RCD Magazine #14

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

On May 18 Maaskant Park is opening to the public at the Groot Handelsgebouw.

Originally built for trucks to carry deliveries in and out of the building, this road has been decommissioned for vehicles and repurposed as a greenway.

Much like the world-renowned High Line Park, in New York, and Paris’s Promenade Plantee, Maaskant Park joins a modern history of elevated parks where the value of public space in our cities finds cities and developers in alignment with the provision of this civic good.

Open daily from 8:00 to 20:00 | Entrance Conradstraat 22

“There

“You

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Join our MBA Open Day to learn more about our (Global) Executive MBA programmes! Saturday 8 June MBA Open Day

Rotterdam School of Management

WE MAKE THIS CITY TOGETHER

Rotterdam Central District is growing more colourful every day! In addition to the buzzing Weena 70, we now also have the newly-opened Delftsehof, where car- parking has made way for people-parking and an interim space to fill with events and performances.

In this issue we shine a spotlight on Talent & Development – two topics that have become incredibly important here in recent years. Companies are searching for the perfect match in the ‘war for talent’ and younger generations have new ideas about the right work-life balance. Which means we are learning and growing from and with each other all the time. Lisette Braakenburg, project lead for Up! Rotterdam, is working hard this year to bring together business owners in the port city and wider region. As is Erik van Essen, managing director of Rotterdam Partners, who is propelling the city’s qualitative growth on various fronts with his team.

For me personally, these past few months have also been inspiring. Rotterdam is home to amazing entrepreneurs and individuals who even in their downtime work tirelessly for foundations dedicated to helping the less fortunate – read about NS employees Maria and André’s hearts of gold – or to give children and young people an extra helping hand to stay on the right path – like Fariesh, and his company Quardin – or to stand up for migrant workers who are falling through the cracks of the Dutch housing and healthcare system – see page 45 for our conversation with ‘street doctor’ Marcel Slockers . After hearing all of these stories, it struck me that we could all stand to re -

flect some more on the things we have achieved in this country and on what we can do to make sure the majority of people benefit. Granted, not everyone has the same opportunities and capabilities, but we can encourage and support each other to make the most of our potential.

Céline Boute Editor-in-chief c.boute@rcdpublishers.nl

THANKS TO

DO NOT RUN FLY

1 & 2 June

@ Bird & LantarenVenster

Do Not Run Fly is a triple bill of works by as many choreographers. Marcos Morau’s new creation is a commentary on an unsettled and ever-changing world, reflecting on the struggle against destructive forces and ideas about societal and individual progress.

PUB QUIZ IN WEENA

Every Tuesday @ Weena Rotterdam

Weena is home to Rotterdam’s longest-running pub quiz. Want to play? Gather your best friends and/or colleagues in teams of up to 4 people. Tables for 2 also available. The quizzing starts at 8.30pm. Sign up at www.pubquiz010.nl

FESTIVAL TREK

9 - 12 May @ Vroesenpark Rotterdam

Festival TREK, the country’s biggest touring food festival, is kicking off the season in time-honoured tradition in Rotterdam. Vroesenpark will be sizzling with activities and finger-licking street food prepared with passion at a fleet of food trucks. From burgers to brim-full bowls, wood-fired pizzas, creative vegan dishes and grilled meat, there is something for everyone.

DISTRICT EAST DRINKS

1 June @ Roodkapje

Three years on from the WE STAND OUR GROUND manifesto, Roodkapje is still going strong. With everyone free to reopen post-Covid, please join us to celebrate with District East Drinks!

LUNCH CONCERT WITH ROTTERDAMS PHILHARMONISCH ORKEST

5 June @ @ De Doelen

De Doelen in Rotterdam is hosting another series of lunchtime concerts in the great hall. All concerts start at 12.30 and last 30 minutes. Admission is free and there is no need to register in advance.

RCD DRINKS (MEMBERS ONLY)

Every third Thursday of the month @ CIC Groot Handelsgebouw

To be aware of what is going on in the Central District and not to lose sight of each other as entrepreneurs from the same area, there are now: RCD Drinks!

A pleasant moment to get together and chat about what’s going on. What better way than community building while enjoying a drink?

LADY WRAY

14 May 2024

@ Bird Rotterdam

Combining the charisma of the Jackson 5 with the iconic vocals of Aretha Franklin, the one and only Lady Wray is coming to Bird on Tuesday 14 May! Get ready for an evening of soulful energy.

SANA DERKSENMEHADI

Hobbies: trying out recipes in our new LaCanche oven, going to concerts and shows at places like De Doelen, Oude Luxor and LantarenVenster

Favourite spot in Rotterdam: Kralingse Bos for walks with our dog, and Cinerama with drinks afterwards at LaBru

Top tip for lunch or dinner: Restaurant Ají, and Rotonde on Goudsesingel

ROTTERDAM BUILDING IS THE PLACE TO WORK AND THE PLACE TO BE FOR 2024

WITH SANA DERKSEN-MEHADI, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT BALLAST NEDAM DEVELOPMENT

In recent years, more and more twentieth-century buildings are being redeveloped in large urban centres. This trend is giving our port city a whole new feel, though without taking away from its familiar profile. A case in point is the newly renovated Rotterdam Building, owned by project developer Ballast Nedam Development. Besides bringing the Microlab coworking concept here, Ballast Nedam also decided to relocate their own headquarters to their redevelopment. Sana Derksen-Mehadi, chief operating officer (COO) at Ballast Nedam Development, knows both the city and the property on Aert van Nesstraat like no other.

SANA, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR TIES WITH 010?

“I began my career in Rotterdam, so that’s where my connection with the city started. Eventually, my partner – who I met in Rotterdam – and I built up our life here. Our two kids were born here, and my husband, daughter and son are at the De Kuip every other week. That’s also a strong tie our family has with Rotterdam. Apart from that, we’ve always done loads of travelling and love other cultures, and we like that lots of different cultures come together here.”

WHEN DID YOU JOIN BALLAST NEDAM?

“After many years as a junior civil-law notary at Houthoff and a partner at Straatman Koster in Rotterdam, I was ready for a new challenge. That was around 2016, so nearly ten years ago. Ballast Nedam had just been given a new impetus after the company was delisted, and the whole organisation was being reinvigorated. It was a hugely dynamic phase and there was a lot that needed to happen. It sounded like an exciting challenge to be a part of.”

NOW YOU ARE THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. WHAT WAS YOUR PATH TO THIS ROLE?

“I started out as legal counsel, but over time my responsibilities broadened. Thanks to my background, I became increasingly involved in professionalisation, growth strategy and recruitment. Renaissance –the company that acquired Ballast Nedam – gave me a lot of trust and latitude and that certainly contributed to my advancement within Ballast Nedam.”

NOW THE NEW HEADQUARTERS ARE IN ROTTERDAM BUILDING, IN YOUR HOMETOWN. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT?

“I was involved from the outset in the whole purchase transaction and subsequent redevelopment. It was also a very special project for me personally, as one of the tenants was The Creative Network SKVR, where my daughter took ballet classes and my son had his first guitar lessons. That meant I had fond memories of this place and was pretty familiar with the old 1970s building. We deliberately set out to embrace the building’s feel from that era in the redevelopment as reuse is one of the most sustainable thing to do in the built environment. All the original piers are still visible in the lobby, for example, which is also where Club Nomad is now open for both our tenants and the visiting public. Up at the top is a rooftop terrace and bar for building users, with stunning views across the city. And best of all is that we decided to move Ballast Nedam Development’s head office into our own redevelopment. This was a fascinating process to be a part of as, alongside all the feedback and questions we got from new tenants, we also experienced everything first-hand ourselves. We were in a way our own guinea pigs and definitely our biggest critic in making the added value we present now.”

“I think our projects and programming – as in Rotterdam Building – are providing a prominent platform in the city for talented people.’’

WHAT MAKES THIS RENOVATED SPOT PARTICULARLY ATTRACTIVE?

“The location, obviously, for starters. It’s in the middle of the bustling city but still near the central station. When programming an office building, you always look at what kind of mix you want to bring in, and then what facilities go with that. Microlab offers coworking spaces and flexible memberships and has options for mid-sized corporates, scaleups and startups. That creates an organic diversity of people and businesses. What is more, we have our own offices and boardrooms on the lower floors instead of high up in the tower, which means everyone in the building can access the roof terrace, which is one of the loveliest spots in Rotterdam Building. Down at the ground level, everything is wide open, with great big windows, and of course Club Nomad, where anyone can come for food and drinks. Their space can also be hired for events and receptions. Rotterdam Building is the place to work and the place to be for 2024, and that, along with its great location, is what we really wanted to add to the city.”

THIS ISSUE IS ALL ABOUT TALENT AND DEVELOPMENT. WHAT IS BALLAST NEDAM DEVELOPMENT DOING ON THAT FRONT?

“We are doing a number of different things at Ballast Nedam Development. The marketing and sales department are in frequent contact with lecturers at Erasmus University Rotterdam, and we have opportunities for employees to continue their education alongside their job. We’re also asked to contribute to specific initiatives from time to time, like the Talent Kitchen at Provada that focusses on the real estate industry, which I myself am closely involved in. Recently we were also asked about setting up a building-based business club, so we definitely want to look into that. And I think our projects and programming – as in Rotterdam Building – are providing a prominent platform in the city for talented people. The young generation particularly values that: being near the action, with good bike access and public transport links.”

LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU?

“Apart from a lovely trip to Indonesia this summer, I hope to continue guiding Ballast Nedam’s successful growth with our team by delivering standout, sustainable projects in and outside Rotterdam.”

HOTSPOTS

Welcome to Rotterdam Central District, a vibrant part of the city with plenty of new and exciting hotspots to explore. Whether you’re looking for an athletic outlet, sustainable fashion or an unforgettable night on the town, look no farther! We start our exploration at the welcoming SportCity fitness club. Next, we head over to The Swapshop, a top destination for unique sustainable fashion. And we cap our adventure at Rotterdam’s iconic nightclub, Toffler.

SPORTCITY ROTTERDAM

Expect a warm welcome at SportCity Rotterdam Conradstraat, no matter what your fitness goals are. The SportCity team are happy to help and have loads to offer, from fun group classes to individual and personal training sessions. They can answer any questions you have and are eager to get to know you, your wants and interests. With a range of weight and cardio fitness equipment in the club plus a wide variety of group classes including yoga, bootcamp, boxing and spinning, there’s something for everyone. Added bonus: they’re just around the corner from Rotterdam Central Station. Discover a world of fun and fitness at SportCity Rotterdam Conradstraat!

THE SWAPSHOP

The Swapshop in Rotterdam is all about sustainable and stylish fashion. Using the shop’s ‘swaps’, you can trade in your clothing and accessories for new-to-you items. Bring in a maximum of five items at a time and get swaps added to your account for each one. The higher the quality, the more swaps you get. Reimburse your swaps to get up to 50% off the price of items in The Swapshop or tickets to their events. Each swap equals a discount of €1. So, if an item is priced €20, you can use swaps for up to €10 off. The Swapshop works with only high-quality items to ensure you can always score the best fashions. Visit The Swapshop and start shopping the new, sustainable way!

TOFFLER

Get ready for an unforgettable night out with the hottest music and coolest party at one of Rotterdam’s most iconic underground nightclubs. Toffler’s unique interior styling and great line-up of DJs and artists guarantee a memorable experience. Whether you want to dance to the best electronic beats or sip a drink at the bar while soaking up the club scene, Toffler is where to go for a great time.

THE ROAD IS WISER THAN THE MAP

Walking makes you wise. This is a phrase I write underneath my Instagram pictures whenever I’ve finished a serious walk. I am training to hike from Selånger in Sweden to Trondheim in Norway, a stage of St Olav’s Way – Europe’s most northerly pilgrimage route. Since Covid, we have been walking more as a way to slow down our busy (make that too busy) lives. During these walks, I also feel my head filling with fresh thoughts.

One of the routes contributing to this effect runs through Rotterdam, in the Rotterdam Central District (RCD). Can you come out wiser, walking there? Certainly. At least, according to Het Onverharde Pad, the organisation behind the Rotterdam walking guide Zo oud als de weg naar Kralingen (in English: ‘As old as the road to Kralingen’), as I discovered during celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of Rotterdam Central Station. The organisation had put together a walk setting out from the now iconic railway building’s StationsHuisKamer. Exiting from the rear, we walked via the Blijdorp district, past the zoo, through the garden of a residential complex on De Savornin Lohmanlaan to the station in Rotterdam Noord.

As we went along, our tireless guide Iddo Drevijn – architect of Het Onverharde Pad – told us about the value of walking. He is currently mapping and scouting a trail that stretches from Hook of Holland through Rotterdam to Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel. The hike is along unpaved paths as much as possible, passing through green areas and pausing at Rotterdam Central midway. Perfect for a pit stop at Lebkov & Sons to grab a freshly pressed orange juice and pluck all the fresh thoughts.

Eduard Voorn is a freelance journalist with a focus on economics, and first and foremost a Rotterdammer. He lives in the villagey outskirts of Rotterdam Central District, eats his pizza at BIRD, raises a pint at Biergarten or Weena, gets his caffeine fix at Lebkov, catches the latest flicks in Pathé Schouwburgplein and sees Scapino at Theater Rotterdam. His kids were born in the nowfamous Mecanoo architectural firm’s first project on Kruisplein.

The nice thing about this sort of walk is that it slows you down while also connecting you with fellow walkers and urban nature. It brought home to me more than ever how much more energy we need to invest in biodiversity: we must make RCD greener and bluer. Speaking to the connective aspect was a small exhibit at the end. From Station Noord, we caught the local train back to the ten-year-old station and learned about its power to connect at the Rotterdam Central Gallery. Hanging there was a poignant black and white picture taken by the young photographer Michelle Urbiztondo, of ‘Sultan and Zahra’. With a little imagination, the accompanying poem by Rotterdam word artist Wessel Klootwijk implied that their two hearts were awakened by an encounter in the station; the station of love.

The road is wiser than the map, the Flemish comparative philosopher Ulrich Libbrecht, loosely translated, wrote. The fitting conclusion is that we are wise to slow down our lives.

WTC ROTTERDAM IS PRIME INTERNATIONAL HUB

On the ground floor of WTC Rotterdam, you’ll find the atmospheric Business Center. Offices, high-end flex spaces, and fully equipped business rooms are all available within the center. Micha Patutschnick is the manager of the WTC The Hague Business Center and recently also responsible for the center in Rotterdam. Micha is an all-rounder who always has a warm welcome for visitors and tenants. His mission? To build an international community with tenants and partners and to make this location a convenient hub.

INCREASING DEMAND FOR FLEXIBILITY

Micha has been manager of the WTC Rotterdam Business Center for six months and describes it as, “really a miniature WTC within WTC, where I am responsible for managing all the office facilities in the Business Center, in -

cluding the 28 office spaces, many flex spaces and meeting rooms the center offers. We are seeing increasing demand for flexible contracts. And that is why tenants can quickly scale up or down here and we are always ready to advise as a proactive partner.”

CONNECTING IS KEY

Micha works hard to make connections between companies and people based at WTC Rotterdam. “The unique thing about this center is our focus on building a tight-knit community. We want to shape an environment where people can get to know each other and so create business opportunities. And we want to be a stepping stone for companies to build lasting relationships with our other tenants and business partners. The aim is to bring together the right functionality and support in a setting where people feel connected and can easily reach out to us for anything they need.”

TENANTS

Micha sees all the Business Center tenants as they arrive and tries to en -

gage with and get to know everyone.

“A good building becomes a great building by the people that are in it, our purpose is to facilitate in that. First meetings are immensely important. We also have tenants that have been here for years, of course, that we know through and through. And they all know each other well, too. The tenants and users of the Business Center take advantage of the international environment of WTC Rotterdam and thus benefit, for example, from events organized by WTC Rotterdam.We want people to see the Business Center of WTC Rotterdam as an international springboard in the city.”

“A good building becomes a great building by the people that are in it, our purpose is to facilitate in that.”

TALK & TRUST HELPING TO CREATE SOCIALLY SAFE WORKPLACES.

As certified and registered confidential counsellors and members of the Dutch Association of Confidential Advisors (Landelijke Vereniging voor Vertrouwenspersonen, LVV), Figaro den Hollander and Ineke van Julsingha are dedicated to helping to create safe and inclusive work environments. Both are part of Talk & Trust, a firm active in helping organizations to create and maintain a safe working environment.

INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL

Social safety is something every organization in the Netherlands must provide for its employees. That’s legislated under the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet). Figaro explains: “Part of social safety is having someone who’s independent and impartial that people can talk to when they experience unacceptable behaviour. Besides, a new act is being reviewed in the Senate that states companies with more than ten employees are obliged to have a confidential advisor.’’ Ineke adds: “An external confidential counsellor is independent and impartial, lowering the threshold for employees to reach out when necessary. Professionality is another reason companies choose to have an external confidential counsellor. As companies struggling to find and keep talented employees, having a confidential counselor in place, is a strong sign that you value a safe work environment.

PRIORITIZING SOCIAL SAFETY

“Many reports we get are made in the context of either discrimination, bullying or sexual harassment. Within the first month of working for a new company, we’ll give an all-staff presentation that starts with questions such as: ‘what is bullying?’, ‘what is discrimination?’, ‘what is sexual harassment?’’ says Ineke. Some people won’t recognize their own behavior as excluding others or bullying and think they are just kidding around. Figaro continues: ''Especially now, with so many internationals working in the Netherlands, it’s important to realize that different cultures have different norms and values. By listening and talking to a reporting employee, we gain an understanding of their background and try to advise and guide them in finding a solution to the issue they reported by starting a dialogue. That happens in consultation with the reporting employee. The majority of reporting’s can be solved informally between the parties. By engaging an external confidential counsellor, employees feel freer to express their concerns.

Talk & Trust works with a variety of clients; from start-ups, scale-ups to family-owned businesses and international corporates. On a contract base Figaro or Ineke also conduct confidential exit interviews when people leave their jobs. “Exit interviews also provide important information on how a company can be more inclusive and diverse,’’ Ineke explains. “They provide insight into the culture, management, degree of inclusiveness and how to make changes for a higher retention rate.”

OUR MISSION

According to Figaro and Ineke, inclusive company cultures have happier working relationships. A social safe environment is extremely important. Figaro concludes: “That way, employees feel free to speak up. Our mission is to create a safe workplace for you and your company!” Schedule your consultation with the Talk & Trust team. “Feel free to give us a call to discuss how we can help you.’’

Figaro den Hollander

+31 (0)6 53 35 90 34 figaro@talkandtrust.nl

www.talkandtrust.nl

Ineke van Julsingha

+31 (0)6 20 01 21 65 ineke@talkandtrust.nl

“STRESS IS NOT THE ENEMY, IT’S A RED FLAG”

Helen van Empel, Founder YET

If an employee feels unhappy, is not delivering on the job and not communicating well, it adversely impacts everyone around them. More and more companies are visibly shouldering responsibility for the mental wellbeing of their employees. Whether by organising stress management workshops, providing hammocks where staff can ‘hang out’ (sighted in a growing number of offices) or offering regular screenings and health check-ups. Helen van Empel is a professional with experience in psychology, education and corporate governance and the founder of Yet. A new platform in the field of occupational health, Yet has a clear mission: to shape a world in which it is normal to actively work on mental wellbeing. For companies, Yet’s Single Session Therapy (SST) method helps employees gain insight and find a positive path towards growth and development in one enlightening session. We sat down with Helen van Empel, the platform’s founding director.

WITH ALL OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES, YOU HAVE A LOT TO JUGGLE. WHAT IS THAT LIKE FOR YOU?

“As a psychologist, teacher, author and the director of Yet, I am continually shuttling between these various roles. Maybe it sounds challenging, but I am a strong believer in the value of diversity. It helps me understand how stress acts on us. Stress is not the enemy. It’s a red flag. Our conception of stress determines how it affects us. With the right mindset, stress can actually be a positive force. Mental wellbeing is not so much a personal mission as a professional calling for me. I think addressing mental problems is is very important and that’s why I am working hard on effective solutions with carefully selected coaches and psychologists.”

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MOTIVATION TO PROMOTE MENTAL WELLBEING?

“Your mindset, your wellbeing, how you feel and relate to other people is shaped to a large extent by your overall worldview.

Ignoring your own problems can impact on other people. Getting support does many people a lot of good, and talking can help a lot, too. We tend to think burnouts only happen if we work too hard, but often there are other factors involved. Usually, it’s a confluence of lots of small things. By talking about problems early on, you can prevent serious consequences, and that benefits everyone.”

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YET, YOUR ONLINE PLATFORM WITH MENTAL WELLBEING EXPERTS?

“The idea for Yet arose from the need to offer direct support when and as needed. The original concept was for single session therapies to provide assistance when it was most needed. We selected the best professionals for this platform to provide targeted assistance for a range of challenges. Organisations can take out a subscription with Yet to give their people direct access to mental health professionals. Employees can then arrange to speak to one of our coaches or psychologists anonymously. At

Yet, we believe it’s natural to get stuck every now and then. It doesn’t mean anything is seriously wrong. Rather, it’s an opportunity for personal growth. Yet’s focus is on prevention and proactive intervention, addressing issues before they escalate. Our approach is based on single session therapies, in which clients get an hour-long session providing targeted support to help them out. This method is based on research demonstrating that a single session at the right time can be just as effective as extended therapies. In offering a single session, we aim to show clients that even one conversation can empower them to move forward.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE WHO ARE INSPIRED BY YOUR EFFORTS AND WANT TO PROMOTE MENTAL WELLBEING?

“Employers can get in touch with us to offer the Single Session Therapy to employees. Mental wellbeing should be something people can talk about and have access to at work. Subtle red flags, like excessive worrying or behavioural changes, can tell you a lot. Look after your team and consider turning to Yet for help. We can all make a difference in someone else’s life, in ways big or small.”

CONTACT YET

www.yet.nl

+31 (0)20 2445 216 hi@yet.nl

RCD BIZ UPDATES

The BIZ (Business Investment Zone) was introduced in Rotterdam Central District in early 2023. When an area is actively pursuing future-focused developments on multiple fronts, it’s crucial that area management keep up. The BIZ has drawn up a five-year area development plan in three key domains: liveability, mobility and climate adaptation. Below, we summarise current developments in all three.

LIVEABILITY

On 29 March we officially opened Delftsehof: a new green hub in the heart of RCD. The former car park has been temporarily transformed into a lovely, planted area where people can relax in the sunshine and where small events can be held. This temporary transformation of Delftsehof is the first visible step in the run-up to the construction of many new homes and office spaces in this area over the coming years. Both the developers and the municipality believe it is important to preserve the edgy, creative character of the area, and Delftsehof’s temporary transformation and programming are intended to support this. Sponsored by property developer LSI, the municipality of Rotterdam and RCD BIZ, this is a great example of how RCD is contributing to local quality of life.

MOBILITY

Mobility behaviour is changing rapidly and the urban policy to make Rotterdam a ‘15-minute city’, prioritising pedestrians and bicyclists, is having a big impact on RCD. In January we held an informational meeting to update office and city centre participants and users about developments connected with the renewal of Hofplein, mandatory government registration for home-to-work and work-to-work commuting, alternatives to cars in the city and the initial exploratory study for the revised traffic circulation plan north of the Maas River. There were interesting discussions between attendees and the presenters, and some valuable suggestions were made. We will be organising more of these meetings in order to reach as many people as possible and to keep everyone up to speed on the latest developments. Stay tuned!

CLIMATE ADAPTATION

The greening of RCD is taking more and more visible shape with the creation of pocket parks at Schieveld and behind the Groot Handelsgebouw. Plans for green façades and two more pocket parks are in progress. In a few weeks, planters with trees will be installed along Weena as the first of more green interventions in Rotterdam Central District.

©

Jonathan Weah

FROM DREAM TO GOAL MEANS ACTION

Fariesh Abdoelrahman started organising events at just 16 years old but discovered his passion in sharing knowledge and inspiring others. From working as a volunteer, his journey eventually led to setting up his own company, Quardin, which offers a platform for young people to cultivate their creative talents. “Despite growing up in an environment where enjoying your job was a luxury, I was determined to help young people follow their talent and prove that mentality wrong”, says Fariesh. Now, his company is celebrating five successful years.

