RCD Magazine - Editie 3 - September 2021

#3

RCD

ROTTERDAM-CENTRALDISTRICT.NL SEPTEMBER 2021

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M A G A Z I N E

LOOKING OUTSIDE, I FEEL PROUD Wim Severein, Chef The Millèn

UNILEVER: The future of work is hybrid

EDUARD VOORN: Restaurants, bars and cafés: The jazz of Rotterdam

SUCCESS STORY: “It’s crucial for us to preserve Moroccan traditions’’

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PREFACE

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

RCD COMMUNITY BACK TOGETHER RCD abounds with shops, amenities and entertainment, and even boasts a lovely starred restaurant. Wim Severein, chef at The Millèn and this issue’s cover model, works hard alongside his team to give guests that star treatment in a relaxed setting.

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We were honoured that Wim agreed to let us interview him about his background, ambitions and vision. From his restaurant in the Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, diners can also savour

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a truly spectacular view of the station and a large part of RCD. This, too, makes it well worth booking a table for lunch or dinner sometime soon!

We are thrilled to be bringing you this third issue of RCD Magazine and that so many people contributed to putting together another great issue. In July, we held a large gathering with the RCD community. It was terrific to see everyone all together again after so long. Spirits were high and the view was amazing. For pictures of the event, flip to page 32.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading the stories about RCD in these pages! And, if you’ve got a great idea for us, we would love to hear it.

See you around!

Happy reading!

Romy Lange

Rob Ittmann

RCD Publishers

Rotterdam Central District Association

THANKS TO

M A G A Z I N E

CIC Rotterdam is celebrating it’s five year anniversary this September as a home for entrepreneurs, startups, scale-ups and established businesses within the Dutch innovation ecosystem. As CIC’s first international expansion, it’s been exciting to watch their impact on the local innovation system, growing from just 96 companies in 4,000 square meters, to a community of 240 companies in just under 10,000 square meters.

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And CIC isn’t stopping there. In January 2022, CIC will be opening a further 1,000 square meters of premium office space, including new meeting rooms and amenities in the Groot Handelsgebouw building.

We look forward to seeing how this expansion results in further growth of Rotterdam’s innovation ecosystem and encourage you to engage with their welcoming community of businesses in the heart of the city.

Interested in learning more?

Visit cic.com/rotterdam

rotterdam

Having access to such a widespread ecosystem of talent and ideas propels companies at CIC along their entrepreneurial journeys, helping them to find solutions faster to the world’s pressing issues. And their companies have done just that, challenging traditional markets like the hotel industry, tackling sleep insomnia and helping to solve a global pandemic. In 2020, companies at CIC raised more than €132 million and created more than 170 FTE of new jobs, despite the challenges of COVID-19.

INDEX

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31

38

UNILEVER: The future of work is hybrid

EDUARD VOORN: Restaurants, bars and cafés: The jazz of Rotterdam

SUCCESS STORY: “It’s crucial for us to preserve Moroccan traditions’’

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5

cove rst or y

“LOOKING OUTSIDE, I FEEL PROUD” Wim Severein, Chef The Millèn

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What’s on?

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Check the RCD Agenda

Restaurants, bars and cafés: The jazz of Rotterdam

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Wim Severein – chef at The Millèn

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Home tours in Rotterdam Central District

“This is a place that never sleeps”

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RCD Events

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RCD Up2Date

Drinks @ Fontein Rooftop

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RCD People

38 Success Story with Ikram and Amal Mataich

Are taking the stage

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RCD Hotspots

Column by Eduard Voorn

“It’s crucial for us to preserve Moroccan traditions’’ 40 Savills How BENG is your Building?

20 WTC Rotterdam

43 Interview

Talking about Vondelgym & Brasserie Jules

“De Doelen is a concert venue for everyone”

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Coffee Break

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Architecture: Calypso

With Marco Clarijs and Michael Blokland 25

46 Interview

of real estate consultancy CBRE

Train your imagination for the city of tomorrow

#RCD Online

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Join the Rotterdam Central District Community

26 Unilever:

48 Memoboard

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The future of work is hybrid

RCD Members & Colophon

M A G A Z I N E

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BU I TE N DE GE BA A N DE PA DE N VIND JE NIEUWE WEGEN Pionieren is NOMAD op het lijf geschreven. Wij zien kansen, denken in mogelijkheden en verkennen graag nieuwe wegen. Hierbij zijn partners zoals Ploum van grote waarde.

Ploum helpt ons als gids op juridische paden die we niet dagelijks bewandelen.

Kasper Schouten – The Nomad Company

AGENDA

WHAT’S ON? IBRAHIM MAALOUF WITH QUELQUES MÉLODIES...

19 November

Popular instrumentalist Ibrahim Maalouf is joined by guitarist François Delporte in a concert that goes back to © Yann Orhan

2 October

music: melody and trumpetry.

OPERATOR X BIRDFEST

© Lex Amor

OPERATOR X WEELDE:

the two most acclaimed basics of his

6 November

A day filled with live performances

A mix of talks, DJ sets and live

by both up-and-coming and well-

performances as part of BiRDFest 2021.

established Rotterdam bands and

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other live acts, hosted by Operator and Weelde.

© Victor Frankowski

M A G A Z I N E

SUMMER ON SCHOUWBURGPLEIN

RUM FOR BREAKFAST IN ASSOCIATION WITH DE NIEUWE LICHTING

most popular classical works of all time:

Come celebrate the last lazy days of

Born during a Panama surfing holiday,

Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. In these four

summer on Schouwburgplein, with

Rum for Breakfast’s smooth, laid-back

concerti, titled La primavera, L’estate,

new programmes weekly. Expect free

sound is a perfect mix of subtle acoustic

L’autunno and L’inverno, Vivaldi evokes

jam sessions, sizzling acts, powerful

grooves and a dash of melancholic indie

burbling streams, thunderstorms, dogs

poetry slams and side-splitting shows

rock. Catch the band live during this

barking and the singing of songbirds.

for kids.

intimate show at the BIRD café.

STAR VIOLINIST JANINE JANSEN

22 September @ de Doelen Back together after many years, star violinist Janine Jansen and the Amster-

© Fleur Beerthuis

Through 26 September

19 October @BIRD

dam Sinfonietta present one of the

COVER STORY

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LOOKING OUTSIDE, I FEEL PROUD Wim Severein, perhaps best known for cooking up a Michelin star at the old Wereldmuseum restaurant, opened his own high-end establishment three years ago. Located on the first floor of the Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, The Millèn serves up Chef Severein’s signature seasonal, pure creations, made with authentic ingredients and minimal fuss. We talked to Wim about his passion, what the last year has been like and what it’s like to work in RCD.

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

YOUR RESTAURANT HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR THREE YEARS AND HAS RECEIVED A MICHELIN STAR, BUT OF COURSE YOU’VE ALSO FACED A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY IN RECENT MONTHS. WHAT HAS THIS BEEN LIKE FOR YOU? “We got a Michelin star pretty quickly after opening this restaurant.

That was brilliant, because it propels you right into this vibe of being a real business instead of just playing at being a restaurant. And then Covid shut us down. That was rough. In the beginning I was still try-

TEXT Romy Lange

ing to work out how to arrange things, but at some point you come to terms with it. We were also fortunate in being in the Marriott Hotel Rotterdam, meaning we could stay open somewhat longer. I’m happy I managed to hold onto all my staff: I couldn’t do it without them. Now, we’re looking ahead and I’m feeling upbeat.”

