12 minute read
Thys Boer from N8W8 Rotterdam
TUESDAY: MAKING MEETINGS FUN AGAIN
The best day for a meeting? Tuesday! Most people are at work, squared away all their emails the previous day and are still revved up to get the week off to a purposeful start. Which is why the Tuesday meeting centre, based in the Millenniumtoren, has designed its whole look and feel to recreate the mood of this most productive day of the week. Owner Boudewijn van de Sar explains the philosophy behind his new meeting concept.
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Say goodbye to endless meetings in big, dull conference rooms with chairs that just aren’t quite comfortable. At Tuesday, you’re assured a ‘better meeting’ in a setting that supports effective and inspired work and dialogue. “Frankly, I hated meetings myself”, Boudewijn admits. “Meetings tend to take up loads of time and energy and that can prevent them from being as productive as possible.” So, when he took on the development of a new meeting centre, he decided to do things differently. “Because, why would I give people something that I personally can’t stand?”
RIGHT AMBIANCE
According to Boudewijn, this realization made him leap at the chance to take a different approach. “Here, we’ve created a place where meeting is fun again.” How has Tuesday managed that, you might wonder? To begin with, the centre offers all the essentials, with an interior designed to inspire, modern spaces, a convenient location and ondemand service. In addition, all of the rooms can be adapted to users’ individual needs. Do you want to meet seated or standing – or in the middle, with the specially designed Wobbly? It’s up to you. Speaking of inspiring, with the panoramic view of Rotterdam’s skyline from the 23rd floor, you may well wish to linger after your productive meeting. Grab a drink from the bar, with everything from a deluxe coffee maker to an authentic Rotterdam brew on tap for beer fans.
DEDICATION
At Tuesday, every booking gets a dedicated host who is ready to assist throughout the day and take care of all arrangements. From locally-produced finger food and beverages to a delicious and well-earned lunch after business is wrapped up – the choice is yours. “Whether it’s a chic lunch from the Michelin-starred restaurant The Millèn, in the same tower, or a healthy snack from Jack Bean across the street, we consult with our guests to be sure of providing everything they want.”
DISTINCTIVE MENTALITY
Added to that, you’ll find playful nods to Tuesday’s philosophy everywhere you look. Like hourglasses in all shapes and sizes (to get everyone sped up when needed) and ‘Jack the Dripper’: a special slow-brew coffee maker that forces you to take a break and gets the conversation flowing. “Everybody knows the difference between a good and a better meeting”, Boudewijn says. “Plus the fact that we’re in the middle of the busy centre, right opposite the central station, and yet it feels like entering a warm oasis where you can have a productive dialogue.”
www.meettuesday.com
HOME TOURS
IN ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT
Dana Yifrah, owner of The Gallery Kitchen restaurant, bought a flat in the Stroveer complex a little over seven years ago. The 29-year-old has only grown more attached to her home in that time and plans to hold onto her private palace in the city centre.
DANA, WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?
“When I graduated from hotel management school, I already knew I would be taking over my parents’ restaurant business. They had run an Italian place in Central Plaza for more than 25 years, but had to give up those premises and move to a different corner of the shopping centre. I had to prepare a business plan for my course and my parents wanted to use it for their new place. That’s how The Gallery Kitchen was born, where I started to work with my parents. It was fun, but with me still living at home, we were together 24/7. There came a point when I really wanted a place of my own, and eventually this apartment came onto my path.”
WHAT MADE YOU GO FOR IT?
“The interior wasn’t really to my taste when I first saw it, but my dad urged me to look beyond that. We ended up tearing out the kitchen, bathroom and toilet and redid the whole place. Now, it’s my own little private palace. The longer I live here, the more I appreciate it. It’s really a cosy spot. The open kitchen is ideal for parties and dinners and the balcony gets sun until half past two. The only drawback is that delivery people always have a hard time finding the right address. The complex has a convoluted layout, so I even have to show friends to the front door the first time they come over. But the location is ideal: central yet away from the chaos and crowds. On top of which it’s close to The Gallery Kitchen, so I can be at work in minutes.”
HOW LONG DO YOU SEE YOURSELF LIVING HERE?
“As time goes on, I do feel I would like a place with more space than the 50 square metres I’ve got now. But for me to leave here I would have to find something really good. Given the current housing market, I don’t see that happening very soon. Also, this place holds so many memories; I could never just sell it. Even if I get a place with someone, I hope I’ll be able to keep this house to let. Maybe I’ll have kids who will want to live here one day.”
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SPOTS IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT?
“I’m at The Gallery Kitchen a lot, outside work as well. I like knowing what to expect, plus it’s the best coffee in Rotterdam. After working out from 6.30 to 7.30 in the morning it’s nice to be able to have breakfast somewhere, and not many places are open that early – so even then I usually end up at The Gallery Kitchen. But I like going to other places too. Sajoer is one of my favourite spots for great juices, good coffee and nutritious bowls. I always try to order something I can’t get at The Gallery Kitchen, since otherwise I might as well eat there!”
DANA YIFRAH (29)
Hobbies: You could almost say work is my hobby. Being my own boss, work never really ends. But I don’t mind, because I genuinely enjoy the restaurant business. In my time off I like to go running, going to parties and festivals and going out and having fun with my girlfriends.
Favourite spot at home: When it’s sunny, I like hanging out on the pallet coach on my balcony. It’s my favourite place to start the day.
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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.
FOODMAKER
Ultra-fresh and delicious meals are what Foodmaker in Rotterdam is all about. Since 2004 they have been preparing food based on a philosophy of sustainability and respect for humans, animals and the planet. Foodmaker’s community Living on The Vedge is proof positive that a balanced diet helps each of us become the best versions of ourselves. The restaurant works with own-grown organic ingredients as much as possible to create meals that not only taste great but are also good for you and support your healthy and active lifestyle!
FOODMAKER.BE WEENA-ZUID 146
BIERGARTEN
Grab a table with friends and tap your own beers! Where? At Biergarten! The outdoor bar is the perfect spot to head for great music, burgers and of course a nice cold one... or several. Also check out their menu, inspired by cultures all around the world. With a tempting selection of fresh grilled and tender meat, vegetarian options and a range of finger foods, Biergarten is excited to be welcoming guests again. They also have excellent craft brews to pair with everything on the menu, as well as a ‘special’ drinks list for the more adventurous. So what are you waiting for? Come check out Biergarten some sunny day this spring!
BIERGARTENROTTERDAM.NL SCHIESTRAAT 18
BERTMANS
Bertmans is right in the heart of the city, on Schouwburgplein. This small gem of a restaurant boasts a giant menu filled with delights. There’s plenty for everyone to enjoy, because delicious vegan and lactose-free dishes are Bertmans’ speciality. Using pure and seasonal ingredients, the restaurant is devoted to serving up innovative and nutritious food. Inspired by international flavours and culinary techniques, and guided by a passion for healthy cuisine, to dine at Bertmans is to taste a whole new world. Come treat yourself for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or any time in between.
WWW.BERTMANS.NL KAREL DOORMANSTRAAT 292
WTC Rotterdam Managing Director Eveline Steenbergen & Frank Okker, head of Project Management Investors at Cushman & Wakefield
WTC ROTTERDAM: “WHAT MATTERS MOST IS THAT PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME HERE”
Just over five years after work commenced to revitalize and green the building, the World Trade Center Rotterdam master plan is nearing its completion. All that effort has certainly paid off. With a new lobby, renewed entrance and loads of other visible and invisible changes, WTC sets a high bar for the sustainable retrofitting of historic properties. Frank Okker, head of Project Management Investors at Cushman & Wakefield, has been working enthusiastically on this colossal project all these years. We sat down with Frank and WTC Rotterdam Managing Director Eveline Steenbergen to talk about the final phase of the WTC master plan.
“This project is unique”, Frank proudly points out. In fact, for a project of such a scale and duration to even be fully completed at all is exceptional. “There are so many developers and investors hyping up all the ideas they’ve got, but with our investor, Bouwinvest, we’re very fortunate that they are actually being carried out.” According to Frank, that’s often not a given, particularly in times of crisis. “It was a rocky market when these plans were being drawn up. Deciding that a building needs upgrading is step one, but to then follow through you need an investor that’s willing to step up to the plate.” Bouwinvest has clearly demonstrated that, Frank says: “Just look at where we are now. We’ve accomplished so much in five years.”
ICING ON THE CAKE
For one thing, even with some setbacks owing to the property’s heritage value, the project will result in a building that is future-ready and tailored to its users. The revamped main entrance looks distinctly more inviting now – Eveline describes it as rolling out the red carpet for visitors – the brand-new eateries, hotel and fitness centre will inject more life, and there are a legion of other changes that not only make the building more sustainable but also more user-friendly. And let’s not forget: the revamped Rotterdam Hall, which will become the heart of the Convention Centre. With the work almost ninety per cent finished, there is only a few things left to do, Frank says, and “that’s basically the icing on the cake”. What remains is mainly the facelift of the Beursplein façade, a transformation stretching from the first floor up to the rooftop terrace. “This is a qualitative enhancement for users, but also for WTC’s image in the city.” During the design phase, it was found that the general public felt that the building was a bit closed, and they didn’t necessarily feel invited to enter. The transformation of its exterior and entrance therefore constitute a main focus of the project. “People should feel welcome, that’s what matters”, Eveline explains.
VALUABLE PARTNERSHIPS
Frank notes that the original master plan underwent very few significant changes along the way. “This is still the basic idea as we originally conceived it.” Besides strong follow-through, this attests to a carefully and comprehensively crafted plan. At the same time, Frank and Eveline emphasize that taking opportunities to reflect on the master plan have been essential, too. “It’s important with a massive project like this not to merely keep ploughing ahead but to look what can still be done better.” And that, Eveline adds, “is what makes our partnerships so valuable, also with investors. We all embraced the master plan and won’t let go. We committed to a brilliant final result that we can be proud of: a sustainable building that’s ready for the future, has lost none of its original value and where all are welcome”.
