BOOMPJES, NETHERLANDS, ROTTERDAM, 1980

A series of residential towers on the Maas River in Rotterdam

At the end of 1980 OMA was asked by the Rotterdam City Council to conduct a study of high rise building in the city, and to illustrate the investigations with a planning proposal for a site in the centre. In consultation with the Town Planning Department, a site was selected on the Maasboulevard along near the Maasbridges.

The site
We see the angle between the river and the lower side of the grid as a 'hinge' between the city and the river. Here the river is closest to the centre.

The shifting of the centre through the gigantic injection of buildings in the second reconstruction makes this point most suitable to take over the role of the 'window' in the disclosing of the riverfront.

The site is peculiar. On one hand it is embedded in a network of traffic lanes, like the new suspension bridge across the Maas whose approach makes its way into the city through two inexplicable twists. On the other hand there lies a unique opportunity to connect the river with the city.

The city is visible, but hardly accessible; any structure will be noted in passing, at bewilderingly different speeds and angles.
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FACT SHEET

Project:
A series of residential towers on the Maas River in Rotterdam

Client:
City of Rotterdam

Year:
1980

Status:
Study

Type:
Residential

Location:
Rotterdam, Netherlands

Site:
120m wedge, 20-40m wide, between canal and riverfront highway

Program:
Apartments, parking, shops, hotel, offices; reuse of 110m Willemsbrug segment.

CREDITS

Team:
Rem Koolhaas, Stefano de Martino, Kees Christiaanse, Gerard Comello, Jeroen Thomas