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M A G A Z I N E

COVER STORY

“This is a place that never sleeps, there’s constant activity, even in these times” WHEN YOU LOOK OUTSIDE AT THE SPECTACULAR

ing known flavours and adding flavours that do something

STATION AND THE SQUARE IN FRONT, DO YOU FEEL

slightly different – that’s what I love about what I do. My

PROUD OF THIS LOCATION?

dishes are pure and honest, but I give them a spin that

“Oh, absolutely. It’s such a dynamic place. If you’re in the

people can’t replicate at home. Our menu changes every

restaurant business, it makes you happy to see your guests

month, and that keeps us all sharp. I also just can’t stand to

happy, enjoying the view and having a good time. This is a

keep churning out the same thing.”

place that never sleeps, there’s constant activity, even in these times. I think Centraal Station is a really beautiful

YOUR RESTAURANT IS IN THE MARRIOTT HOTEL.

building. And Kruiskade is a great place to hang out.”

WHAT’S THAT RELATIONSHIP LIKE? “Excellent. I’m very pleased with our partnership. And that

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WE’VE READ THAT YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM

was the basis for this project. We wanted a win-win situ-

INTERNATIONAL CUISINES. HAVE YOU ACTUALLY

ation, and we got it. They wanted a nice restaurant in the

TRAVELLED THE GLOBE TO COLLECT IDEAS?

hotel, and guests staying in their 282 rooms are potential

“Before I had my doggies, my wife and I liked travelling

diners for me. On weekdays we get mostly business guests;

all across the world. But now, with dogs, that’s more dif-

at the weekend people come out for the full dinner expe-

ficult. In Asia and the Americas I went around to loads of

rience.”

markets and saw it all, and I brought some of those cuisines and flavours home with me. I always reach back to those

DO YOU NEED A FAT WALLET TO EAT IN A MICHELIN-

experiences when planning new dishes or menus. Having so

STAR RESTAURANT?

many nationalities and cool shops on Kruiskade is also very

“Anyone can afford it, it just depends whether it’s worth it

enriching for me.”

to you. Our lunch menu is thirty euros, which I think is a fair price. You get amuse-bouches, two lovely dishes, plus sides.

IT’S NO SECRET THAT YOU DON’T LIKE LOTS OF

It can still be a lot of money, sure, but I think it’s mostly

BELLS AND WHISTLES ON A PLATE AND THAT YOU

within people’s means. We respect the products and don’t

ARE ALL ABOUT SIMPLICITY. WHAT DRIVES YOUR

dress everything up with caviar, and I hope that way we’ll

VISION?

reach a more diverse group of people. And I hope to see

“Simplicity is the hallmark of truth. But a flavour also needs

more of locals at our restaurant!”

to have an unexpected twist. Combining flavours, present-

WIM SEVEREIN Age: 51 Home:

Hoeksche Waard

Hobbies: Gardening (Wim uses fresh herbs from his own garden in the restaurant) Favourite food: It doesn’t have to be complicated: give him a tasty spud or traditional Dutch meatball or frikandel speciaal and Wim’s a happy guy.

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M A G A Z I N E

specialists in real estate and corporate law Rotterdam Millenniumtoren 14e verdieping Weena 690 3012 CN Rotterdam

Arnhem Jansbuitensingel 29 6811 AD Arnhem

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

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For more information, visit: www.wensbusinessevents.nl

Photography: Erik Brons

Van der Stap Notarissen

UPDATES

RCD

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

© Guido Pijper

SCHIEKADEBLOK FOCUS GROUP As we reported in the last issue of RCD Magazine, the

ELECTRIC CAR SHARING PILOT STARTS 1 SEPTEMBER

Schiekadeblok has been in the news lately in connection with possible changes in and around the area of Schiekadeblok. On 1 July, a digital focus group met with building-based businesses and local residents. They were presented with an updated urban development plan, highlighting among other

With public life regaining momentum this sum-

aspects building reconstruction, access, mobility and preserv-

mer, residents of and visitors to Rotterdam

ing a dynamic mix of activities. Further examination of the

have been as mobile as ever. Whether travel-

plan’s financial feasibility will take place in the period ahead,

ling for work or leisure, to offices in Rotterdam

alongside work to finalize the draft zoning plan. This will be

Central District or on daytrips outside the city,

published near year-end, giving the public an opportunity to

sustainable modes of transportation are be-

respond to the plan.

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coming ever more accessible. In addition to its existing networks of shared bicycles, scooters and expansive public transport system, Rotterdam is making shared cars available throughout the city. With this pilot, it is introducing shared

TEMPORARY HOME FOR KRUISPLEIN TREES

electric vehicles supplied by three different organizations at the Schouwburgplein 2 car park,

In November, the City will be transplanting trees along the

right outside Rotterdam Central Station, in the

side of Kruisplein to make space for the construction site

heart of the city. The cars will be available for

for The Modernist. Specifically, this is the row of trees now

residents and visitors alike to hire as from 1 Sep-

lining the pavement in front of the Weenapoint office block,

tember, enabling everyone to get from A to B.

which is being torn down by Maarsen Groep. There are 24

One-way trips to specific cities will also be made

in all, mostly plane trees, which were planted in this spot

possible in conjunction with several of the par-

some five years ago. Fortunately, planes can be replanted

ticipating organizations. For more information,

without too much trouble, especially when they are still

visit www.rotterdam.nl/deelvervoer.

young. The trees should have enough space in their temporary growing site, a municipal holding area, to survive until they can be replanted four years from now to give the new and improved Kruisplein a green finishing touch.

We can expect to see the row of plane trees back in their original location by late 2025.

M A G A Z I N E

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M A G A Z I N E

provast.nl

VOX POPS

TAKING THE STAGE

Rotterdam Central District is a district in development. And that means that it’s still undiscovered territory for many. The team at RCD Magazine hit the streets and local offices to ask what should be added, changed or organized – if it were up to you!

On a sultry summer’s day, you shared some very varied and personal perspectives.

STEPHAN SALAZAR (30) “Based on a recent recurring

occurrence, additional security would be a key point. I’ve had two bikes stolen just in the past months, despite having parked them in the underground bike garage. With more visible on-duty security or police, that wouldn’t happen as often. Otherwise, this is a nice place to come and the location is ideal.

But, if it were up to me, that’s what I would tackle.”

IVANNA VINNICSUK (26) 16

“I think it would be awesome if there were more of a community feeling among residents.

Some neighbourhoods do make the effort to connect. Organizing a market with stalls every few weeks would make things more lively and let people meet in a low-key way. It’s a diverse location with a wide variety of residents. So how great would it be to connect them all?”

MENZO DE MUINCK KEIZER

TEXT Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

“RCD is the area surrounding our incredible Central Station. Corporate clients feel this location to be very pleasant and I can relate to that, as there’s a high level of convenience and comfort. It also has the high-speed train to London and Paris, which is great, but I think there’s still untapped potential. A similar rail service to Berlin would be a fantastic addition for eco-friendly personal and business travel.”

HENRIËTTE VAN DER MEER (31)

“Rotterdam Central District is made up of lots of tall buildings and more towers will be added in time. Some of those buildings have a bar or restaurant or even an urban garden on the roof. Though they really enhance the area and are something special, these rooftops are not being used all that intensively or taken advantage of. Personally, I think it would be fun if more things were organized here, like silent discos, picnics or outdoor cinema for the people who live and work here.”

