Kraaijvanger

A sleeping giant has settled on the fifth facade, the roof, of Zwemcentrum Rotterdam. It is one of a family "Sleeping Giants" from the French artist duo Ella & Pitr. They painted the 60 giants of the family on roofs all over the world. Also on the roof of the Maassilo. Kraaijvanger is proud to welcome the giant to the international top sport swimming center. The two giants represent the talent and potential of residents from the surrounding neighborhoods, which is not always visible in the city. How beautiful is it that the Rotterdam giants were painted together with young people from South Rotterdam on the occasion of the Rotterdam Roof Days?

Developments in Hart van Zuid Rotterdam
For Kraaijvanger it is symbolic of the developments in and of this part of Rotterdam. “As an architect and as a supervisor of the Masterplan Hart van Zuid Rotterdam, we are closely connected to Rotterdam South with designs for Rotterdam Ahoy, the metro station and the area-enhancing Swimming Centre, among others. Super cool that giants are now watching over this area. ”Said Hans Goverde, David Hess and Vincent van der Meulen.

Eco
The giants painted with sustainable eco-paint can only be seen from the air. Artist Pitr finds it important that the giants sleep, "to show a contrast between the chaos of humanity and these figures who dream of better times."
The Sleeping Giants were created with support from the Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdams Weerweer, Rotterdam Architectuur Maand, CBK Rotterdam, Hart van Zuid and Simonis Verf.

Interest
The giants enjoy great interest. Dutch media NRC, AD Rotterdam and RTV Rijnmond reported extensively about it. In addition, Rotterdamse Dakendagen will distribute postcards of the Sleeping Giants and intends to give guided tours of the giants during upcoming editions.

Olympic competition pool
On February 23, 2018, alderman Adriaan Visser opened the brand new Rotterdam Swimming Center. Kraaijvanger Architects designed it as an area-enhancing transformation from office to swimming pool for different target groups with NOC * NSF Olympic 50 meter competition pool. This first realized project within the Hart van Zuid Rotterdam area development contributes to social, economic and sporting characteristics at local, regional and global level. For example, the hospitality industry including LISA increases the activity and liveliness on the Gooilandsingel, the neighborhood has received a swimming pool for sporting swimming for individuals, for swimming associations and for health purposes, the building houses various companies and international swimming competitions and events take place regularly.