FARIESH, HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR CAREER?

“I didn’t have the skills needed to get me through secondary school and was super insecure. Doing voluntary work enabled me to discover my talents: communicating, presenting, organising and coordinating. Not necessarily skills you learn at school. Drawing on the opportunities and connections I had through volunteering with youth, I started giving workshops around the country. I wrote up a plan to let kids do weekly voluntary work in exchange for studio time to pursue their musical passions. Then I registered with the chamber of commerce and that was the start of my company, Quardin, which gives young people a chance to develop their talents while also giving back to society.”

WHAT DOES QUARDIN STAND FOR?

“Quardin was set up as a platform where young people can develop their individual talents together, mainly in the creative sector. The aim is to make them more independent, responsible and confident. The

motivation for us is to put a face to a community that is often portrayed in a negative light. These kids are members of our society, too, and we want to empower them and show the Netherlands what they have to offer.”

WHAT HAS BEEN A HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

“Big partnerships are awesome, of course, but what is even better for me is seeing how we’ve created this studio where young people can really build a future and encourage each other. It is also a safe space for them to work creatively. Beyond tackling the issue of youth mental health, it is also about giving these young people a safe place to tell their stories.”

HOW DID THE QUARDIN TEAM COME TOGETHER?

“Almost everyone on the team has been a Quardin trainee or participant at one time or another. Right now, we have eight people working as project leaders. What matters to me is that they can combine their work with their passion. I don’t ever

want to hold anyone back from pursuing their dreams, so my organisation is all about flexibility.”

HOW DO YOU REACH YOUR TARGET GROUP?

“Some kids find us through artists who did workshops here. Others are looking for a music studio in Rotterdam and find us that way. We and our partners also go into local communities to organise projects and we tap into our network and reach out to young people. Our team’s creatives set up online campaigns as well, which enables us to reach the right target groups.”

HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING YOUR FIFTH ANNIVERSARY?

“We’ll be celebrating five years in May. We’ll have several days of masterclasses plus a reunion of our ‘from dream to goal = action’ group and present cash funds to support young entrepreneurs. The masterclasses will delve into things like how the brain works and we’ll have inspiration sessions, a writers’ camp and a networking day with artists, music lawyers and A&R managers. And for the sport enthusiasts, we’re holding a Panna Knock Out afternoon. Besides, we did an amazing collaboration with the brand Banlieue. As you can see in our team photo. Something we are very proud and thankful for as well. All in all, it promises to be an amazing week for young people to get together and develop their potential.”

“TOGETHER, WE ARE OPENING A WORLD FOR DISADVANTAGED KIDS”

NS (Nederlandsche Spoorwegen) has a vast workforce that welcomes people from all cultural and educational backgrounds. But, to attract them, the railway company has to publicise these opportunities and reach diverse groups. Through an NS partnership with IMC Weekendschool and Petje Af, the team at Rotterdam Central Station are assuming an important social responsibility for future generations. “It is wonderful to be able to give these children a nice day. Some of them have never taken the train before, due to the cost. Introducing them to NS, not only as a company but as an actual place they could work one day, is incredibly rewarding”, says Andre van Rij, NS teammember for 37 years.

Development and education are tremendously important in all of our lives, but not everyone is raised in an environment where these things can be taken for granted. Alongside his career with NS, Andre van Rij is also strongly committed to helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds. For him, this means not only an added job for IMC Weekendschool, Petje Af and Jarige Job at Rotterdam Central, but that he and his partner are grandparents to five foster kids. “These kids are the future, and some need a little extra guidance in different ways. It is so profoundly worthwhile to have the chance and privilege to do that.” Maria Gonggrijp has been working for NS for 23 years, the past ten of which she has also been involved in Listen’NS, a programme in which conductors, train drivers and safety and service staff educate

kids aged 9 to 13 about unacceptable behaviour. “We do that mostly at schools in deprived neighbourhoods, where we talk about bullying and its effects. There have been some very nice open-hearted moments, which is exactly what we and our partners want to achieve.”

DESIGN YOUR OWN STATION

Spending a weekend afternoon with Andre and Maria is an intensive interactive experience, from a short presentation to designing your own station, capped of course with a train ride. “Apart from the ball pits and climbing walls, kids come up with great ideas that make a lot of sense for the station, such as more toilets or phone charging points”, Andre says with a laugh. With Petje Af aimed at teenagers

and IMC Weekendschool at primary school children, each programme requires a different approach. The partnership with NS testifies that the railway company is so much more than a commercial enterprise, Andre and Maria stress. “We are keeping the programme as small-scale as possible to retain its identity. It is lovely to be able to show the children how many different options there are for working at NS. With some you see their spirits lift when they are brought into real contact with these opportunities.”

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The programme is both a complement to their own careers and an investment in the future, the two colleagues say, which is why they are so happy to be involved. “It is so valu -

able because you can show these children who they can be”, Andre says. “Mind you, you have to be passionate about it and invest the time.” Maria adds, “If you or your company also want to help make a difference in society, then come along with us some time. You learn a lot personally from the preparation, follow-up and liaising with these organisations. It seems to me that employers would want to encourage their people to look a step beyond the daily work they do.” Particularly as opportunities are anything but equal in the Netherlands’ most impoverished neighbourhoods. “By joining forces with these initiatives, whether as an individual or company, you can open doors for these children. Every encounter helps children to begin seeing opportunities for themselves.”

TAKING THE STAGE

We are living in a world where what we value and the choices we make increasingly seem to be shifting. The editorial team at RCD Magazine decided to ask around in the Central District to find out what really matters to inhabitants of our city. We asked Rotterdammers what comes first for them: a good salary or making an impact? We were also curious to know how people feel about the idea of remote working, and if they are more likely to stay loyal to one employer or to take the plunge and start for themselves.

RIANNE BORST (19)

“Making an impact is very important to me, because it is enduring and keeps people coming back. I prefer working for an employer, having stability and a regular pay cheque. I am currently job-hopping, going from one gig to another. Remote working sounds like it could be cool, but there are downsides too, like not seeing family. I would definitely be open to it, though.”

JORDI ALDEWERELD (26)

“A good salary and making an impact are equally important to me. Both for my own wellbeing and for society. For the time being I want to work for an employer because of the stability and security that offers. I am happy with the job I’ve got right now, but who knows what the future will hold? Working remotely could be convenient, but personal interaction and discussion are crucial for my job, so it really depends on the situation.”

LUCA

ROSSO (21)

“A good salary is important because it can be the means to a better life. But making an impact matters to me, too. At the moment, I prefer working for a boss. One day, I might want to go into business for myself. I have worked for a number of employers and that variation is good for my development. I do lose a lot of time driving to work every day. Although my boss really needs me to be on-site, working remotely would be an ideal solution.”

ANNA VAN DEN BERG (78) & SILJE VAN DEN BERG (23)

“Making an impact comes first for us. Money is not always the most important thing. By making an impact, you leave behind something of value for others.” As far as employment goes, Anna prefers working for an employer, while Silje is more interested in working for herself: “The freedom and diversity appeal to me. And remote working would suit both of us. After all, what’s to stop you from working from a warm country? Now, since the Covid period, we have seen that this is very doable.”

KALI (21)

“Making an impact is my first priority. Inspiring and creating change is what I aspire to, and salary comes second. Being self-employed would give me more freedom and control over my time and that sounds like a nice prospect for the future. Staying with one employer seems better to me overall because I want security. Working remotely could be nice, but obviously that’s very personal.”

GDE HARDJOSUMARTO (39)

“Making a good salary is important, but making an impact is satisfying. The bottom line is that you have to be able to make ends meet. I prefer being employed for now as it offers security during this stage in my life. I would rather stay with a single employer, provided that both sides are happy. Remote working could be a nice way to combine your personal and work life, and I would certainly be into it.”

SYPREN WOLTERS (23)

“For me, it’s about having a balance between a good salary and making an impact. You can pursue both without sacrificing one to the other. My preference for now, while I’m still young, is working for an employer. I think that striking out for yourself is best saved for later. I plan to switch jobs every three to four years as I like having variation. I would absolutely be open to remote working, but collaboration is crucial in our company, so it’s good to be in the office.”

UPSTREAM FESTIVAL

Upstream Festival is a three-day event devoted to connecting likeminded entrepreneurs, investors, customers, clients and talent. A place where local and regional entrepreneurs can find pro tips on scaling up and tap into the right networks. “It’s about creating a space where people can literally get down to business. Not merely listen to some talks, but above all meet the right people to gather ideas, learn and grow their enterprise. It is super concrete and tangible, which makes it perfectly attuned to the Rotterdam mindset”, is how Lisette Braakenburg, partner and project lead at Up! Rotterdam, and an entrepreneur in her own right, introduces the event.

One thing’s for sure: Lisette knows her stuff when it comes to entrepreneurship. After obtaining a master’s degree in International Business Administration in London, she started her career at Cambridge Innovation Centre (CIC) in Rotterdam. These days CIC is a well-established community in the Central District, and it was Lisette along with her colleagues who played a foundational role in shaping it into a vibrant hub for start-ups, scale-ups, enterprise, and innovation. Five years later, she joined Lars Crama in building up Up! Rotterdam and took on the project management of Blijdorp Festival and Oranjebitter. Laughing, Lisette admits, “I often start jobs with little experience in the industry concerned and just throw myself into the deep end. It can be super stressful at times, but I learn a huge amount and it tends to all work out in the end.”

CONNECTING FOUNDERS

The first edition of Upstream Festival was organised in 2020. That was all online, because of the pandemic. Despite this hurdle, Lisette, Lars and their team managed to put together a packed programme, and now they’re celebrating their fifth anniversary. “We noticed that there are many great start-up events in the greater Rotterdam region, but the landscape felt quite fragmented, so we aimed at bundling all these events and create a platform where regional innovation partners could set something up – like an Amsterdam Dance Event for enterprising Rotterdam”, Lisette explains. The programme is mainly focused on connecting entrepreneurs. “Upstream Festival

is all about creating connections among entrepreneurs, investors, innovative corporates and other professionals. This includes round-table discussions, dinners and knowledge sessions.” In addition, so-called “side events” will be organized under Upstream’s umbrella all throughout the region, by the likes of the TU Delft, Rabobank and CIC to activate each other’s networks and reach a wider audience.

To celebrate this fifth anniversary edition, the Upstream Festival is adding a creative component to the programme: “We’ll be offering a wider creative programming as well, which will enable us to connect with our audience on a different level. For me personally, this adds a special twist to this fifth edition and makes it even more valuable to be a part of it.” The fact that music venue Annabel is once again hosting this year is certain to help to tie all these diverse layers together.

FORGING PARTNERSHIPS

“All the incredible stories we get back from connections people make during Upstream Festival are great. For example, from entrepreneurs that met and decided to go into business together. Or from the founder of Hardt Hyperloop, who met one of his current investors at Upstream. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do”, Lisette says in closing. “Whether you’re an SME, innovative corporate or start-up: we want to hear from you and would love for you to come take a look! Visit our website upstreamfestival. com for more information and tickets.”

A buzzing upcycled workplace for creativity and collaboration

W70 is home to a unique mix of entrepreneurs who form a spirited community where working, networking, social enterprise and culture come together to inspire and connect. Located on Weena, the property was recently redeveloped to transform it into a dynamic workplace. Occupants are proud of the building’s new character and are embracing its sustainable, circular vision.

Annique Nahumury Owner of Terrorkittens

As a costume designer for theatre and dance and a scenographer for various productions, the owner of streetwear label Terrorkittens has a keen eye for detail and a passion for sustainability. “After art school, I set out on my own with the dream to start a business with my best friend. We did that in 2015, with Terrorkittens, a brand for men, women and everyone in between.” W70 was an obvious choice for Annique.

“It was a cool opportunity that we heard about through the grapevine and turned out to be an instant fit with the other creatives I work with. It’s both very practical and inspiring to have this great group of creative people all in one place.”

Annique says that W70 is more than a place to work; it is a source of fresh energy and new possibilities. “I have a lovely view from W70 and the surrounding area is tidy and pleasant. It’s a step up from the old school buildings I often used to be in.”

As well as creating one-of-a-kind streetwear, Annique also invests energy in cultivating talent. “I train work experience students and give them space for growth and creativity. We want to offer a platform for emerging talent.”

Jeroen van den Berg

Toneelgroep Jan Vos

As director of Toneelgroep Jan Vos, Jeroen van den Berg is happy to have a home base in W70. “Toneelgroep Jan Vos is a theatre production company. Our shows range from plays about Pim Fortuyn to rousing stories about the energy transition.”

The decision to relocate to W70 was the right one for them, says Jeroen. “We were looking for a buzzy environment where we could connect with other creatives. When we discovered W70, we knew straightaway that this was the perfect spot for us. We have been based here since late March and it is a really super location. It’s a wellspring of inspiration and renewal. It feels corporate, which is a novel experience for me in the cultural world, but also makes it feel like an upgrade. Plus, the central location is ideal for our collaboration with actors from cities like Arnhem and Amsterdam.”

Toneelgroep Jan Vos also shines a spotlight on talent, including young actors. “When you bring older and younger generations together the result is very special. In our productions we also try to tackle societal issues like the energy transition, which different generations have their own perspectives on. You get wonderful and inspiring interactions between younger and older people, both on stage and in the audience.” This summer, they proudly present WIND, a boisterous comedy about the energy transition.

Hedi Legerstee

Business manager of Cecilia Moisio Company, and freelancer for dance and theater companies.

As a freelancer in the culture sector and business director of several dance companies, Hedi feels a special link with this creative hotspot. “I see W70 as not just an office, but an energetic community with shared interests. I came across it via my network, through a tip from a colleague. We have been based here since 1 March 2024.”

“In addition to the modern facilities, the big appeal of W70 is the community spirit we have here. Sharing the space with other freelancers has strengthened our collaboration. We have choreographers, illustrators, photographers and costume designers all coming together here and that creates loads of scope for new ideas and fosters creativity.”

Hedi also believes in the importance of seeking out talent. “In my own business, I reach out to both established and emerging makers, and I work with people from talent programmes to help them build their own practice.”

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

UBER FOR BUSINESS: BUILDING TRUST AND STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS

With operations in 71 countries and over 10.000 cities, Uber clocks up 24 million rides a day. In Rotterdam, Uber has been active for over 10 years. Kim Ruiter has been country manager for Uber for Business for Northern & Eastern Europe for over two years. She is keen to show that Uber is an open company and believes that their focus on sustainability and reliability can play an instrumental role in the district. Kim: “Our mission is not only to increase awareness about Uber for Business, but also to invest in building our reputation and trust in services.”

CONTRIBUTING TO A GREENER FUTURE

Uber for Business is always in search of more sustainable solutions and ways to serve customers more efficiently. Kim: “Our service gives your organisation more control, deeper insights and features tailored to enterprise users. Using this tool, you can track employees’ business travel and meal programmes on a single dashboard. For example, our Uber Eats programmes gives employees a preset budget that they can use to easily order meals at the office. This is a

great way to prevent food waste. We are always striving to provide more sustainable solutions and efficient services for our customers. And we’re continually improving the availability of the catering options and taxi services to ensure they meet our customers’ needs while contributing to a greener future as well.”

EXCLUSIVE UBER FOR BUSINESS EVENTS

“Since the beginning of this year, we’ve been hosting exclusive Uber for Business events, bringing together executives from the Business Travel Industry. For this first edition, we partnered with the Smart Mobility Institute to discuss sustainable mobility in the workplace. One of the exciting options to learn more about Uber for Business, is joining one of our Uber for Business events. You can use the QR code to get in touch with the Uber for Business team and learn more about the upcoming events.”

Kim Ruiter, country manager for Uber for Business for Northern & Eastern Europe

ROTTERDAM: POWERED BY THE NIGHT

Rotterdam is a city of music and nightlife. Always has been. A seedbed for creativity and the cradle of thriving music scenes. I discovered that on my first forays into our city’s nightlife in 2008, at places like the Waterfront, Watt, Bootleg and the Hollywood Music Hall. There, I encountered punks, skaters, hip-hop heads, Rastafarians and techno freaks. I admired their clothes, listened to their music and talked to these groups about how they saw the world. I learnt a lot about these subcultures and the people in them, but, looking back, above all about who I want to be and who I want to be with.