IZABELA GAINA (35)

“In our work at CIC it’s been brilliant to offer people from all

JOFFRÉ ZIJDERHAND (25) “This district has some different

different fields spaces to net-

artistic and cultural things going

work and meet others. Still, I

on, but it’s not ongoing. I think RCD

think it would be interesting to

would be a lot more vibrant if you

make more of an effort to con-

could kindle more creative freedom

nect the people who are here al-

and create a regular space for that.

ready. Think couch surfing, but

Exhibiting a photo report or new

then for local businesses. You

statue would be an additional

could have events at one com-

draw for the area.”

pany one time and at another the next. That way, you’d not only get acquainted but also see different workplaces.”

MAARTJE ROGGEVEEN (23)

“If it were up to me to add some colour to this district, I’d map out different routes from Central Station to cool spots in Rotterdam. Places like the yellow Luchtsingel bridge, which people may not be familiar with yet, but are well worth a visit. Using artistic markings on the ground, you could point people towards the city’s highlights.”

RAMI MABROUK (24)

“Off the top of my head, as a visitor to this area, I would inject more colour and artwork. A nice big sculpture on the station plaza maybe, or over towards Kruisplein. When you leave Central Station it all looks amazing, but there’s something missing. It still feels empty and I would add something to enhance it.”

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M A G A Z I N E

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YOUR STAY

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HOTSPOTS

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

VINN ROTTERDAM At the base of the Groot Handelsgebouw off Weena is VINN Rotterdam, a breakfast, lunch and beverage bar with a stylish interior and friendly, laid-back vibe where all are welcome. It’s the perfect spot to rest and refuel at any hour

THE GALLERY KITCHEN

while taking in the urban ebb and flow.

Right across from Rotterdam’s central

of fresh soups. Feel like a glass of wine

station and just inside the Central Pla-

with lunch? Let VINN advise you on the

za shopping centre is where you’ll find

ideal pairing. VINN also brings the good

The Gallery Kitchen. The mood is hip

times to you, in the form of its legendary

and homey and you can easily sit for

Drag Dinner shows. No time to get out?

hours watching all the people stream-

No problem! Have lunch and beverages

ing to and from the station. The menu

brought to you – straight to your desk at

features plenty of dishes created and

no extra charge if you work in the Groot

prepared right there in Sylvia’s kitchen,

Handelsgebouw.

PINKMAN RECORDS

and the aromas of her home-made spe-

Are you passionate about music? And

coffee and fresh croissant. The staff are

does vintage vinyl make your blood

super friendly and always happy to go

sing? Then you’ll definitely want to visit

the extra mile. Open every day of the

Pinkman Records in the Schieblock. This

week, with a wide range of menu op-

shop opened in April 2018 as a physical

tions to choose from.

cialities lure you in from Central Plaza.

If you’re on the go, pop in for a takeaway

VINN serves food and drinks, and fea-

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tures a weekly menu including a range

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M A G A Z I N E

extension of Rotterdam’s home-grown Pinkman record label, owned and operated by Marsman since 2013. What started with the release of two albums on vinyl by musician-friends led to worldwide fame and the Charlois sub-label and Broken Dreams white label series. With produced by loads of different artists, no visit to RCD is complete without a stop at Pinkman Records.

TEXT Céline Boute

a selection of music and merchandise

RCD MAGAZINE PARTNER

VONDELGYM AND BRASSERIE JULES IN WTC ROTTERDAM

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WTC Rotterdam is steadily nearing completion of its comprehensive masterplan to supply tenants and visitors with even more high-end amenities – including an urban hotel, a brasserie, employee restaurant and city gym. While work continues at full steam to round off the finishing touches in the months ahead, Brasserie Jules and Vondelgym are already opening their doors. We spoke with Eveline Steenbergen, WTC Rotterdam’s managing director, about these two brand-new arrivals.

YOU’RE ROLLING OUT A MASSIVE REVITALIZATION PLAN. BRASSERIE JULES IS OPEN ALREADY AND VONDELGYM WILL HAVE ITS GRAND OPENING SHORTLY. HOW DID THESE PARTNERSHIPS COME ABOUT? “That’s a nice story, actually. When drafting the masterplan to upgrade and revitalization the whole in- & exterior, we decided it needed new places to eat, too. It started with De Koffiesalon opening in the Main Hall, but we wanted to have a spot for people to enjoy good food and drinks and a sit-down bar. Then one balmy summer evening two years ago at Brasserie Pierre in Pannenkoekstraat, I was with Jan-Willem Kos, my business partner at Bouwinvest, who own the building, going through all the plans for WTC Rotterdam. When they arrived with our order, we both looked at each other and realized Brasserie Pierre was exactly the concept we wanted for WTC. Two weeks after that, Brasserie Pierre co-owner and entrepreneur Leon Kleinekoort came around, and now we just opened Pierre’s little brother, Jules.”

VONDELGYM IS ALSO OPENING SOON. HOW DID THEY FIND WTC ROTTERDAM? “Through one of our property agents, who helped us look carefully at what sort of concept would be right for us. This branch is in the historic section of WTC Rotterdam and has its own entrance from the well-known street Meent. It’s rough and rugged and Vondelgym fits well with that. We hit it off straight away, and Vondelgym liked the idea of opening a location in Rotterdam. Winston Bergwijn is FOTOGRAPHY PORTRET: Ruben Stam

the owner of this location and wants to bring together a really diverse community here, so it will be a very inclusive space for everyone to work out, from WTC tenants to hotel guests to locals who want to become gym members.”

VONDELGYM AND JULES ARE TWO PRETTY UP TO DATE PLACES. WHERE YOU SPECIFICALLY OUT TO GIVE WTC ROTTERDAM A TRENDIER IMAGE? “Absolutely! Now that the building is being so beautifully revital-

TEXT Romy Lange

ized, and with the historic part of it being a bit edgy and hip and offbeat, we were seeking something very specific. The location demands it, even. Meent is very up-and-coming and a real hotspot.

Everything we’re doing is targeted to the location and the aura of Eveline Steenbergen-Kolk

this building.”

BRASSERIE JULES The menu at Brasserie Jules features French classics alongside new additions like pasta vongole. Think steak tartare, croque monsieur or madame and salade niçoise, but with a

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twist. Currently the restaurant seats 95 inside, and it will have another 75 tables outside on the raised terrace in front of WTC Rotterdam.

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M A G A Z I N E

VONDELGYM Rotterdam native rapper Winston Bergwijn, aka Winne, will be calling the shots in WTC’s Vondelgym, the chain launched

by Dutch TV personality Arie Boomsma. The gym is expected to open its doors on Meent in September. There will be hot yoga in the basement. The upper level will feature a boxing ring and all the standard fitness equipment, plus registration for a range of classes.

Impression Vondelgym

INTERVIEW

COFFEE BREAK 22

Marco Clarijs (right) and Michael Blokland (left) have both been with leading real estate consultancy CBRE for nearly ten years, so they’ve had front-row seats to all the changes happening in RCD. While they’re happy with how Rotterdam is doing now, they’re also concerned about the office market, which they say is lagging behind due to limited highquality availability. We met up with Marco and Michael for coffee in their office on Delftseplein.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR PRESENCE HERE MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE DISTRICT? Marco: “We have a twelve-year track record when it comes to bringing together supply and demand. In the end, we’re ‘just’ consultants – or commercial real estate brokers, depending on who you ask – but we’ve truly managed to create a vision for this district and to take on a leading role in the area’s development. We’re on excellent terms with the city council, regularly publish studies and relevant data, and I feel like we’ve really found our footing here within a relatively short period of time.” Michael: “And that’s just at the area level. If you look at the level of individual buildings, you’d be hard-pressed to find

YOU’VE BEEN WORKING AT CBRE FOR ALMOST A

a building we haven’t been involved with in one way or another.

TEXT Romy Lange

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

DECADE NOW. HOW HAVE YOU SEEN RCD CHANGE IN RECENT YEARS?

WHAT IS YOUR MAIN FOCUS RIGHT NOW AT CBRE

Michael: “I started working in this area at a time when we were

ROTTERDAM?

dealing with 25% vacancy in the office market. Those spaces

Marco: “We want to strengthen the multidisciplinary nature of

couldn’t stay empty, of course, but finding tenants was really

our company. We’ve been working hard for years to shake off

quite difficult at that time.” Marco: “If you look at business cy-

that ‘broker’ label I just mentioned. Of course, we still do trans-

cles, you have seven fat years and seven lean years, and after

actions, but we’re building more and more services around

2007 Rotterdam had its fair share of lean years. RCD was like a

that to really become a fully integrated real estate advisor.”

ghost town, with vacant buildings everywhere. Today, almost

Michael: “Data plays an important role in that as well, and we

everything has been let – even despite the pandemic.”

reap the benefits of the data we collect and analyse every day.”

WHAT ARE RCD’S STRENGTHS COMPARED TO OTHER

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

BUSINESS DISTRICTS?

WITH THE READERS OF RCD MAGAZINE?

Marco: “The combination of different functions here is the

Marco: “Rotterdam is doing really well right now, and we’re

number one selling point, as far as I’m concerned. When you

making huge strides in the residential market. But the overall

walk out of the station here, you see offices, apartment build-

quality of the office market is still trailing behind. One of the

ings, shops and all kinds of other facilities. Everything is mixed

effects of the pandemic we’re dealing with is the assumption

together.” Michael: “But there’s also still room for improve-

people have that we’ll need less office space. But based on our

ment there, I think, which the city council is pushing for as well.

data and research, we don’t predict a large vacancy in this mar-

Weena and Delftsestraat could be a little more lively. Two new

ket. On the contrary, Weena will be fully let again by the end of

buildings, Tree House and The Modernist, will be a big draw in

the year.” Michael: “That’s actually a big risk for the city, and

the future.”

it would be a shame of course if large companies were unable to find a place to set up shop here. That’s something we really need to keep an eye on together.”

MICHAEL BLOKLAND Age: 29 Hobbies: Playing sports and travelling Favourite spot in RCD: Biergarten

MARCO CLARIJS Age: 38 Hobbies: spending time with Ted (my almost1-year-old son), playing football and cycling Favourite spot in RCD: Biergarten

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ROB PEETOOM ROT TERDAM | MEENT 128 | 3011 JS ROT TERDAM | 010 411 87 11 BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.ROBPEETOOM.COM

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R C D @dakakker

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M A G A Z I N E

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RCD MAGAZINE PARTNER

Unilever: the future of work is hybrid

TEXT Céline Boute

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

26

This past year, many homes changed into offices. As well at Unilever, where working from home has been the standard way of working from March 2020. Which means that offices are empty for months now.

On the positive side, working from home created flexibility and gave people the freedom to go to the gym or for a walk in the afternoon instead of only after working hours.

Unilever Benelux Media Relations Manager Marlous den Bieman and Agile Coach Dennis Hobbelink say that trust is essential to move towards hybrid working and more flexibility in your workday. Looking at the future of work, Unilever is certain to be hybrid they say.

Dennis Hobbelink & Marlous den Bieman

Hofplein19, Unilever’s stunning new office, is still an

FLEXIBILITY

oasis of tranquility. The company’s hybrid working trial

For Marlous and Dennis, the past year has been a roller-

was planned for this summer but was delayed due to the

coaster. At first, working from home felt like a luxury.

government re-imposed work-from-home rules. Dennis

But, as time passed, they missed working in the office

is part of a multidisciplinary team that gathers regular-

and seeing and speaking to colleagues in person. “Last

ly to think about the future of work. “A recent Unilever

summer we relocated to our new office at Hofplein and

survey found that the ideal mix is to work in the office

could come in on request”, Marlous says. “It was good

40% of the time. At Unilever, facilitating individual pref-

to have the option to work at the office again. Plus, this

erences is important. The challenge then is how do you

place is wonderful in terms of light, workspaces, having

encourage people to come in without it turning into an

colleagues around and its location in the city center.” Ac-

obligation? And who should come to the office when,

cording to Dennis, the lockdowns have shown the bene-

and how?”

fits of more trust and flexibility. “We now focus more on output, which did a huge amount of good. I’ve heard that from a lot of colleagues. Personally, I’ve also missed the chit chats here at Unilever. Those moments really add something special to your day.”

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27

M A G A Z I N E

FUNCTIONAL OFFICE The function of offices is gradually changing, from a workplace to a meeting place. Not only the central location near the city’s train station, the new Hofplein office is appealing in so many other ways. “The new Hofplein office is an awesome change”, Dennis thinks. “I moved to Amsterdam recently, and the hurdle to commuting here from other places has really lessened. My favorite spot in the office is an out-of-the-way cubbyhole with a fantastic hanging chair on the 8th floor, with a view of Hofplein.” Marlous adds, “A mix of online meetings and face-to-face brainstorm sessions would be the ideal combination for me. In this building, you can use different spaces during your day: touch down spots, the library, phonebooths and the rooftop terrace together offer a nice setting to work in.”

“ A recent Unilever survey found that the ideal mix is to work in the office 40% of the time.”

From: Ralf Schreidert To: all personnel Sent: maandag 6 september 2021 Subject: Sluiting kantoor Amsterdam

Hi all, Omdat we meer thuiswerken sluiten we de deuren van ons kantoor in Amsterdam.

28

Vanaf oktober ben je welkom in Rotterdam!

Mvg. Ralf Schreidert | CEO

Hybride werkt.

Maar hoe?

Door corona zijn verschillende werktrends in een stroomversnelling gekomen. Het kantoor krijgt hierdoor blijvend een andere functie. Maar het is niet per se een kwestie van minder meters.

Weten wat wèl werkt voor jouw bedrijf?

Download onze whitepaper ‘Een nieuwe werkelijkheid: hoe hybride werken de rol van het kantoor blijvend verandert’. cbre.nl/hybridewerken

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29

M A G A Z I N E

30

COLUMN

RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CAFÉS: THE JAZZ OF ROTTERDAM Here’s an idea. Why not turn Fontein, the restaurant on top of Hofplein 19, into a scenic viewpoint? Ascend to see Rotterdam Central District (RCD) at your feet, then grab a bite to eat in the rooftop restaurant where Chef Ronald Koolmees serves up his creative creations.

This is a good segue into something I’d like to say about the importance of cafés, restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs in RCD. More to the point, about how important they are – with stars or without – for keeping a city alive. Alongside

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cultural venues, drinking and dining establishments are the pulse of a place and what make any urban centre appealing. If that pulse stops, it goes dead and barren.

I can still see and feel Roeland Flierman of Mess Group, in the spring of 2020, gazing sadly across the fences and barbed wire blocking access to Biergarten. In the depths of the pandemic, I regularly walked through RCD. Everything was shuttered, dead, deserted.

Above all, there was deafening silence. Biergarten – that pioneer of serendipitous encounters between suited and booted office workers and longboard-toting creatives – sat abandoned. Normally, the sun-drenched wooden staircase is the place to meet. Now, it wasn’t.

