Providing a Showcase for Young Makers

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#2 ROTTERDAM-CENTRALDISTRICT.NLRCD MAY 2021

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M A G A Z I N E

PROVIDING A SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG MAKERS

Linda van der Vleuten, co-founder Opperclaes

UNILEVER VOX POPS GROENEMORGEN Mobility as a Sustainable RCD People are taking Dreaming of a Weena Service the stage parkscape with pavement ENJOY THE TASTE OF

2 HOMEMADE HONESTY!

EAT REAL FOOD

LEBKOV & SONS ROTTERDAM STATIONSPLEIN 50 06:00 - 18:30 | MON-FRI [GROOT HANDELSGEBOUW] 07:30 - 17:00 | SAT & SUN @LEBKOV PREFACE PROUDLY PRESENTING OUR SECOND ENJOY THE ISSUE! The next issue is scheduled for the 6th of September We’re thrilled that you’ve picked up this second issue of RCD Magazine! This magazine TASTE OF fills you in on developments in RCD and spotlights the diversity of entrepreneurs and businesses, stakeholders and partners active R in this district. C D

Featured on the cover of this issue is Linda van der Vleuten, co-founder of Opperclaes. If you’ve ever wondered who’s be- HOMEMADE 3 hind all the marvellous mural paintings in RCD – that’s Opper- claes! Opperclaes provides a contemporary art platform for young makers who are just starting off. Linda talked to us about her work and her perspective on RCD. M A

For this issue, we also paid an illuminating visit to our partner, G HONESTY! Unilever. They’re working on adapting their mobility scheme A one step at a time so as to enable all staff to commute to the Z area as efficiently and sustainably as possible. Read the full I article on pages 46 & 47. N E

A big thank you to all of our partners who shared their won- EAT REAL derful stories for this issue. Got an idea for us? Feel free to FOOD drop us a line at [email protected]. Hope to see you soon at one of the outdoor terraces in RCD!

Happy reading!

Romy Lange Rob Ittmann

RCD Publishers Rotterdam Central District Association

THANKS TO LEBKOV & SONS ROTTERDAM STATIONSPLEIN 50 06:00 - 18:30 | MON-FRI [GROOT HANDELSGEBOUW] 07:30 - 17:00 | SAT & SUN @LEBKOV 4 INDEX

21 15 34

UNILEVER VOX POPS GROENEMORGEN Mobility as a Sustainable RCD People are taking Dreaming of a Weena Service the stage parkscape with pavement

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coverstory M PROVIDING A SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG MAKERS A G Linda van der Vleuten, Co-Owner Opperclaes A Z I N E

7 What’s on? 28 Living in RCD Check the RCD Agenda 32 Success story Marcus Groeneveld: 8 Linda van der Vleuten, Co-Owner Opperclaes “With perseverance and hard work, you may achieve anything” Providing a showcase for young makers 34 Savills – Partner 15 RCD Up2Date Renovating Rotterdam gems 16 Unilever 36 D&B the Facility Group Mobility as a Sustainable Service …… 18 RCD People 38 WTC Rotterdam Are taking the stage Revitalized WTC: A multifunctional, dynamic place 20 Coffee Break 41 RCD Interview OPERATOR: With Alida Dors, artistic director at Theater Rotterdam “The city’s alternative and cultural sound” 22 Maarsen Groep 42 Architecture: Schieblock In the spotlight: Premier Suites & Offices 45 RCD Interview Groenemorgen: 25 RCD Hotspots Dreaming of a Weena parkscape with pavement 26 #RCD Online 47 Join the Rotterdam Central District Community 27 Column by Eduard Voorn 48 Memoboard Soon safe for Louboutin stilettos and funky sneakers 51 RCD Members & Colophon TRADEMARK LAW

OUR EXPERTS WILL UPDATE YOU ON RECENT TRADEMARKS CASES IN THIS (FREE OF CHARGE) WEBINAR. SCAN THE QR-CODE TO REGISTER.

6 AGENDA WHAT’S ON? For the latest updates and any changes, see www.rotterdamfestivals.nl

EUROVISION StudioVollaersZwart © SONG CONTEST 14-22 May

Apart from live shows in Ahoy, Rotterdam will be hosting a range of other Eurovision activities, Covid-measures permitting. In any case, some of the city programming – with a big spotlight on vocal talent – will be streamed online.

R C D © Fleur Beerthuis © Fleur

ROTTERDAM ROOFTOP DAYS M ROTTERDAM 3-6 June A ART WEEK G 30 June-4 July After 2020’s online edition, this year’s A Rotterdam Rooftop Days are all geared Z Rotterdam Art Week transforms up for a Covid-proof festival weekend. I the city into a mecca for art, design The event seeks to promote rooftop N and architecture lovers. This year’s Beerthuis © Fleur use by demonstrating how they can E festival has been moved from add to a healthy, attractive, lively February to the summer. and future-proof urban environment. This festival is part of Rotterdam Architecture Month.

Following the most recent virtual winter edition, IFFR returns to celebrate its 50th. All films will be available online, and the IFFR Unleashed streaming platform will also show a pick of the best films from the past fifty festivals. COVER STORY

PROVIDING A SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG MAKERS

Linda van der Vleuten, born in Nederweert in the province of Limburg, has lived in Rotterdam for 18 years. After studying graphic design at the School of Art & Design in Den Bosch and Breda, she decided to put down roots in Rotterdam. Then as now, landing a job at a good design studio wasn’t easy. Still too inexperienced to start her own business, Linda wound up working at a succession of agencies. There she learned a lot, but never felt quite at home. In 2007, Linda met Bruce Tsai-Meu-Chong, and in 2010 they opened a gallery together: Opperclaes. Neighbours offered the couple an old vacant ground-floor shop to use as a project space for three months. They crammed their calendar with projects and expos, setting up new openings nearly every week. In the end, they got to use the space for seven years, enabling them to build Opperclaes from the ground up.

YOU HOST EXHIBITIONS IN YOUR GALLERY ON CLAES DE VRIESLAAN AND TAKE ON A

HAIR & MAKEUP Peetoom Rob VARIETY OF PROJECTS ON LOCATION. WHAT KINDS OF EXHIBITIONS AND PROJECTS ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? We ran Opperclaes gallery from 2010 to 2017. We noticed that, like us, many artists, designers and photographers had a hard time forging a path for themselves after art school. They can’t get a foot- Ruben Stam hold because they’re not known or experienced enough to get gallery shows or enough clients to make a living. We had this amazing space in the city and tried to offer a showcase for as many talent- ed people as possible – a first, for many. It was an experiment, but I’d say we did really well. And in those seven years we also built up a big network that’s still immensely valuable to us nowadays. In PHOTOGRAPHY 2010 we called it quits. It was time for a next step and we were increasingly keen to make work of our own. There were a growing number of requests and commissions coming from outside the gallery and we wanted to focus on those: to make our own work again, while still collaborating with the

Romy Lange many artists and designers we got to know through the gallery. It’s still important to us to connect

TEXT young designers and artists with clients, and we’re still curating all kinds of projects. R C D

M A G A Z I N “We believe art E should be for everybody, not just for the elite. Artworks evoke emotion in everyone, they set something in motion.” COVER STORY

10 COVER STORY

“RCD is a fertile place: there are lots of terrific things being developed and produced here.”