I was captivated by the power of the night. Every weekend, I plunged back into that thrilling world. When it came time to write a thesis for my BA in Arts and Culture Studies and MA in Cultural Entrepreneurship and Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, it was only natural to focus on the social and cultural value of nightlife music scenes. In the course of that research I learned that a well-organised night scene adds value by creating wide-ranging opportunities for self-exploration, in both self-expression and talent-cultivation, for jobs, for social cohesion and for making an area, city or region appealing.

Through my work for Rotterdam’s independent night council, N8W8, I learned that the city’s nightlife sector is facing big challenges. Digitalisation, festivalisation, government Covid assistance repayment obligations, soaring inflation that’s leaving youth more cash-strapped than ever and massive urban densification are all making it hard to open nightspots and keep them open. But our city can’t just allow its after-hours culture to go up in smoke. Rotterdam after all has long boasted the biggest entertainment scene of any city in the Netherlands, bar none. It is time to see and to support the value of what we’ve got: nightlife that attracts, awes, inspires, connects and has a multitude of payoffs. Support in the form of allocating a percentage of well-being and cultural funding to cultural nightlife producers, zoning nightlife areas into area development plans for places like the M4H and Oostflank, and investing in night-time security and mobility.

Earlier, the creation of a creative cluster in the Schiekadeblok offered a solution to the problem of urban vacancy in a central zone. Now that this area is being redeveloped, there will no longer be enough room for all those creative enterprises and meeting spaces to return. This is a terrible shame, but also the reality in a capitalist Western city where making money seems to be the holy grail for some. Still, the municipal government and property developers could very well deploy the ambition, experience, knowledge and creativity being displaced from the Schiekadeblok to bring vitality, facilities and interest to another part of the city. But only in a way that is also sustainable for businesses, as otherwise they could lose faith in the value of pioneering in the very city that has traditionally been a haven for trailblazers, creatives, music lovers and night owls.

Thys Boer is the coordinator and spokesperson of N8W8 R’dam, Rotterdam’s independent night council. Established in 2019, N8W8 advises and advocates in the sector and municipality for a vibrant, safe and accessible nightlife in Rotterdam. Other members of the night council are Epifania Queta (inclusion & diversity), Kim Nguyen (urban development), Yasmin Ben Azouz (research & development) and Aniek de Rooij (talent development & funding).

COFFEE BREAK

WITH ERIK VAN ESSEN

Born and raised in Rotterdam, Erik van Essen joined Rotterdam Partners this past spring as its new managing director. This new position brings together all the strands of his career so far, from a job in public transportation to the international link between Rotterdam and England and his many years as commercial director at Landal Greenparks. “Over the course of my career I’ve had dealings with the provincial executive, city aldermen and political administration, and all that experience is immensely valuable now”, Erik notes. “Rotterdam Partners bridges everything: businesses, municipalities, and residents too. Our success hinges on the perceived value of what we do with city partners.”

ERIK, HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERISE ROTTERDAM?

“I would describe Rotterdam as a European city with a cosmopolitan flavour. We have the largest port in all of Europe, which is why the word ‘cosmopolitan’ springs to mind. And due to the new metro connection, Hoek van Holland beach suddenly feels a lot closer to the city which is a great addition. Not to mention our football club, Feyenoord, which competes in the European Champions League. And with its architecture and multicultural street scene, home to 170 nationalities, Rotterdam is also a welcoming city.”

AS ROTTERDAM PARTNERS’ NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR, HOW DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CITY’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT?

“Rotterdam Partners does the city marketing for Rotterdam. Our mission is to attract international companies, conferences and visitors that match the city’s profile, with a view to keep -

ing it a vibrant place with a good quality of life. The growth we’re after is qualitative. There has to be some kind of added value. So, naturally, that’s what I want to work on in this role.”

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE?

“Something I’ve noticed in this initial time of my involvement is the tremendous solidarity among business owners to keep pushing ahead with that qualitative growth. And that’s also where I see opportunities. To get even more people involved and cultivate a strong image to shape these partnerships and support. Looking back at the past year, 33 new businesses representing various sectors established in the city and we secured 23 new conferences. One challenge is to keep that sense of solidarity going, because you can’t take it for granted as the city goes on growing. Coupled to that are challenges like competing for professional talent and investments in the global arena.”

WHAT WILL RELOCATING TO THE GROOT HANDELSGEBOUW MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF ROTTERDAM PARTNERS?

“First off, it is an iconic building that is also architecturally unique in our city. And how cool is it to be based here? But apart from it being a listed building, what’s going on inside also turns out to be super dynamic. It is a business hub with a ton of young entrepreneurs, all pursuing very diverse lines of business. Plus there are organisations that we have been working with closely for a long time, such as Rotterdam Festivals, who will also be our neighbours now. The owner of the Groot Handelsgebouw, Jamestown, gave us a very warm welcome and are very involved. And it’s a great new beginning for me, having just taken the helm and now to be at this fantastic new location.”

IF THERE WAS ONE THING YOU COULD SAY TO INHABITANTS, VISITORS AND PEOPLE WORKING IN ROTTERDAM, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

“This is quite the question – one you should be asking the new mayor when the time comes. I guess I would say that the amazing cooperation between all the businesses and organisations is something we need to nurture. To work together to build up the quality of all the companies, conferences, visitors and everything else still to come to Rotterdam, so we can keep making the city more vibrant, attractive and lively.”

“Rotterdam is a city,welcoming with its architecture and multicultural street scene. A home to 170 nationalities.’’

LEBKOV & SONS

Stationsplein 50 (Groot Handelsgebouw)

Located in the iconic Groot Handelsgebouw, next to Rotterdam Central Station. A historic building, high ceilings and Lebkov’s timber, tile and industrial-yet-cosy interior come together to give this spot loads of appeal. Lebkov is famous for its fresh sandwiches, soup and excellent coffee. As well as at least 50% of their products being organically sourced, Lebkov is the first food establishment to have switched to using cow-friendly Kalverliefde milk. This is the perfect place to tuck into your breakfast or lunch made to order.

LSI ONTWIKKELING B.V.

Delftseplein 31 (Central Post)

LSI’s ambitions go well beyond the development of high-end office and residential properties. The real estate developer is also catering to demand for affordable housing in dynamic locations within walking distance of central Rotterdam. LSI was involved in the sale of the newly developed Willemstoren and will take charge of development of the Spoorstrook, working in collaboration with building contractor DVV and with architecture firm MVRDV for the design.

COLLIERS

Blaak 34 (Blaak House)

Located on the top floor of Blaak House. Colliers is a global real estate services and investment management company. Growth, adapting and accelerating success are core to the enterprise. Their expert real estate advisory services for occupants, owners and investors is guiding the sector towards future-proof development.

© Marlies Lageweg

STUDIO OSSIDIANA “COMMUNICATING AT A LARGER SCALE’’

© Marco Cappelletti

Dynamic duo Alessandra Covini and Giovanni Bellotti are a well-established presence in the Rotterdam Central District. Their Studio Ossidiana won the Dutch Prix de Rome – the most prestigious award for architects under age 35 – in 2018, and their work has been shown worldwide at exhibitions and architecture biennales in Rotterdam, Venice, Istanbul, Chicago and Shenzhen, to name a few. But this is just the beginning, says Alessandra: “We are ready to challenge ourselves to work on different scales, to be part of diverse conversations.”

Alessandra and Giovanni met in Delft, where they both studied architecture and where their respective careers took off. But they worked on projects and competitions independently for some time before realising that they could make a bigger impact in the architectural art world together. “We

usually don’t start out with a specific design architectural language in mind, but we like to think in terms of what sorts of actions a project could involve. We try to communicate something at a larger scale. And we go beyond just architectural design references to span different times, cultures and themes.”

Among their past projects are Horismos, a playground commissioned for a new primary school in Vleuten, and The Birds’ Palace, a floating garden anchored in one of the Vondelpark ponds, where the birds and people of Amsterdam can mingle.

MATERIAL CONTEXT

A project like the playground in Vleuten was an experiment in the possibilities of concrete and how it could be used as a more ‘precious’ material. Alessan -

dra explains, “In projects like this one, we play around with using pigments, stones, sand and cement in different proportions. But then we also started reimagining it”. For a museum in Flevoland, the pair used a specific type of terrazzo containing shells to relate the history of the region. “This ties in with the fact that Flevoland was in the sea until not so long ago. So, sometimes we use a material to tell the story of a particular piece of context. Different soils, for example, such as sand, expanded clay, shells, potting soil and gravel.”

