groupE contest "finding the urban condition" 2002
with Thomas Popp
The harbor of Rotterdam is one of Europe's most important harbors, and under constant change since 1990.
Most of all along the river "New Maas", old harbor areas have been redesigned for new purposes, such as the new Kop van Zuid,
where residences and offices find there place next to the waterfront.
In the project, a new urban structure was designed for the old Waal Harbor, that goes a step further and creates a close relation
between the element of water, and the residents. The ever changing low and high of the waters define public and privates spaces new with the tide.
The new structures are supported by offices, comercial areas and an oceanic institute, connecting to the history of the site.
The project covers five different harbor piers, each of them puts the concept of living to a different relation with the water (tide aprox. 2m):
From the perception of water as a border or barrier up to water as a private space everything is offered to dwellers.
While the residental structures incorporate the differnt themes of water, the central areas of the piers offer traffic infrastructure, business, commerce and education.
Along the northern side of the displayed pier, the structures form yards. Some are gardens, some have a sand covered slope and form small beaches.
On the southern side, a terraced structure offers views on the harbor basin, with private spaces floating on the water.
All spaces change with the tide, some constantly and slow, others abrupt and suddenly, depending on the geometry of the waterfront.
The new urban condition is spatial change through the tide.
