Today we’re going to talk about the modern architecture capital of the world.
One of the most remarkable elements of the city is its modern architectural style, which
is distinctive in comparison to the native European architectural background.
It’s a city with several personalities: a rugged port, lively nightlife, a city with
upscale shopping, and a hip artistic scene.
It’s foremost the Dutch city of architecture that fosters innovation with a skyline that’s
constantly evolving.
So without stretching it any further let’s look at the top five things that you can do
in Rotterdam, the modern architecture capital of the world.
5.
The ginormous Erasmus Bridge
The Erasmus bridge is the result of a collaborative design process.
Construction, urbanism, infrastructure, and public functions are all given shape in a
single gesture that is complicated to understand.
The bridge was built to make it easier to orchestrate traffic levels, and its design
draws on and reflects Rotterdam's industrial heritage, adding to the story of the city.
The bridge serves as the final crossing point between the northern and southern parts of
the city, and the architectural size and design articulation of the structure have made it
stand out against the skyline.
A bascule part in the middle of the bridge opens to let bigger ships travel through the
waterways.
This magnificent achievement of contemporary engineering serves as a backdrop for the port
of Rotterdam and is a lovely structure to look at and stroll across.
A unique lighting project highlights the interior of the bridge, with its bundles of wires towering
high above the sea as a dematerialized reflection of its daytime identity, when the bridge is
reduced to a silhouette at night.
4.
Get lost in the Cube Houses
The cube house is exactly what its name implies: a group of buildings with a cuboid shape.
Piet Blom created this strange and eccentric housing complex, and the cubes that make up
its structure are tilted at a 45-degree inclination.
The Cube Houses' tale is fascinating!
During WWII, the city was destroyed, leaving no significant remnants.
Following the war, there was a great need to restore the city architecturally, to make
it unique.
As a result, efforts were made to contrast the prior utilitarian architecture, and the
Cube residences are one of the finest examples of the city's early symbols of modernism.
Attempts were also undertaken to make the structures more appealing, as the city's reconstruction
included mostly gray architecture.
As a result, yellow was chosen for the façade because of the psychological impression it
produces—optimism and brightness.
The cubes are unlike any other form of home you will see, and the idea behind them is
fascinating; you wonder how the residents manage the odd angles of the walls and windows.
One of the cubes is open to the public so you can see inside the structure that from
a distance resembles an old 2D computer game.
3.
Climb up the Euromast Tower The Euromast is arguably the most well-known
structure in Rotterdam.
Nevertheless, despite its widespread recognition, many people are unaware of its exact nature
and the activities that are available there.
The innovativeness of this old tower can startle you.
The Euromast design is modeled like a ship's mast, as the name implies.
Consequently, it is a large pole with a sort of nest at the top.
The Euromast is so much more than just a tower.
It is the best way to see Rotterdam's skyline.
Tall buildings are not always necessary to be built to observe city skylines, but in
Rotterdam, this luxury is unquestionably necessary.
This city boasts a skyline that might exist, and it draws a lot of tourists each year.
The Maas, with its harbors, the Erasmus Bridge that spans it, and the enormous and gorgeous
city behind it, offers breathtaking sights.
Particularly at night, when the city is beautifully lit up and the scenery is spectacular.
The mast is adjacent to the Maas tunnel and historical Delfshaven is also accessible by
foot.
Do you find looking at the skyline to be a little boring?
Do you appreciate being brave and having adventures?
You might find it hard to believe, but you can zip line or abseil from the Euromast!
If you truly want to experience the Euromast but don't need to do it extremely, you can,
for example, zip line or take the 112-meter-high Euroscoop panorama lift.
The Euromast provides the option to stay the night in addition to the food and drinks.
Visitors are ensured a fitting finale to a fun tour in this way.
2.
The modern Rotterdam Central Station The central station is just one example of
the modern and distinctive architecture seen throughout Rotterdam.
Since the new terminal's opening in 2014, its architecture has gained considerable recognition.
The structure is triangular and projects upward at a sharp angle.
Approximately 110,000 people use Central Station every day to board a bus, tram, rail, or metro.
There are multiple daily stops here, sometimes even hourly, for intercity trains from all
across the Netherlands (including Intercity Direct), Thalys, Eurostar, and other international
high-speed trains.
The Central Station has undergone a complete transformation in recent years, and the station
building is now one of Rotterdam's architectural landmarks.
The station entrance's clock and big inscriptions were moved from the old station to preserve
some of its history.
Solar panels cover a portion of the roof above the tracks, which seamlessly melds with the
roof over the station hall.
This modern and efficient structure provides travelers to and from the port city with all
of the conveniences and comfort they may want or need in the present and future.
1.
Visit the oldest gothic church - Grote of Sint- Laurenskerk
Sint Laurenskerk, built in the late Gothic style, is the last surviving remains of Rotterdam's
Medieval city.
Set amid modern Rotterdam's urban expansion, the old church has become a symbol of the
city's endurance in the face of adversity During World War II, the bombings seriously
damaged Sint Laurenskerk, and it lay neglected for a time, its stately structure crumbling
from the inside.
However, rather than being demolished, the church was restored at the request of Queen
Juliana of the Netherlands.
The church stands out against Rotterdam's relatively modern skyline since it is situated
in the heart of the ancient town, close to the Maritime Museum and the Erasmus Bridge.
The church's interior is particularly lovely, with several ornate arches, tall vaulted ceilings,
a variety of stone reliefs, and extensive religious ornamentation.
Today, Sint Laurenskerk still holds mass and offers concerts, seminars, and other events.
The church holds a permanent exhibition about the history of the city.
The exhibit is divided into 20 distinct pieces and is located in the side chapels of the
cathedral.
The history of the city, the World War II bombs, and the renovation of the church are
all covered in the exhibits' and audiovisuals.
A lot to learn here!
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The thing with Rotterdam is that it has such a diverse and perfect blend of museums, old
cobblestone streets, and some slick, modern neighborhoods that are very cool.
Additionally, it radiates a lot of Dutch kindness and charm.
So why not visit it the next chance you get?
And when do you plan on doing that?
Let us know in the comments below.
And as always, where to next?