FUTURE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Alessandra says the Netherlands is a country where architecture and design enjoy top priority. And one that makes space for experimental designs and where people usually understand the message. “I think it would be interesting to create new public spaces that could foster different types of encounters. This isn’t necessarily the future, but I would like it to shift in that direction. To embrace this kind of experimentation for more than only temporary projects.”

GRAND OPENING DELFTSEHOF

29 MARCH

What was long a drab car park has now been turned into a vibrant and verdant spot offering space for all sorts of cultural activities for at least the next year.

This new oasis in the city centre was created in partnership with the Block community, VPS, LSI, the municipality of Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Central District Association. From April, all will be welcome to come here to enjoy the greenery and a varied programme of activities, from regularly scheduled open-air salsa classes to a street culture week (in August), and from a small Sunday market to theatrical performances.

Delftsehof was officially opened by Alderman Simons on Friday 29 March with the raising of a giant disco ball. To mark the occasion there was a panel discussion with four guests involved in the project: Luc Smits (LSI Real Estate), Linda van der Vleuten (Galerie Opperclaes), Frank Loer (LOER architecten) and Kristian Koreman (ZUS Architecten). There were also some fantastic dance classes-cum-parties by HipHopHuis and Salsability. Capping the day was a bona fide block party hosted by Operator Radio, Annabel, Biergarten and De Nieuwe Lichting. The event was a wonderful kick-off to the new temporary designation of this piece of Rotterdam Central District.

The Schieblock community is in charge of programming at Delftsehof, but if you have suggestions for good activities, you are welcome to pitch them! From production try-outs to dance workshops, boot camps, film screenings or a neighbourhood market.

Got an idea? Send an email to Community Manager Wendy Krohn at: info@rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl.

HOME TOURS IN ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT WITH BASTIAAN DE HAAS

This time, we are featuring someone on these pages who has played a valuable role at RCD Magazine, as well as being a resident of the district for six years. Photographer and filmmaker Bastiaan de Haas regularly takes fabulous pictures for this magazine. Now, he is spreading his wings to shoot documentary films abroad. His signature style can be described as ‘retro alternative’, and that applies to his home as well. From a radio passed down by his granddad to a cabinet piled with records, this interior oozes atmosphere.

BAS, HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERISE YOURSELF AND YOUR CREATIVE WORK?

“My great-great-grandfather was a photographer, which was pretty unusual at the time. We have tons of family photos thanks to the pictures he took in the late 19th century. And my dad still has lots of slides of his travels. I opted to go more the film route. I do take pictures for RCD, obviously, but for the rest I work mainly as a filmmaker and graphic designer. In a word, I’m an audiovisual designer.”

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ROTTERDAM?

“I moved to Rotterdam six years ago to attend the art academy. And then I found this house, built in 1902, with two of my mates. The household is different now, but it has always been a nice spot to live. Before this it was being let as three separate rooms, so we lucked out that we could get the whole place. We did quite a bit of DIY around the house when we moved in and excavated the garden by getting rid of all the overgrowth. It is starting to feel a tiny bit cramped, but the location is great and the house is good overall. Plus, of course, it is affordable for me.”

HOW DO YOU LIKE LIVING IN THIS PART OF THE CITY?

“The best thing about this neighbourhood is you have everything right here. Like all the different shops on Kruiskade, where a whole variety of cultures come together. For me, coming from Gouda, it was a massive change. It is so much busier and even getting around on my bike was a bit hairy at first. In Gouda, the scariest thing you deal with is a tractor coming up behind you, haha. So, the chaos was an adjustment, but it also has its charms. I love being able to go walking around the city and visit all the different shops any time I want.”

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT COULD BE IMPROVED, IN YOUR EYES?

“I miss greenery. Obviously it’s bare everywhere in wintertime, but overall there is really not much planting at all. This does seem to be getting more attention, though, so that’s good. But there are some big green strides to be made. A defining feature of this part of the neighbourhood near Kruiskade is that there are loads of different ethnicities and income levels living all mixed together. We’ve got a Cape Verdean, a Polish and an Irish family all living across the way. This is something we need to protect, because it seems to be gradually disappearing as houses are bought up and then resold or let for a much higher price. Eventually, you risk losing the charm of how it was.”

BASTIAAN DE HAAS

Favourite neighbourhood spots:

“In my free time I like going to the cinema, mostly KINO or Cinerama. And to all the different shops around here and then throwing together a delicious meal. Or scoring some new records at Demonfuzz Records and Platenboef.”

Favourite item at home:

“The authentic old radio belonged to my grandparents and I have a beautiful vintage camera that was my granddad’s. And my plant oasis is also important!”

“YOU

CAN METE OUT PUNISHMENTS, BUT

IT’S

MANY TIMES CHEAPER FOR SOCIETY TO PROVIDE CARE.”

In the middle of a building with three crucial departments for the homeless we met up with Marcel Slockers. He started his general practice in a new housing estate in 1983, with zero patients. With the glut of GPs back then, growth was slow. But after becoming involved in the night shelter, Marcel quickly became a ‘golden doctor’ and ‘expert’. Now, with more than forty years’ experience under his belt, Marcel is focusing all of his energy on his work as a street doctor. CVD-Havenzicht offers shelter for people with no place to sleep at night. But with only 300 beds for over 1,000 vulnerable homeless, Marcel stresses that more must be done to provide permanent solutions in the form of housing and care.

AID FOR ONLY ONE-THIRD

“Some 3,000 adults register with the municipality as homeless every year”, says Marcel Slockers. “Out of these people, only a third receive direct assistance. The other 2,000 are left to fend for themselves. The 1,000 individuals deemed most at risk get permission to use the shelter, but the night shelter has space for only 300. Keeping the flow going is essential, but unfortunately people often stay much longer owing to complex problems and barriers such as back rent.”

RISING HOMELESSNESS

“In Rotterdam we are seeing rising rates of homelessness, affecting economically homeless and Eastern European migrant workers most of all. There is a clear correlation between having a job and having a roof over your head, in that employment agencies make money by arranging places to for people to sleep. The fact that people don’t meet the requirement to have been in the Netherlands for five years in order to access to a shelter is creating loads of problems”, Marcel points out. “Three Eastern Europeans recently even died in Rotterdam as a consequence of Dutch labour migration policy.”

STRIVING FOR CHANGE

“The Roemer Report made some valuable recommendations that are currently being taken up in new legislation. It’s crucial that EU citizens register with the municipality, which is something that employment agencies often sidestep out of self-interest. Not being registered has serious consequences for those who wind up homeless, including ineligibility for basic health insurance. An emergency measure fortunately now ensures access to healthcare for uninsured EU citizens. I would really like to see stricter enforcement of statutory obligations and recognition of the urgency of measures to combat urban decay.”

As far as Marcel is concerned, homelessness is a problem that needs to be approached from both a medical and a human angle. “Between 2006 and 2010 there was successful scheme that gave migrant workers housing, income and counselling, and that significantly helped to reduce homelessness.”

ROTTERDAM CENTRAAL STATION

Rotterdam Central Station has a rich history dating back to the nineteenth century. The city opened its first railway station in 1847 on the west side of the Maas River. Before long, however, it became too small to accommodate booming demand for rail transport. A new, larger station opened at the current location on Weena in 1877.

The station underwent multiple extensions and renovations, with the addition of new tracks added and modernisation of the buildings. During the Second World War the station was badly damaged and much of its infrastructure lost. After the war, the city set to work on reconstruction efforts, which included rebuilding Rotterdam Central Station. The new station was designed by the Dutch architect Sybold van Ravesteyn and opened in 1957.

MODERN RAILWAY STATION

The station has been renovated a number of times over the years to upgrade it and adapt it to urban growth and changing transportation needs. The most recent renovation was completed ten years ago, in 2014. This major overhaul transformed it into a versatile complex for the modern age, serving not only as a transport hub, but offering shopping, dining and meeting facilities as well.

