Hart van Zuid

Rotterdam

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Managing and Designing the Largest and Most Complex Area Development in the Netherlands

Rotterdam-Zuid is changing for the better, and will continue to do so in the coming years. New construction and renovation are transforming the districts on the south bank of the Maas River into vital parts of the city that people enjoy inhabiting and visiting. In addition to ambitious projects such as Hart van Zuid, Feyenoord City, Stadionpark and the extension of event venue Ahoy, the south bank districts are also receiving a makeover.

As supervisor and architect, Kraaijvanger is being given the chance to (re)build this unique part of the city and – together with Ballast Nedam and Heijmans – is responsible for the complex area development involved.

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. Raising the existing Zuidplein shopping centre and connecting the public transport station to the lower urban square by wide staircases gives the shopping centre a clear address, with room for encounter and recreation.

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 extension of Ahoy includes an international conference centre for nearly 3,000 people, a music hall for 7,000 visitors and a new entrance area. The new Ahoyplein will be surrounded by a new cinema, a hotel, restaurants and a wellness centre. This international Business and Entertainment centre will greatly increase Rotterdam Zuid’s momentum.

The making of

We remain engaged in transformation beyond 2040

Ballast Nedam and its construction and development partner Heijmans called in additional expertise for the realization of the design. Kraaijvanger is responsible for the supervision, the further development of the master plan and the architectural development of Ahoy, Plein op Zuid, Zwemcentrum Rotterdam and the Zuidplein public transport hub. Karres & Brands Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning are taking care of the public space and De Zwarte Hond designed the arts building. Kraaijvanger and the consortium will also be responsible for the maintenance and operation of a number of buildings. This means we will remain 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: