalcentrum-VU Printed by: magazine-masters.nl Do you have a message for the editorial team or would you like to place an ad? Send us an e-mail at info@rcdpublishers.nl. Thanks to: Gabriël Martina, Rotterdam Centraal, Mirjam Schokker, Marion den Hooglander, Groot Handelsgebouw, Jamestown, Rotterdam Central District, Maarsen Groep, Gemeente Rotterdam, World Trade Center Rotterdam, Eveline Steenbergen, Tim Venneman, Miranda van Spengen, Kees van Oorschot, Hans de Jonge, Wendy Krohn, Leontine Oerlemans, Lysanne Wilkens, a.s.r. real estate, Re:Invent, Eduard Voorn, Hightower Keuringen, Mike Ambtman, Corporate Housing Factory, VanStijl, Ralf Emmerich, Michelle de Lange, Roos Zondervan, Maurik Stomps, José Soto Rosales, Bart Meijs, Thomas & Jurgen

Copyright © 2024 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.

MEMBERS VERENIGING ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT 3MP online video AKRD Alticom B.V. Amber Arconiko Architecten ASR Atelier van Berlo Bar Rotterdam bv Big Room B.V./Reverse/Mykech Carthago Consultancy CBRE CBRE global investors CIC Rotterdam Ciphix BV Codarts Colliers Conix RDBM Cromwell Property Group Cushman & Wakefield DakAkker rooftopfarm foundation De Mik Real Estate Partners B.V. District East DVDW advocaten Echo Eneco Eurekon Gemeente Rotterdam Greenberg Nielsen Greenchoice Groot Handelsgebouw High Potential Academy Holmris B8 Humanoids BV JLL LaatBloeien Lebkov & Sons Loer Architecten LS&H Lawyers LSI Ontwikkeling BV

Lucie Group B.V. Maarsen Groep Mess NS Ooms Makelaars Bedrijfshuisvesting B.V. Pike Delivery Pluq Studio PPF Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam Provast Rabobank Rotterdam Roodkapje Rotterdam Festivals Rotterdam Marriott Hotel Rotterdam Partners Salsability SaM& doethetgewoon. Sanderdebreukconsultancy bv Scapino Ballet Rotterdam Spaces Hofplein Steel Rides Stichting De Nieuwe Poort Stichting Theater Rotterdam Studentflex Time is the new space Unilever NV Urban Minds B.V. Van der Stap notarissen vanStijl Vereniging Rotterdam Central District Vereniging Verenigd Schouwburgplein VPS Workspot Wrap Maniacs WTC Rotterdam Yogaground ZUS

BIZ PARTICIPANTS Achmea Pensioen

Magnum Property Limited

ADG Beheer B.V.

Mara B.V. Beleggings en Exploitatie

Boutique hotel

Millennium Tower (Rotterdam) B.V.

ASR Levensverzekering N.V.

Neo (Weena 200) B.V.

Looije Properties

NS Stations Retailbedrijf B.V.

CBRE DOF Custodian B.V.

NS Vastgoed B.V.

Central Post B.V.

Pompenburg (Rotterdam) B.V.

CENTRAL010 B.V.

ProRail B.V.

Doric Investment GmbH

Railinfratrust B.V.

FIRST Rotterdam Gebouw A B.V.

Stadsontwikkeling - Vastgoed

GHG B.V.

UNION INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

Hofplein Offices (Rotterdam) B.V.

Wisdom (Weena Tower) B.V.

Hofplein Ontwikkel B.V.

Yova Central Plaza B.V.

J.P. van Eesteren B.V.

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

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

The Modernist is a sustainable and future-proof building. With a Breeam Excellent certificate, a Paris Proof classification and an A++++ energy label it checks all the boxes for your future office or appartement The Modernist Energielabel

A++++

EXCELLENT ****

The Modernist is an initiative by

TheModernist.nl