Rotterdam Central Station is more than just a functional building; it is an architectural masterpiece that reflects the vision and craftsmanship of Dutch architecture. With its striking design and vital role in Rotterdam’s urban landscape, the station remains a source of pride and inspiration for city residents and visitors alike.

SUSTAINABILITY

Designed to put sustainability first, Rotterdam Central Station uses energy-efficient technologies and sustainable materials such as recycled concrete and steel. Planted areas help boost biodiversity, and water management measures such as rain collection systems reduce the burden on the city’s sewerage. The station also promotes sustainable public transport, making it a modern, environmentally-friendly transport hub. Sustainability is key in the new-built sections as well, with a glass canopy incorporating solar panels that generate 20% of the building’s energy supply. This contributes to an 8% CO 2 reduction compared to the old station. The building further has sustainable rainwater drainage to prevent sewerage pollution.

FUN FACTS

FACTS AND FIGURES

FUNCTION

Railway transport, public transport, retail, food and public services

GROSS FLOOR AREA

46,000 m2

URBAN DESIGN GROSS FLOOR AREA

50,000 m2

ARCHITECT

CS Team (Benthem Crouwel Architects, MVSA and West 8)

NOMINATIONS/AWARDS

• Nationale Renovatie Prijs, 2015

• Dutch Design Award

• Architizier A+ Awards

• The station building has a green roof consisting of different types of sedum plants. This covering provides insulation as well as distributing water during heavy rainfall by regulating drainage into the sewerage system.

• The new design of the concourse was based on archival blueprints.

• Rotterdam Central Station welcomes some 170,000 visitors a day.

• Travellers give the station top marks: since it opened in 2014, 93% scored it with a 7 (out of 10) or higher.

• Elements of the old station building have been incorporated into the new building. For example, two statues (known as the ‘speculaas biscuits’) that used to stand on the wings of the building are now positioned above the tunnels.

• The impressive 40 x 4.5 metre LED screen in the concourse is one of the largest in the world. It was a gift from the Port of Rotterdam Authority to the city, hence the many port highlights displayed.

© Claire Droppert

© Iris van den Broek

© Alex de Herder

© Guido

ROTTERDAM ROOFTOP DAYS

Discover the city from a new angle, during the Rotterdam Rooftop Days from 24 to 26 May 2024! With a Rooftop Pass you can explore specially selected rooftops and put together your own programme for a panoramic adventure above the city skyline. In addition to breathtaking views, there is plenty more to discover, with exhibits, performances and culinary surprises at unique locations. With a combined 18.5 km2 of roof surfaces in central Rotterdam, the Rooftop Days are a wonderful opportunity to use this space for a lively, sustainable and inclusive urban event. Come along and be elevated by the second layer of Rotterdam!

©

Ossip van Duivenbode

ROTTERDAM CENTRAL STATION 10TH ANNIVERSARY

On Wednesday 13 March, Rotterdam celebrated ten years since the opening of its revamped central station. The building was decked out for the occasion and there were lots of festive activities. Visitors could admire a portrait series featuring station vendors as well as NS employees and travellers with special ties to Rotterdam Central. There were also surprise performances in the concourse. On the day itself – Wednesday 13 March – NS, ProRail, RET and municipal employees handed out cakes from Fröbel to travellers and visitors. Young party-goers could design their own ‘Rotterdam CS 10th anniversary’ poster in the pop-up shop to take home.

RCD ASSOCIATION 15TH ANNIVERSARY

Happy birthday! Established on 17 April 2009, the RCD Association turned 15 this year. On 18 April we celebrated the anniversary of this great initiative, which also gave rise to the RCD BIZ in January 2023. We marked this milestone with lovely memories of gatherings on the roof of Hofplein 19. Here’s to many more years of growth and community-building in the city’s beloved port area.

© Rosa Quist Photography

WHERE WILL YOU CHEER ON THE ORANGE SQUAD?

It’s European Football Championship time again, and as always fans have their pick of places in Rotterdam Central District to watch the matches. Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy pub, a stylish lounge or some other hangout to catch the action, you’ll find it at Paddy Murphy’s, ‘t Fust, Panenka, Kraftbar or BrewDog. Invite your friends and colleagues to watch the matches on the big screen and experience the Euro Cup spirit in RCD.

MOTEL MOZAÏQUE FESTIVAL 2024

A message from General Manager, Margriet Colenbrander:

MOMO Festival 2024 was a resounding success. Though it would have been nice if spring had sprung a little earlier, the weather couldn’t spoil the fun! We were delighted with the turnout and to see the city bursting at the seams with great music, performances, dance and urban trails. One thing that stood out among all the wonderful contributions were our collaborations with the Kunsthal and Boijmans van Beuningen Depot. It was amazing to be able to bring together different art forms as we did. Friday Night Live x MOMO wowed the crowd with stellar performances by Baby’s Berserk and Luna Morgenstern. At the exhibitions, visitors were simultaneously treated to pop-up dance performances by Amenti & Rotterdam Ballroom Arena. And the Boijmans van Beuningen Depot hosted two acoustic concerts each day. With audiences limited to sixty people, there was a lovely intimate ambience during the recitals by harpist Ranie Ribeiro, pianist Djuwa Mroivili and others. On Monday morning we were thrilled to read a glowing review in the de Volkskrant, with the headline: ‘Motel Mozaïque is cultural Rotterdam’s calling card’. Further proof that it was a truly exceptional edition!

A Copy of Under My Umbrella

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 Events: network drinks, events and lunch concerts

• 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

• Various active social media channels: 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

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, worldrenowned 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: Ruby van Oers

Intern: Laura Appelman

Photography: Marjolijn Tenge, Lesley Hoogelander, Caily Bobbie Jo, Nicoline Rodenburg, Mark Bolk & Dennis Wise

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: Sana Derksen-Mehadi, Ballast Nedam, Groot Handelsgebouw, Rotterdam School of Management, Cadence Fashion, Eduard Voorn, Gemeente Rotterdam, Miranda van Spengen, Kees van Oorschot, Hans de Jonge, Wendy Krohn, World Trade Center Rotterdam, Micha Patutschnick, Talk & Trust, Figaro den Hollander, Ineke van Julsingha, Helen van Empel, Yet, Fariesh Abdoelrahman, Quardin, Rotterdam Centraal, Andre van Rij, Maria Gonggrijp, Lisette Braakenburg, Up! Rotterdam, a.s.r. real estate, Annique Nahumury, Jeroen van den Berg, Hedi Legerstee, Uber, Kim Ruiter, Thys Boer, Erik van Essen, Alessandra Covini, Bastiaan de Haas, Marcel Slockers, Motel Mozaïque

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

AbmaDiepenhorst Accountants

AKRD

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.

DVDW advocaten

Echo

Eneco

Eurekon

Gemeente Rotterdam

Greenberg Nielsen

Greenchoice

Groot Handelsgebouw

Het Block

High Potential Academy

Holmris B8

Humanoids BV

JLL

LaatBloeien

Lebkov & Sons

Lizard Global

Loer Architecten

LS&H Lawyers

DISTRICT

LSI Ontwikkeling BV

Lucie Group B.V.

Maarsen Groep

Mess

NS

Ooms Makelaars Bedrijfshuisvesting B.V.

Pluq Studio

PPF

Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam

Provast

Rabobank Rotterdam

Roodkapje

Rotterdam Festivals

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

ADG Beheer B.V.

Boutique hotel

ASR Levensverzekering N.V.

Looije Properties

CBRE DOF Custodian B.V.

Central Post B.V.

CENTRAL010 B.V.

Doric Investment GmbH

Dudok Real Estate

FIRST Rotterdam Gebouw A B.V.

GHG B.V.

Hofplein Offices (Rotterdam) B.V.

Hofplein Ontwikkel B.V.

J.P. van Eesteren B.V.

Maarsen Groep

Magnum Property Limited

Mara B.V. Beleggings en Exploitatie

Millennium Tower (Rotterdam) B.V.

Neo (Weena 200) B.V.

NS Stations Retailbedrijf B.V.

NS Vastgoed B.V.

Pompenburg (Rotterdam) B.V.

ProRail B.V.

Provast

Railinfratrust B.V.

Stadsontwikkeling - Vastgoed

UNION INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

Wisdom (Weena Tower) B.V.

Yova Central Plaza B.V.

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

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