World Port Centre Rotterdam

The World Port Centre in Rotterdam (WPC) overlooks thecity and surrounding harbour from its prominent location at the far westernpoint of the Wilhelmina pier, next to Mecanoo s iconic Montevideo Tower. Designedby Norman Foster and completed in 2000, the WPC facilities were no longer fitfor purpose. Mecanoo was commissioned to upgrade the ground floor and part ofthe first floor of the 32-storey office building. Good accessibility, improvedconnections to the outside, social interaction and an inviting street level areprinciples that guided Mecanoo s renovation. Mecanoo s user perspective method creates a concept touse the lobby as the start of the working environment by facilitating variousactivities. The concept enfolds, based on the semi-circle form of Foster sbuilding, with various rooms where diverse formal and informal activities could be facilitated. Rooms to meet, rooms to drink, roomsto relax, rooms to wait, rooms to work, rooms to have an event. The Rooms bothfacilitate the formal functions, such as security, the welcome desk and lockers, as well as more informalamenities like a meeting space, lounge areas and the main bar for biggerevents. The design uses the space along the facade for seating and locates all facilities along thebuilding core with improvedsightlines and inside-outside connections. Design elements with a strongidentity, such as theRotterdam Port Authority backlit logo and the airy curtain above the bar arevisible from the exterior. These iconic elements add value and create a senseof place for the employees and visitors. A new spiral staircase connects thelobby and first floor and offers scenic views of the water. Various types of planters bring nature indoors and createa healthy atmosphere. A variety of seating options for individuals or groupscreate spaces to eat, play, create or meet. Stepping down towards the water, agenerous terrace acts as an extension of the restaurant. With a bar along theperimeter and integrated planting, the terrace can host different events, fromparties to lectures. Durable materials were chosen to match the character of thearea. The location of the different materials are determined by how thedifferent rooms will be used, both from an acoustic and durability perspective. The lifts lobby was upgraded with cladding that emphasizes the cut in thebuilding core. Water ripple hammered metal panels hint to the harbour, and thenew dark ceiling matches the entrance area. A safe, inclusive, and comfortable environment ensures ahealthy office. Prioritising the health and wellbeing of all its users, theproject pursues WELL certification. To achieve this, Mecanoo s strategyinvolved introducing water tap points to stimulate drinking water and reducewasteful bottle consumption. By using natural sound-absorbing materials wecreated a pleasant working environment. Stairs became more prominent to stimulate movement. The reception and office space weremoved to maximise the connections to the outside. We reused many of the existing internal elements andfinishes, such as the ceiling, flooring, the ventilation for fresh air and theconvectors for heating the space. We used certified wood and low maintenance materialsthat can be re-used. Indoor and outdoor greenery enhances biodiversity createsa healthy atmosphere and improves acoustics. Programme: Renovationand upgrade of the ground floor, mezzanine and terrace areas; new concept,layout and functions: reception, coffee bar, check-in desks, meeting space, seating, lift lobbyand terrace(500m2) totalling 1,550 m2 Design: 2020 2021 Realisation: 2021