A wispy cloud veils the sun as Ron de Jong and I stare down towards the Weena café-bar from the terrace of his rooftop restaurant. De Jong, like Flierman, is a Eduard Voorn is a freelance

restaurateur in RCD. From his rooftop restaurant, Fontein, he gazes towards Wee-

journalist with a focus on

na, his other establishment in RCD. He sees and feels that, in spite of all the uncer-

economics, and first and foremost a Rotterdammer.

tainties, the pulse is stuttering back to life. In fits and starts, Holland is gradually

He lives in the villagey outskirts

unlocking.

of Rotterdam Central District, eats his pizza at Bird, raises a pint at Biergarten or Weena,

The next day, I see, feel and taste the pulse that De Jong was talking about. Wilfried

gets his caffeine fix at Lebkov

de Jong, Benjamin Herman and Cathelijne Beijn, better known as DJ Rita Lynn, are

and catches the latest flicks in

standing behind a DJ mixer, spinning sizzling new and old jazz out in front of the

Pathé Schouwburgplein. His kids were born in the now-famous

Bird jazz stage. Rotterdam is jazz – jazz is Rotterdam. But right at this moment,

Mecanoo architectural firm’s

jazz is the AED of RCD. As dusk falls, Hofplein 19 and Hofplein 20, aka Hofpoort, rise

first project on Kruisplein.

up, and Andre, my server, pours an excellent Perrin Luberon. Later, walking across Biergarten, I see more signs of life. Slowly but steadily, our pulse is returning.

Let’s show our local hotspots some heart; they’re the ones putting the jazz into our daily lives.

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M A G A Z I N E

DO ING B USI NES S with the rest of the world

32

With its abundance of talented people, desirable housing market and far-reaching academic influence, Rotterdam is a rich metropolis with its own distinctive mentality. Greater Rotterdam, the Randstad and the rest of the country are always within easy reach. Which places The Modernist at the epicentre of this exciting dynamic. Just a minute’s walk from Rotterdam Central Station and a twelve-minute drive from the national motorway network.

The Modernist is the final project in redeveloping the Weenapoint complex to be a melting pot of metropolitan professionalism, hospitality and economic diversity.

The Modernist is being developed from the standpoint that it will be second to none when compared to other buildings in Rotterdam and the surrounding area.

One illustration of this is the way the large office floors are equipped with R high-quality air purification systems C which guarantee the best possible air D quality. The building will also be given a BREEAM-NL Excellent certificate, confirming it meets the highest 33 sustainability standards.

At ground level, The Modernist directly connects with what’s happening on the street. This strong relationship continues to the offices above the plinth, which are constructed within an enormous framework which provides a colossal window onto the city, maintaining a bond between inside The connection between inside and and outside. outside isn’t limited to the building’s ground floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows This framework houses four floors of and a central atrium allow an aboveoffice space measuring up to 3,000 m2 average amount of daylight to penetrate lettable area per floor. Modular design the building. provides flexibility to partition this as needed. All floors, voids, stairs and walls The Modernist is an office building can be freely moved around to create designed to meet the wants and needs fully customized working environments. of both today’s and tomorrow’s users.

From experimental and dynamic to It is being developed on the basis pragmatic, and everything in between. of a multi-tenant concept, ensuring suitability for housing several different The Modernist’s design lends simple, companies who share various facilities. yet strong character to the entrance to Office space can be rented in units from the city of Rotterdam. The architecture approximately 1,500 m2 up to 12,500 m2. style was chosen to reflect the city’s reconstruction and fits in well If you’d like to know more about the offices with existing buildings such as the in The Modernist, CBRE Rotterdam is Groothandels gebouw and FIRST. ready to answer your questions.

The Modernist is an initiative by

TheModernist.nl

M A G A Z I N E

LIVING IN RCD

HOME TOURS

IN ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT Peter Willemsen and Annet ten Kortenaar have been neighbours in the Central District’s Weenahof since the 1980s. Though opinions about this building vary, these two residents are all praise for the Weena-side flats and neighbourhood. Peter has had the daunting task of chairing the complex’s home owners’ association for the last seven years. Annet invited us around for tea and to talk about this ‘village’ inside RCD.

34

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE IN THIS AREA?

WHAT’S STILL MISSING FROM THE CENTRAL

A: “We wouldn’t have stuck around so long if we didn’t like

DISTRICT?

it here. I loved it right from the beginning. Everything you

A: “When Café Engels closed, that was a loss. It was the lo-

need is close by. We actually got rid of our car a year after

cal gathering place and where you went if you wanted to

moving here, because everything is in easy reach, which

get out, to have a coffee and a treat. We need that kind of

is great. The theatre, cinema and essential shops are just

hotspot again, because it brought a lot of life and colour to

around the corner. And the park along Essenburgsingel is

the station square.”

an oasis of calm in the middle of the noisy city.”

P: “Engels was an institution. The Groot Handelsgebouw

P: “It’s a huge city to lose yourself in, but the Central Dis-

was built in 1953 and the brasserie just belonged there.’’

trict is a village inside that city, where you can eat out, get groceries, do something cultural and buy clothes. My son

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO IN THE

still lives at home and has zero interest in getting his driv-

CENTRAL DISTRICT?

ing licence. He grew up having everything around the cor-

A: “Schouwburgplein is a gem in this district, but Kruiskade

ner, and if he needs to go anywhere outside the district, he

is wonderful, too. For a bite to eat, you pop out to

can get there in no time at all by tram, metro, bus or train.”

Kruiskade. I always love it being there. All the people you

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

see, and the eateries, it’s all so varied and just a fun and

HOW WAS IT TO HAVE A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO AREA

friendly street.”

DEVELOPMENTS?

P: “That’s an easy one for me to answer; it has to be Schou-

A: “Next to the station you used to have Platform 0, where

wburgplein. There’s often something going on, or you can

the buses stop now. It was overrun by addicts, but that’s

just sit quietly under the trees or go to the surrounding ter-

just how it was – it didn’t bother us much. I wouldn’t say all

races. De Nieuwe Poort in the Groot Handelsgebouw was

the developments have been positive. Some owners have

always a nice spot to go for a coffee.”

started letting their homes, and because of the changes it’s quite hard to connect with residents.”

P: “In the old days, parts of our building were open for people to come into the courtyard. Folks from Platform 0

TEXT Céline Boute

would come here and were free to do whatever. Once the redevelopment started, our homeowners’ association voted to close it off to make it a nice, green urban courtyard.

In recent years the whole area has also really revived. It’s great to see all that grow.”

PETER WILLEMSEN

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35

M A G A Z I N E

ANNET TEN KORTENAAR

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RCD EVENTS

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37

RCD ASSOCIATION DRINKS @ FONTEIN ROOFTOP HELD ON: WEDNESDAY 7 JULY • On the 10th floor of Fontein Rooftop, a group of RCD members gathered to enjoy drinks and a fabulous view of our city.

• There was plenty of opportunity for networking and sharing

M A G A Z I N E

RCD success stories.

• Everyone was excited to get together again in real life, and we’re hoping we can carry on doing so!

• Interested in networking and events from RCD? Join our

PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Bolk

members on the last page of this magazine.

SUCCESS STORY

“It’s crucial for us to preserve Moroccan traditions’’ Nothing brings people together quite as universally as food, according to Ikram (26) and Amal Mataich (23). The two sisters grew up in a large, traditional Moroccan family and were raised with a love of the country’s traditional cuisine.

Now, with their company ZIRI, they aspire to introduce the original ceramic tajine – a staple of the Moroccan kitchen – into modern-day households.

38

The earthenware dish used in North African cuisine for centu-

nationally. Ikram: “Of course we realized beforehand that our

ries has always played a major role in Ikram’s and Amal’s lives.

Dutch way of doing business wouldn’t necessarily work in

The sisters have cooked countless meals in tajines, but it was

Morocco and that we would have to adjust, but it really was

only after noticing that most of those sold in shops here are

different from what we were used to. Actually, though, that

not made by real Moroccan craftsmen – though this is a del-

was nice to experience. At one point, we still had a few minor

icate and age-old pottery process – that they decided some-

tweaks we wanted to make to the samples. Instead of doing

thing had to be done. “It’s a shame”, Ikram explains. “People

everything through video calls, I went back to the shop in Fez

who buy them expect to have the authentic experience of

and talked to the supplier. During this process we recognized

cooking in a real tajine, but instead own a product mass-pro-

the importance of personal contact when working together;

duced in Poland or China.” So, in addition to Amal’s studies

we are so used to doing everything digitally, but in Morocco

and Ikram’s full-time job, they decided to turn tajines into a

people need face-to-face contact to maintain good relation-

family business.

ships. It took considerable effort at times, but we really

TEXT Céline Boute & Tessa Burger

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

STORYTELLING

learned to be patient. That’s why I would encourage anyone with an original idea for a business to just go for it, there is in-

During a trip to Fez – a city famed for its craftsmanship –

variably so much to gain. A big network, loads of beautiful sto-

Ikram and Amal personally selected a local shop to hand-craft

ries and the possibility to meet inspiring people. That’s worth

their exclusive designs into a unique form of Moroccan art.

so much in itself, even if no one were to buy our tajines!” ZIRI

In keeping with age-old tradition, the tajines are made from

tajines and their beautiful stories will be available from this

natural clay, hand-painted, and dried in the sun. But, for ZI-

autumn on the sisters’ website: ziriofficial.com. They’ve also

RI’s pottery, the sisters decided to go a step further. “Our ta-

lined up restaurants in The Netherlands and abroad that will

jines are meant to be an icebreaker and conversation-starter

be cooking in their tajines.

for people enjoying this food, as well as a way to tell stories about the country and its traditions, or about the tajine and the process of producing it and the stories of the craftsmen themselves.” This is also reflected in the name Ikram and Amal chose for their brand. Amal: “Ziri is old-Berber for ‘moonlight’.

We have always had a big fascination for the moon, and we have Berber roots ourselves. The moon is something that binds us and other people together – just like food.”

DIFFERENCES Setting up a company in the midst of multiple lockdowns proved easier said than done, especially when working inter-

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M A G A Z I N E

“The moon is something that binds us and other people together – just like food.”

Amal and Ikram Mataich

RCD MAGAZINE PARTNER

HOW BENG IS YOUR BUILDING? Energy neutrality is the big trend in new residential and office buildings. In the Netherlands, near energy-neutral construction even became a statutory requirement this year, with the implementation of the BENG requirement – short for ‘Almost Energy-Neutral Building’ (in Dutch: Bijna EnergieNeutraal Gebouw). This replaces the old EPC (energy performance coefficient) with a set of three energy performance indicators to calculate building energy performance:

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1

2

3

maximum energy need of a building in kWh per m2 of usable area per year

maximum fossil energy consumption in kWh per m2 of usable area per year

minimum share of renewable energy expressed as a percentage of the total energy consumption

TEXT Romy Lange

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam & © Ossip Architectuur Fotografie

Blaak House

“BENG can work out favourably, or you might discover the building is less energy efficient than you thought.”

We caught up with Savills Building & Project Consultancy Director Marc van Niekerken (pictured on the right) and Associate Director Carlo Widev, both active in Savills sustainable leaders group, to talk more about BENG.

NEW CALCULATION METHOD

label, depending on the characteristics of the building.” Van

“BENG took effect from the first of this year, and all new-build

Niekerken: “Starting from 2023, buildings labelled ‘C’ or lower

projects that are still in development and haven’t applied for

based on the new rating system will not be allowed to lease

building permits yet will have to factor in the new BENG (NTA-

office space. I think we’ll see this primarily in urban areas at

8800) calculation method”, Van Niekerken explains. This new

secondary office locations. And for listed buildings, the rules

method dictates that all new buildings have to be nearly en-

are different, of course. Here in Rotterdam, we did a sustain-

ergy neutral.” “When existing buildings’ energy labels expire,

able upgrade and modernization at Blaak House. This is an

they will also be re-assessed based on this new method, but

old listed building that had a good energy rating already, as

without having to fully comply with the BENG-standards for

it’s connected to district heating. Nevertheless, we managed

new buildings, which has been devised by the government and

to upgrade the label with measures like better insulation. In

is different to the rules applied in years past. Basically, Widev

recent months we have also been involved in sustainability im-

says, “there are two components: one is that all building per-

provements to the World Port Center in Kop van Zuid, with a

mits issued as from this year have to be BENG-compliant,

BREEAM Excellent ambition that for instance includes use of

the other is that all existing buildings will be assessed on the BENG regulations once their current energy label expires. If you have a building with a ‘D’ energy la-

water from the Nieuwe Maas to cool the building!”

POSITIVE CHALLENGE

bel that needs to be updated, for example, it will

“Buildings that are being designed now score high on sustain-

have to be rated using the new NTA-8800 calcu-

ability already, especially in terms of the design of façades and

lation method. This can work out favourably,

roofs, due to the strict BENG 1 requirements”, Van Niekerken

or you might discover the building is less en-

points out. “But BENG is also about how a building can generate

ergy efficient than you thought.”

SUSTAINABLE UPGRADE

energy to supply what it consumes, following the BENG 2 and 3 requirements. Right now, that mostly means solar panels, but we expect things to advance in the coming years. High-rise

“The property owners we work with are

office roofs tend not to be large enough to accommodate the

market leaders who are very focused

number of solar panels needed to comply with the minimum

on sustainability and often have ‘A’ la-

share of renewable energy needed for the building.” Widev con-

bels for their buildings already”, Widev

cludes: “The consultancy world and real estate consultants will

continues. “Under the new calculation

have to get to grips with the new regulations. It takes time to

method, the old label could potential-

prepare effectively and it also creates a ton of paperwork. But

ly change into an ‘A++’ energy label, or

in terms of the quality of buildings, I think this method is an

the other way around, into a ‘B’ energy

improvement and a move towards being Paris-proof.”

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41

M A G A Z I N E

Berend van Zanten - Groenemorgen

Sebastiaan Beekman - Lucie with the Six Punches

Changemaker, kickstarter, creative entrepreneur and driving force behind a slew of initiatives (DAK, Dus Wat Gaan Wij Nu Doen, Vrijheidsmaaltijdsoep, Vegan Food Festival), Berend is a man of many talents with a mission to make a ‘green tomorrow’.

In hindsight, turns out it wasn’t the best year to start a business, but luckily former Marine Sebastiaan can take some knocks. Who better to open a boxing club?

Ikram Mataich - Ziri

Marcus Groeneveld - Ciphix

Ikram and her sister are bringing traditional Moroccan cuisine into Dutch kitchens with their brand Ziri: funky tajines, fresh from Fez.

Ciphix is the digital workforce solution. For staff who don’t smoke and never fall sick. The firm grew from three to forty (real!) employees in no time.

Joep Klabbers en Catja Edens Zoarchitecten & Spatie

Linde Elsinga - Echo UrbanDesign

Mister Candlelight and co. – aka Joep and Catja – are a dynamic duo harnessing the forces of architecture and architectural history for the urban future.

Linde = ECHO Urban Design = Linde. This landscape architect has plenty of ideas for climate adaptive design in RCD. Let’s go for it!