BRUCE TSAI-MEU-CHONG IS YOUR PARTNER, BOTH IN ic things being developed and produced here. It encourages LIFE AND BUSINESS. HOW DID YOU TWO MEET? us to keep working to enhance the public space, both in and Bruce and I met through a mutual friend. We were at a horrible outside RCD. There’s also an incredible energy here. We work party in the Maassilo and got to talking. A few days later we from a studio along the railway tracks in the Schiekadeblok went to the première of a documentary about Wu-Tang Clan and are surrounded by wonderful, hardworking partners. We at Thalia – that was our first date. Bruce was still in art school support each other’s progress. The architectural firm ZUS, in Utrecht, and I had a job with Unilever. Our lives were run- Operator, Hiphophuis, the furniture maker Jeroen van Sluis, ning on very different tracks, but in 2010 we finally moved in Biergarten, Pinkman’s record shop, Poing (previously BAR), together. Now we have two kids and work together full time. MESS, Crimson Historians & Urbanists and so many more That’s going surprisingly well. We don’t always see eye to eye, with whom we’re striving to make this area more beautiful, of course, but we complement each other well. better and recognized. Despite the fact that the Schiekade- block finds itself in a turbulent time and many changes will R YOU MENTIONED HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BOTH take place in the near future, we consider this a creative C OF YOU TO PROVIDE A SHOWCASE PARTICULARLY period in which beautiful collaborations can arise with new D FOR ARTISTS JUST STARTING OUT. WHY IS THAT SO partners. We feel at home here and will remain in this area. IMPORTANT? We think the soul of the area is important. That is why we reg- It’s important that young makers are given opportunities. ularly get together with our neighbors Crimson Historians & 11 After all, you learn by doing. As an artist or designer, you’ve Urbanists to talk about the future and the preservation of got to be incredibly motivated, have discipline and grit. Even the creative ecosystem of the Rotterdam area. more so when you’re taking your first steps. Not everyone gets M lucky, so to give someone an opportunity could well make all WHAT MORE DO YOU THINK RCD NEEDS? IS THERE A the difference for them. Had our neighbours not offered us ANYTHING MISSING HERE? G that space years ago, Opperclaes would never have existed. We think it would be great for the area to have a public out- A We feel it’s important to show clients and Rotterdam what a door sports facility. We’ve discussed this with MESS in the Z wealth of designers and artists we have, so projects don’t just past and did some sketches, so – who knows – maybe one day? I always end up going to the usual suspects. When we had our Wouldn’t it be great though if after a hard day’s work there N gallery, we noticed a lot of people have a hard time even cross- was a court with awesome murals where everyone could go E ing the threshold. That’s why, years ago, we started painting shoot some hoops? An RCD tournament: I can see it now! the mural on the side of the Hofbogen. Now we invite different artists to paint the wall each year, and it’s still a kind of WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2021? public gallery. We believe art should be for everybody, not just At the moment we’re hard at work on Project Rebound, one of for the elite. Artworks evoke emotion in everyone, they set our own initiatives that – thanks to CityLab010 and a whole something in motion. That’s another reason why we mostly bunch of others – we’re fortunate enough to start develop- work in public spaces. ing. This will transform the pitches along Beukelsdijk in Rot- terdam West into valuable public spaces where art and sports OPPERCLAES HAS A HIGH PROFILE IN RCD. WHAT’S converge. Working with residents and sport partners, we’ll YOUR VIEW OF THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD? be developing leadership programmes to turn this area into a We’re proud to have contributed to making this a highly positive gathering space, with a massive 2,500 m2 floor paint- diverse area. We painted the Schieblock Luchtsingel [‘air ing. This project will start taking shape this summer. It’s been canal’, ed.], our studio and Joren Joshua collaborated on a a long road, but it’s amazing to be going into production now. large mural, we curated the two painted tunnels here, sup- Moreover, we’re also continuing on existing projects like the plied new paintings for Biergarten and laid out a skate park Opperclaes XL-Hofbogen mural project, the Luchtsingel and in Park Pompenburg with great big wooden 3D letters for the skate park in Park Pompenburg, and there are various oth- skateboarding. RCD is a fertile place: there are lots of terrif- er projects in the pipeline we hope to tackle soon. 12

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ROB PEETOOM ROTTERDAM | MEENT 128 | 3011 JS ROTTERDAM | 010 411 87 11 BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.ROBPEETOOM.COM RP_195x270mm_R'DAM_magazine.pdf 2 04-05-2021 17:45

UPDATES RCD UP 2 DATE There’s no lack of urban renewal and development in Rotterdam Central District. On this page, we keep you up to date with the most important news about the place you work, live or come to visit. ELECTRIC CAR-SHARING PILOT WILL START THIS SUMMER

As spring transitions into summer, public life in Rotterdam naturally gravitates towards the green oases scattered throughout the historically industrial port city. Safe, inclusive, healthy and green streets and spaces are becoming ever more abundant throughout the crowded city centre and this will only increase in the foreseeable future. This transformation R C of public spaces is facilitated by freeing up space in conjunc- C M tion with other green transitions sprouting from Rotterdam’s D Y innovative ecosystem. Shared mobility not only facilitates the

CM growing demand for inclusive mobility within the developing Rotterdam Central District, but also frees up space to create 15 MY BICYCLE PARKING CONRADSTRAAT these green oases. That’s why during the first weeks of sum- CY mer, Rotterdam will introduce their green electric carsharing CMY In succession of the recent expansion of the pilot in RCD. In collaboration with the participating carsharing M K bicycle parking along the Stationssingel, a new partners, an initial fleet of up to 20 electric vehicles will be sta- A bicycle parking will be built next to the bus tioned and made accessible at the covered car park Schouw- G station near Rotterdam Central Station. The burgplein 2, better known as the Kruispleingarage. Rotterdam A parking facility consists of approximately 1.000 aims for a greener future in the broadest sense of the word Z spaces and also offers parking space for scoot- while ensuring freedom of mobility for everybody. I ers and large sized bicycles. It will replace the N temporary scooter parking facility and provides E highly needed bicycle parking space as well. The parking facility is located between the train BRAND-NEW APP: station and the bus station, right next to the COMPANY EXPLORER bicycle tunnel. During the design process, much attention has been paid to the green appear- Want to find out which shops and ance of the current location. The parking facil- businesses are based in all the different ity has been designed in such a way that part of buildings in RCD? Looking for a creative MORNING RUSH the green hill is preserved. This grass edge sur- agency or web designer near you? LUNCH TIME rounds the parking facility, so this spot retains Now, it’s easy to check out who your its green appearance. The parking is designed in neighbours are! You can also update AFTER WORK such a way that the bicycle racks are partly hid- your own business profile: just claim Rushing in between appointments or far planned upfront, den from view by the green hills. However, users your business. Rob Peetoom Zuidas is here to get you ready for every occasion. of the parking are always clearly visible from Book online to ﬁnd the perfect time that suits you. the sidewalk for extra social safety. Construc- Find it all with this new tool at tion will take place immediately after the 2021 www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl. construction recess in August. Support your locals!

ROB PEETOOM ROTTERDAM | MEENT 128 | 3011 JS ROTTERDAM | 010 411 87 11 BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.ROBPEETOOM.COM RCD PARTNER Unilever: Mobility as a Sustainable Service

It was more than ten years ago that Unilever introduced its Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) and demonstrated that corporate profit and sustainability can go hand in hand. During those years, the need for action became a public priority and sustainable living a hot topic for organizations and individuals alike. Pioneering as ever, Unilever is currently designing a ‘Future of the Workplace’, in which sustainable mobility plays a key part. Charlotte Potman, HR specialist for employee and industrial relations, and her colleague Laura Knoop, HR business partner, have both worked at Unilever for years and were closely involved in developing the company’s new sustainable mobility plan.

One of the most significant things to have changed this past year is office work cultures. As working from home became the norm, a huge shift took place in our mindset about where we work. At Unilever, mobility plans until recently revolved around a five-day working week at a single location. Its new plan, by contrast, is based on four pillars. The four pillars entail: sustainability, employee experience, future of work(place), and simplicity. “Underpinning it all is Unilever’s purpose: ‘Making sustainable living commonplace’. We need to create a sustainable mobility community. We need that to make sustainable living into a commonplace thing. A sustainable mobility policy will advance sustainable behaviour in our workforce”, Laura explains. One ambition is to get to one green mobility scheme. Its Weena location has adopted a mobility scheme promoting public transport use. Unilever’s new office on Hofplein, however, seems to have made less of an effort. But that’s about to change. Charlotte Potman

FUTURE OF THE WORKPLACE Ruben Stam In spite of all the uncertainty in the world right now, Unilever is hard at work to explore and map the ‘Future of the Workplace’ and develop a suitable mobility model that’s flexible and not tethered to specific journeys and mobility patterns. According to Charlotte, “The results of various surveys we’ve done with our staff, discussion PHOTOGRAPHY groups and meetings with our central works council, indicate that people would wel- come a flexible mobility plan. On the other hand, we’ve also noticed they aren’t yet consciously thinking about alternative options to travel to and from work. For us, it’s important to get people on board with this plan and, if needed, advise them on journey options.” This is further supported by the ‘Employee Experience’, which is also about flexibility and catering to individual needs that may vary from one day

Romy Lange & Céline Boute to the next. In essence, this mobility plan leaves the role and meaning of ‘flexibility’

TEXT open for everyone to define it as suits them best. Laura Knoop

STIMULATING SUSTAINABILITY The incentives and mobility reimbursements Unilever offers employees at its R Weena office have boosted uptake of this option. Now, with Unilever having C traded its De Brug location for Hofplein, the team are hopeful mobility behaviour D will shift in a more sustainable direction here, too, according to Charlotte. “Our new model is about rewarding sustainable mobility, by updating the traditional bike scheme where you can also purchase an e-bike in exchange for vacation days. 17 Many of our employees are making use of that arrangement. Basically, we’re trying to make mobility easier and more accessible while also giving people an added incentive.” The fourth and final pillar is ‘Simplicity’. To achieve this, all non-car M leasers will be offered one and the same scheme they may taylor to their own A requirements. It has to be simple for employees to use and easy for the organiza- G tion to implement, Laura sums up. The fact that all providers are facilitated via a A single app, is in the interests of simplicity, too. Z I N E “Underpinning it all is Unilever’s purpose: Making sustainable living commonplace”

POSITIVE CYCLE Currently, Unilever is working hard to anchor all these elements in the plan’s four pillars. Charlotte: “It’s such an interesting issue and we can’t wait to see the results. The central works council hasn’t shied away from experimenting and giving its recommendations on this. Ultimately, we hope the experience and ease of use will spark a positive vibe in our people. Then we can all contribute toward a sustainable future!” VOX POPS TAKING THE STAGE

Rotterdam Central District is a district in development. Which means that it’s still undiscovered territory for many. RCD Magazine hit the streets to ask what ‘RCD’ actually stands for, and what it represents to you. With the early spring sun shining, you shared your very diverse and personal perspectives. CHANTAL RISSEEUW (19) “I just happened to notice on the magazine that it’s called Rotterdam Central District. I visit to this part of Rotterdam that much, but the area in front of the station has nice spots where you can sit down. There 18 EVANDER are so many different kinds of HOPPS (21) buildings here, so to me it rep- “I think it stands for Rotterdam resents something completely Central something, but I’m not different from, say, a city like sure what the something is. This Amsterdam.” is a very important part of the city for me, personally, because of its skateboarding opportunities. This piece of Rotterdam is NIRVANA ACHTERBERGH (32) basically skater-central for the “Having been born and raised in Rotterdam, the city centre is my favourite part of whole country. I live in Gouda, the city. So, working at Centraal Station, I’m totally at home. RCD draws a mixed, but regularly come here with youthful and artistic crowd. That’s also what it represents for me: the part of the friends.” city that has all kinds of people, cultures and businesses.”

JEAN JALONG (60) “This part of the city is marvellous. Ruben Stam I’m from Rotterdam Zuid, but the Central District is a lovely place to be. There’s a nice buzz, it has a relaxed atmosphere and there are PHOTOGRAPHY lots of interesting people around.

I’m meeting someone here later on, so I came over early to enjoy the sunshine and the hustle and bustle.” TEXT Céline Boute BO VAN DEN HOEVER (25) “To be honest, I don’t know what RCD stands for, even though I work at Delftse- plein. We sometimes call this area the Zuidas of Rotterdam. There are good trans- R port links and clients like coming here. In talking to people you always notice this C part of the city makes an impression, and I’d recommend it as a business location D to anyone.”

19 NICOLAS WELIS (23) ARON OTTE “For me, this is a world away from small-town Leuven in Belgium, where (31) M I’m from. I’ve been living and working here for the past six months. Be- “I used to look at Delftse Poort A cause of the coronavirus, I’ve not experienced much of the urban life, but from my window when I was a G there’s definitely a wow-feeling just walking around here.” little boy. To me, it was always A synonymous with the centre of Z Rotterdam, since back then it was I tthe only skyscraper around. My N JOOST VAN father lived in the Central District E DER HEIJDEN for a long time. And he didn’t (22) recognize it when he went back re- “Having just started living cently. The constant developments and working in Rotterdam, I really make Rotterdam special.” can only say that the Central District is a cool place. People call it the New York of the Netherlands, and I think that fits. All the flashy buildings like Delftse Poort are really iconic. In my time off I enjoy going to Annabel, Biergarten and occa- sionally Toffler.” INTERVIEW COFFEE BREAK

Long affiliated with the city because of her exciting choreographies for Productiehuis Rotterdam (now Productiehuis Theater Rotterdam), and with many years’ experience as a maker and artistic manager of Solid Ground Movement, in 2020 Alida Dors decided it was time to step up her impact and work for change as artistic leader at Theater Rotterdam. Earlier this year she was promoted to artistic director, putting her fully in charge of pursuing her mission and vision.

20 HOW DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? WHAT’S THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN THIS CITY, IN “Theater Rotterdam is a performance stage and production YOUR VIEW? HOW IMPORTANT IS IT? company. We invite guests to present their work and com- “I strongly believe that culture connects. It brings different plete that programming with our own productions. In my sections of society together. During the pandemic, I’ve also vision, TR should revolve around the artists at the heart of observed that culture makes daily stresses easier to bear. the organization, so they’re visible and have room to contin- Just to take some time out and let yourself be enriched by a ue evolving. Alongside that, there has to be a focus on qual- story or someone’s imagination. For young people or people itative mutual relationships: relationships in which people with those interests, it’s also a tool for expression. It’s im- learn from one another. As a company, we also want to be a portant for everyone to have that.” reflection of the city, of the place we’re a part of.” IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD OR CHANGE WHAT DOES DANCE CULTURE MEAN TO YOU, AND IN RCD? WHAT IS IT YOU WANT PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE? “I’d love to contribute to the redesign of Schouwburgplein. “Movement releases pent-up energy and so it’s a kind of Artistic organizations could make a valuable contribution outlet. It’s great to just jam at a club, and at home with the there, I think. The power of the performing arts lies in orga- kids there’s loads of jumping and dancing. In the perform- nizing and orchestrating meetings between different kinds ing arts, dance gives me a way to share that energized state of public. It would be amazing if we could achieve that to- with the audience. It’s a tool to express myself. I want to gether and I’m looking forward to it.” evoke something in people – thoughts, feelings or empathy Mark Bolk with other perspectives on the world. Moving bodies are a IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE good medium for that, because first you feel something, WITH READERS OF RCD MAGAZINE? and then if there’s a good story the images stay with you. “We have to ride this out, but we’re in the process of organiz- The themes driving my work tend to revolve around conflict ing all kinds of ways to reunite with our audiences. This last PHOTOGRAPHY between the individual and society, or the tensions that year we worked on R.I.O.T. (Ready In Order To), a performance

come with socioeconomic growth.” we hope to put on early next year. For those who are interested, in May we’ll be releasing a filmic essay on the same theme with scenes from the show. We haven’t been idle and we’re

