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Rive Gauche Rotterdam

Ribbon of leisure facilities along the Schie: Spangen Development in The Netherlands – design by morePlatz architects

5 Feb 2010

Rive Gauche Rotterdam

Design: morePlatz

Spangen is defined by a classical symmetric urban layout and its circular borders – uneasily to transgress.

The centre of the neighbourhood is lacking liveliness and atmosphere. Points of interest – Sparta Stadion, Marconi towers and Van Nelle Factory – surround the area outside its boundaries.

‘Rive Gauche’ focusses on one side of these boundaries, the left riverside of the Delfshavense Schie. Along the banks a range of spatial and programmatic incisions are proposed in order to stimulate new connections, especially between the Van Nelle factory and the area Spangen.

Infrastructure

‘RIve Gauche’ is a programmed ribbon of leisure facilities along the Schie. The Van Nelle factory as final destination changes in this context from an exclusive enclave to a local public space.

The passage beneath the tracks is refurbished and designed as ‘switch’ to all directions. A new bicycle bridge passes the Schie and connects the new sport facilities. The former ‘end’ of Spangen becomes an active podium for bikers, hikers, skaters and with half pipes and skating ranges.

Programme

The linear array of leisure programm reaches from tabletennis to rowing club, BBQ to openair pool, sports to recreation.

Close to the Design factory a kids daycare center for the families of the creatice class is introduced. A reused spheric gas tank serves as playfactory ‘Vanille’ in the garden of the Van Nelle factory which is opened up for the next generation.

Woonfabriek Spangen

The relation of Spangen and Van Nelle is further strengthend by a new housing block that spans across the river Schie – a physical connection, visible from far. The plinth of this ‘living bridge’ is filled with cafes, bars and studios.

The ‘woonfabriek’ offers large scale lofthouses with a splendid view to the skyline of the inner city and Delfts Harbour.

It’s architecture relates to storehouses and accommodates unique living space for the creative class and workers at the Van Velle Designfactory.

Rive Gauche Rotterdam images / information from morePlatz architects

morePlatz

Location: Spangen, Rotterdam, The Netherlands