Blaak 31

A large number of new projects in Rotterdam’s Laurenskwartier (Laurens quarter) contribute to the current revival of the historic city of Rotterdam. A new series of buildings for living and working is added to the reconstruction architecture of the 1950’s to make the centre lively and attractive again. The office building 'Blaak 31' with 23.000 m2 office space is one of those projects. 

Blaak 31 is situated alongside the future market hall designed by MVDRV. This location on the corner of Blaak and Binnenrotte is a striking and historically significant position in the city where it lacked urban intimacy. The design therefore provides a lively street profile with public functions. At the same time it gives a spatial limit to the Binnenrotte. Together with other initiatives in the immediate vicinity, the whole area will be transformed into an attractive part of the centre of Rotterdam.

On this important site the 12-storey building shows a striking form, representative and recognisable. The volumes are slightly rotated relative to each other and shift 2,70 meters every three floors. This form is partly determined by the distance to the market hall with the aim of maximum light and privacy for both buildings. In addition, the underground tube affects the contour of the building. The façade, with its horizontal lines of glass and natural stone, emphasises the shape of the building and allows good daylighting inside the offices and generous views to the street activities outside.