Tycho Luijten - Dapper Rhinos

Anoesjka Imambaks - Barabox

His agency has just one mission: do whatever it takes to put your business on the fast track to growth. How, you ask? So did we. Tycho gave us a peek into the present and future of online marketing.

Anoesjka is a busy bee. Juggling multiple roles in Rotterdam, recently she also cooked up the ‘bara’ – Rotown’s own oliebol. Anoesjka tells us what it stands for.

42

Featuring conversations with entrepreneurs from Rotterdam Central District – the business district around Centraal Station – the RCD Podcast is an initiative of the RCD Association and District East. All podcasts are recorded in Time Is The New Space, the RCD clubhouse at Schiekade 185.

INTERVIEW

De Doelen is a concert venue for everyone Even during these difficult and uncertain times, the team at de Doelen are still hard at work. The premises were given a complete metamorphosis to improve building accessibility, and now they’re working hard to restore the original character, Janneke tells us. “Everything is being upgraded: we have new bars and standing tables,

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and you have an unimpeded view of the whole space and long open foyers, since we removed everything that was in the way. It has created a vast open space that better reflects the building’s origins.”

OPEN DOORS From September, de Doelen Studio will be back with another packed schedule of events. The main challenge will be to kick-start the opendoors programming. “I really believe that an institution has to be firmly rooted in its home base first for it to grow nationally or internationally. For us, it starts here in Rotterdam. Everyone will be welcome soon to drop in for a coffee, take a tour to see the artworks in the building or to work here during the day. Evenings will be for organized, ticketed events, concerts and shows.” In addition to music, de

M A G A Z I N E

Doelen also hosts international conferences and events, exhibitions and other forms of artistic expression. Some of their past highlights are Miles Davis and Bruce Springsteen. This season outstanding

CULTURAL PLAZA The redevelopment of Schouwburgplein is one of the City’s urban projects and an important change for local cultural venues and operators. “Together with Theater Rotterdam and other partners, we co-founded the Schouwburgplein Association to get our voices heard in this redevelopment. In view of all the surrounding cultural institutions and organizations around the city, we’re pushing to make this

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruben Stam

names like Roberta Alexander and Chineke! Orchestra are lined up.

an end-to-end cultural plaza. And we want this to be a place where the people who live here feel at home.” De Doelen will also be among the first area buildings to get a green roof, as part of the sustainability project 7 Square Endeavour. If all goes to plan, planting and the installation of bee hotels will start this September.

TEXT Céline Boute

De Doelen is the city’s main concert hall, located in the heart of Rotterdam Central District, on Schouwburgplein. The historic building is famous for its magnificent open foyers, Main Hall and massive range of concerts, conventions and events. Janneke Staarink is the director of de Doelen, has worked in the cultural sector all her life, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Having stood at the helm of de Doelen for two and half years now, she says there is no end to her ambitions for this building.

43

ARCHITECTURE

CALYPSO Rotterdam is continually evolving. The city is famed for its great diversity of 20th-century architecture as well as its newer ultramodern structures. In each issue, we shine a spotlight on one of Rotterdam Central District’s iconic buildings. This time, we take a look at Calypso Rotterdam. With its bright red façade, Calypso – named after the cinema that used to be located in the same spot – is one of RCD’s biggest eye-catchers. The complex overlooks the cultural heart of the Central District, near music, festival, film and theatre venues including De Doelen, Pathé and Theater Rotterdam.

TEXT Romy Lange

PHOTOGRAPHY Boele & van Eesteren

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MASTER PLAN In 2001, the British architect Will Alsop unveiled an ambitious master plan for RCD. The plan, which came to be known as the ‘champagne glasses’, in reference to the sinuate structures on the station plaza, stretched from the Groot Handelsgebouw, past the original Shell buildings and across Kruisplein. But it was a turbulent time for the city and the plan was ultimately shelved. Calypso alone got the green light and still strikes a spectacu-

© Ary Groeneveld, Stadsarchief Rotterdam

lar note in the district. Developed on a spot previously occupied by a Holiday Inn, St Paul’s Church and the old Calypso cinema, the ‘new’ Calypso was planned as a mixed-use development with room for the church to

MAKING WAVES

return in a modern incarnation.

Besides its red colour, Calypso also stands out thanks to its striking ‘wavy’ silhouette. Inside are 407 apartments, from

luxury

owner-occupied

apart-

ments to short-term rentals, bringing a

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healthy mix of residents and users to the area and chiming well with Rotterdam’s diverse dynamic. The main entrance on

45

Mauritsweg opens into a large, bright atrium. Inside, the public spaces are designed for smooth traffic flows. Under the residential blocks are two levels of circulation area, the lower of which has transparent paving that crosses the upper level and leads directly to a car park with space for more than 300 cars. As well as a 24-hour service desk, communal gym and meeting rooms, the complex also has offices and shops.

FACTS ARCHITECTS:

ALSOP ARCHITECTS | ALL DESIGN

COMPLETED:

2013

ADDRESS:

MAURITSWEG 1

CONTRACTOR:

BOELE & VAN EESTEREN

FLOOR AREA:

26,950 M2

TENANTS:

407 RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS,

MEETING SPACES, COMMON GYM, ALBERT HEIJN, BAGELS & BEANS, PRSC, INTERMAX, GREENWHEELS, ORIENTAL EXPRESS CHINEES RESTAURANT, SUMO SUSHI & GRILL

M A G A Z I N E

INTERVIEW

Train your imagination for the city of tomorrow

46

Hofplein 19 is home to more than just the new premises of Unilever Netherlands. Occupying the first two floors is LaatBloeien, a base of operations for unconventional entrepreneurs. Jorn Wemmenhove (37) is one of those entrepreneurs. The co-founder and creative strategist of Humankind, above all he is passionately inquisitive about the most creative ways to tackle society’s thorny urban planning problems.

massive challenges. For one thing, Rotterdam has to become more sustainable in order to cope with the consequences of climate change. We also need to build more neighbourhoods to accommodate growth. But build Feyenoord City, and you impact working class Hillesluis. So, what do you do?”

By the look of it, Jorn isn’t discouraged. In fact, his eyes light up. “Climate change is a fact. Urban expansion is a fact. The challenge consists in how the city of tomorrow, the Rotterdam of the future, will respond. With each of these questions, and when answering them, our focus lies on the people who

‘Hello. We are Humankind. Agency for urban change.’ reads

live here, on the human dimension, not on the concrete and

the intriguing greeting on the website of Humankind. The

infrastructure. The philosopher Aristotle articulated this

word agency alliterates with the word energy, Jorn explains

long ago when he asked what is good for that human. What’s

over a cup of coffee in the snug café of LaatBloeien, where

certain is that buildings outlive people, and will influence

we’ve arranged to meet. “The way we work is energizing; we

generations to come.”

TEXT Eduard Voorn

PHOTOGRAPHY Iris Planting

inject energy. To change existing processes and systems, we go in search of the question behind the question. But then we

STORY-CATCHE

go a step further. If we’re going to shape the city of the future,

The way to build a human-centred city is not through spread-

there’s no sense approaching that new city from our current

sheets and a fixation on profit margins, Jorn stresses, but on

thinking, with our current systems and processes. We need to

a foundation of mutual trust. “When developing the Schie-

do it all differently. That’s why Humankind is a network of not

block, you have to take account of the noise level. That’s a

only urban planners and architects, but also psychoanalysts,

given. And the city of the future needs some rough edges,

social entrepreneurs and communication specialists.”

too. The fact is, it can never be perfect. Accept that that

CHALLENGE

is unachievable, as well as being quite personal. To get the people living here on board, you need to have a story that

Rotterdam is a melting pot of nationalities and cultures, but

can show it will be better for everyone. How do you get that?

also of haves and have-nots. In the next few decades, the

Well, you can hire a ‘story-catcher’ to listen to inhabitants

port city will face the tremendous challenges of bridging gaps

with a different ear. But also by firing up our imaginations to

and integrating cultures to ultimately transform into a safe,

try to envisage the city of tomorrow right here and now. It’s

clean and inclusive city. “Urban centres are grappling with

a muscle you have to train.”

