Hart van Zuid

Rotterdam

request

We direct and shape the largest and most complex area development in the Netherlands

Hart van Zuid is the new center, the heart of Rotterdam South. Through new construction and renovation, the district has been transformed into a vital urban area where people like to come and stay.

Starting in 2016, the area around Shopping Center Zuidplein and Ahoy will undergo a total metamorphosis. The first major milestone of the Hart van Zuid area development was the completion of the Rotterdam Swimming Center, followed by the opening of the new Theater Zuidplein with a branch of the Rotterdam Library and expansion of the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre (RACC). In 2022, the new bus station and the Zuidplein Shopping Center were added. In 2023, the outdoor space was completely redesigned and the Ibis Hotel opposite Ahoy opened its doors. Work is currently underway on the development of a new station hall, housing and a cinema.

Kraaijvanger, as supervisor and architect, has been commissioned to (re)build this special piece of the city. Together with Ballast Nedam and Heijmans we are responsible for this complex area development.

concept

Boosting Liveliness in the Public Space. Connecting, Decelerating and Meeting are Key Themes

The master plan is based on connecting, decelerating and meeting. The different parts of the city are reconnected by a number of radical interventions. The era in which traffic, concrete and unsafe underpasses dominated this area is coming to an end. In principle our urban designs include buildings that have their feet firmly on the ground. The new and renovated buildings are always at the service of the public space and provide streets and squares with lively façades. Shops and hospitality outlets are housed in the bases of buildings. Gooilandsingel connects Zuiderpark in the south to Tarwewijk in the north. This axis is a promenade for pedestrians and cyclists.

On the new, centrally located Annie M.G. Schmidtplein are a library, an arts building with theatre, a swimming pool, a stadswinkel (municipal information point) and cafés and restaurants.

The Gooilandsingel is connected to the Zuiderpark by the new Ahoyplein. This square is provided with façades on both sides: by the extension of Ahoy to the west and by a cinema and a hotel to the east.

The making of

We remain involved in the transformation beyond 2040

For the design, Ballast Nedam has engaged additional expertise together with construction and development partner Heijmans. For example, Kraaijvanger is responsible for the supervision, further elaboration of the Master Plan and for the architectural elaboration of Ahoy, Plein op Zuid, the Rotterdam Swimming Center and the public transport hub. Karres and Brands landscape architects are designing the public space and De Zwarte Hond is the architect of the arts building. Kraaijvanger and the consortium will also take on the maintenance and operation of a number of premises. This will keep us involved in the transformation until after 2040.

significance

Sustainable Growth and Transformation into a Trendy and Thriving South Bank

The change in the area is already being felt. A tangible example of this is the plinth of the Swimming Center, which now houses cozy restaurants and unusual stores. On the same Annie MG Schmidtplein, the theater has also been completed. With the renovated Ahoy and the grounds around it, Rotterdam South will get a great boost with an international center in the field of Business and Entertainment.

Residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs have an active role in filling in the plans, which will be worked out in the coming years. A gradual transformation of Hart van Zuid is leading, making the vision future-proof and sufficiently flexible to respond to changing circumstances and market developments in the coming decades. The evolving Master Plan includes an 'opportunity map' with opportunities to develop new locations together with stakeholders. This is a deliberate strategy to facilitate sustainable growth and improvement of Rotterdam South. For example, more housing projects will be realized within the planning area to attract young potentials to the area. By densifying around Gooilandsingel and introducing plint functions that contribute to enriching urban life in the area around Zuidplein, Hart van Zuid is developing into a trendy and upcoming district.

RUGGEDISED

Hart van Zuid is part of the project RUGGGGEDISED. The aim of this project is to prepare the city

for a sustainable future. Each city develops and tests new techniques at a pre-designated place in their own city. The results and experiences are shared.

These include: