TomDavid Architecten, Ossip van Duivenbode · Cruise Terminal Rotterdam [H.A.L.]

TomDavid Architecten

Monumental Caracter

Under the project management of the Port of Rotterdam, TomDavid Architects in collaboration with ABT Delft were responsible for the complete renovation and modernization of the national monument.
The renovation of the façade was a big issue for the municipality. The original look of this had to return as much as possible after renovation. This was achieved by designing new steel profiles for the monumental façade and by the installation of monumental glass features an acoustic foil.

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The monumental character is also reflected in the characteristic painting. Based on a historical color and material research TomDavid Architects had chosen a color schemes that refer to the state of the building early fifties. The public gallery on the River side is equipped with a new floor covering containing a new, subtly integrated façade lighting. The monumental arches will now also at night be part of the iconic skyline of the Wilhelminapier.

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The Port of Rotterdam Authority and Rotterdam City Development also commissioned TomDavid to create an additional baggage handling structure outside the building as the growing amounth of luggage was a major challenge. TomDavid created space on the ground floor to handle as much internal baggage as possible and designed a Pop Up Luggage Space (P.U.L.S.) outside of the building, creating another 350 m2 of additional variable space. Variable because the industrial 'umbrella structure' TomDavid devised only unfolds when necessary. When no cruise ships are docked, P.U.L.S. is almost invisible and the wharf is freely accessible to the public.

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What then remains is a raised terrace at the level of Café Rotterdam. This 'grandstand on the Maas' offers magnificent views over the river and of Rotterdam's skyline, and it also serves as a 'farewell platform'. The colour is inspired by the 'iron oxide' used to coat steel before it gets its final colour. This tone emphasises the temporary nature of the building (10 years), but provides a glossy appearance when applied in a metallic variant. Thus the P.U.L.S adds a splash of colour to the grey shades dominating the Wilhelmina Pier.

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How Does the P.U.L.S. Work?

Until recently, cruise passenger luggage was handled in a 'party tent' on the dock, which obstructured the view of the HAL – a listed monument – for six months a year. TomDavid worked hard to maintain the sight of the Cruise Terminal from the water and designed a folding structure that takes up space only at its time of use.

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The sturdy steel construction, with only two front columns and a truss, allows for a large span and gives the terrace a floating appearance. To protect the steel columns from driving collisions, they are stood in concrete bollards. The P.U.L.S. works like an inverted umbrella.

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The membrane walls, made of sailing canvas, can be lowered to create a temporary luggage space within four minutes. With the press of a button, it can be folded away once the vessel has departed. In the evening, light shines through the folded cloth, making the café’s terrace seem to float on light, and it avoids creating a disquieting atmosphere under the terrace. The entire structure was devised by TomDavid and further engineered in consultation with Poly-Ned. Heijmans made the concrete and steel structure.