INTERVIEW

JOIN THE ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY In order to realize our ambitions and to optimally develop the potential of the district, we have been bundling all the knowledge and interest groups in the area into an association since 2009: Rotterdam Central District.

Not only are we aware of and familiar with all of the developments in the area, we are also joining forces in the neighborhood to create a good reputation for the district. We are a catalyst for positive change. We discover, connect and take action to make this happen. In collaboration with with organizations, both small and large, investors, residents and the municipality, we are building a more social, green and sustainable area with an authentic and robust reputation. Our association stands up for the interests of your organization. Together we develop the area, we put it on the map. Join our community.

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

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good reputation of the district.

To achieve this we have:

M A G A Z I N E

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

• Magazine: 10,000 circulation, 4 times a year. RCD members advertise with a discount • RCD Podcast: conversations with entrepreneurs from the area.

• Various active social media channels: Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook • Monthly online newsletter featuring the latest news from RCD

Please contact Rob Ittmann (06 222 42 177) or mail to: info@rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl Association Rotterdam Central District Weena 690 (14e verdieping) 3012 CN Rotterdam For more information about RCD, please visit: www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl

© Hester Blankestijn

QUESTIONS OR REMARKS?

MEMOBOARD

RCD MAGAZINE PROMO TEAM DELIVERS! The second issue of RCD Magazine was distributed across the Central District to businesses, residents and visitors by our enthusiastic promotional team. This was the first but definitely not the last time we’ll be delivering! With each new issue, we’ll be sending out our team to bring the latest RCD news to you. Look for them in early September and December. We hope to see you around RCD with a copy of this magazine!

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KRUISPLEIN CAR PARK WAS ROTTERDAM ARCHITECTURE MONTH FESTIVAL HUB With over 200 programmes by more than 60 different partners, the fifth edition of Rotterdam Architecture Month was a resounding success. This year’s theme was ‘the undercurrent’. The festival hub was the city car park underneath Kruisplein, where the unseen world of the undercurrent was made manifest for visitors. Architect Enzo Valerio turned the underground car park into a unique landscape, using concrete rubble to shape an exhibition about a possible future for Rotterdam. His massive scale model of the city centre and seven urban projects was one of the event’s big attractions. The festival hub studio hosted a variety of guests for deep dive discussions about urban space and development. More than 36,000 people took part in the festival hub’s live and online programmes. Other RAM highlights included the presentation of the 2021 Rotterdam Architecture Award, Architecture Day, the Big Architecture Quiz and TOP Rooftop Days. © Fred Ernst

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EXPERIENCE PURE SOUND AT KIEN SOUND STUDIO New and noteworthy in the Groot Handelsgebouw is kien sound studio, specialized in cutting-edge sound technology that delivers a pure and authentic listening experience. Who are kien, and what inspired the concept? Business partners Florent from France and Jorn from Holland met at Bang & Olufsen, and that’s where they evolved the idea to develop a system of their own. “We wanted to create a social listening experience in which a group of friends could combine their sound to create an even bigger sound”, Florent explains. “The sound system also had to be smart enough to change shape: from a portable speaker to full surround sound, and everything in between”, Jorn adds. A wireless connection between the subwoofer and satellite speakers lets listeners enjoy superlative sound wherever, whenever. Curious to learn more, and to experience it for yourself? kien sound studio is open weekdays from 12 noon to 3pm, or make an appointment outside normal opening hours for more personal service.

M A G A Z I N E

From 19 CT /min*

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CARSHARING IN ROTTERDAM

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

Download the SIXT app now

MEMBERS

MEMBERS VERENIGING ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT If your company isn’t on this list, please contact info@rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl

3MP online video

Eneco

Rabobank Rotterdam

AKRD

Gemeente Rotterdam

Roodkapje

Alticom B.V.

Greenberg Nielsen

Rotterdam Festivals

Amber

Greenchoice

Rotterdam Marriott Hotel

Arconiko Architecten

Groot Handelsgebouw

Rotterdam Partners

ASR

High Potential Academy

SaM& doethetgewoon.

Atelier van Berlo

Holmris B8

Sanderdebreukconsultancy bv

Bar Rotterdam bv

Humanoids BV

Scapino Ballet Rotterdam

Big Room B.V./Reverse/Mykech

JLL

Spaces Hofplein

Carthago Consultancy

LaatBloeien

Steel Rides

CBRE

Lebkov & Sons

Stichting De Nieuwe Poort

CBRE global investors

Loer Architecten

Stichting Theater Rotterdam

CIC Rotterdam

LS&H Lawyers

Studentflex

Ciphix BV

LSI Ontwikkeling BV

Time is the new space

Codarts

Lucie Group B.V.

Unilever NV

Colliers

Maarsen Groep

Urban Minds B.V.

Conix RDBM

Mess

Van der Stap notarissen

Cromwell Property Group

NS

vanStijl

Cushman & Wakefield

Ooms Makelaars Bedrijfshuisvesting B.V.

Vereniging Rotterdam Central District

DakAkker rooftopfarm foundation

Pike Delivery

Vereniging Verenigd Schouwburgplein

De Mik Bedrijfshuisvesting

Pluq Studio

Workspot

District East

PPF

Wrap Maniacs

DVDW advocaten

Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam

WTC Rotterdam

Echo

Provast

ZUS

Association Rotterdam Central District

Our goal: With an excellent business climate, world-

Editor-in-chief: Romy Lange

Weena 690 (14th floor)

renowned educational institutions within reach,

Editors & Sales: Céline Boute & Nicole Pak

3012 CN Rotterdam

and leading companies in many sectors from many

Advertising: Please send an e-mail to

info@rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl

countries, RCD has huge potential. Association

info@rcdpublishers.nl for questions

www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl

Rotterdam Central District contributes to the RCD

about advertising.

by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to

Art Direction and Graphic Design: vanStijl

promote a district that has international appeal, and

Translation: Taalcentrum-VU

high quality working and living conditions.

Final Editor: Ellen Josée Westrik

COLOPHON

Magazine RCD is issued by: RCD Publishers

Printed by: NPN Drukkers

Premier Suites & Offices Rotterdam

Circulation: Free for the RCD district. It is be

Weena 710 (14th floor)

distributed by promo teams, loose circulation, HRM

Do you have a message for the editorial team

3014 DA Rotterdam

departments of companies within RCD to guarantee

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

+31 (0)20-3620993

reaching the (sub) target groups of RCD.

e-mail at info@rcdpublishers.nl.

info@rcdpublishers.nl www.rcd publishers.nl

Frequency: four times a year

Copyright © 2021 RCD Publishers.

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

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M A G A Z I N E

The Modernist, 12.500m² office space and 369 apartments in Rotterdam Central District.

A location beyond compare for people who live big.

For brands that aim for the stars. For companies that embrace the future. Don’t make history, make the future The Modernist

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The Modernist is an initiative by

TheModernist.nl