TEXT Céline Boute keenly anticipating the moment we can reopen.” “The power of the performing arts lies in organizing and orchestrating meetings between different

kinds R C of publics” D

M A G A Z I N E

ALIDA DORS

Age: Born in 1977 Job: Artistic director at Theater Rotterdam Hobbies: Inline skating, hiking and Thai boxing Favourite spot: Kruiskade IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Maarsen Groep has spent the past decade will house a mix of retail, hospitality, offices working on extensive, iconic developments and residential units. Premier Suites & at the Weenapoint location in the center of Offices, located at Weena 730, in the heart Rotterdam, a stone’s throw from Rotterdam of Rotterdam directly across from Centraal Centraal Station. Developments which Station, accommodates various functions make Maarsen Groep one of the key players such as a hotel, hospitality, a Business in the transformation of the Rotterdam Center and general office space, all of which Central District. complement each other to make a dynamic whole that’s active 24/7. Having renovated “the Monument” into a modern and sustainable A-label head office The unique combination of hotel and offices for Greenchoice, collaborated with Nauta allows optimum benefit from the facilities Dutilh, Rabobank, Robeco and others to which serve both, such as the hospitable realize the First Rotterdam office building reception area and the shared lobby, a modern and renovated the Premier Suites & Offices, space which accommodates both hotel we are on the eve of realizing the latest high- guests and office visitors. Weenapoint users quality development at Weenapoint, The also have access to a unique courtyard, which

Premier Suites & Offices & Offices Suites Premier 730 Weena Modernist. This multifunctional building is an oasis of peace in the busy city center.

22 Renting office space on Weena in Premier Offices

A limited number of individual office units, plus 2x half floors, are still available to rent in Premier Offices. The light, modern 12th and 13th floors of the Premier Suites & Offices building each measure ca. 290 m², with a favorable length to width ratio which lends well to partitioning. These offer fantastic views of the Rotterdam Central District on one side and the city center, port area and Nieuwe Maas river on the other. For those who want a simple “plug & play concept”, the Business Center on the 10th floor still has some modern-finished office units from 14 m² up to combined areas measuring approximately 65 m². Parking is never a problem as Weenapoint users have access to a parking garage. Could this dynamic, easily accessible location in the heart of Rotterdam become the place your business flourishes? Commercial real estate brokers De Mik (010-4530303) and Parc Makelaars (010-4365700) will be happy to arrange a viewing.

For more information, go to www.weena730-734.nl

Premier Suites & Offices Weena 730 - RCD AD 390x270-ENG.indd Alle pagina's 29-04-21 12:27 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Premier Suites & Offices & Offices Suites Premier 730 Weena Modernist. This multifunctional building is an oasis of peace in the busy city center. R C D

Renting office space on 23 Weena in Premier Offices

A limited number of individual office units, plus 2x M A half floors, are still available to rent in Premier Offices. G The light, modern 12th and 13th floors of the Premier A Suites & Offices building each measure ca. 290 m², Z with a favorable length to width ratio which lends I well to partitioning. These offer fantastic views of N the Rotterdam Central District on one side and the E city center, port area and Nieuwe Maas river on the other. For those who want a simple “plug & play concept”, the Business Center on the 10th floor still has some modern-finished office units from 14 m² up to combined areas measuring approximately 65 m². Parking is never a problem as Weenapoint users have access to a parking garage. Could this dynamic, easily accessible location in the heart of Rotterdam become the place your business flourishes? Commercial real estate brokers De Mik (010-4530303) and Parc Makelaars (010-4365700) will be happy to arrange a viewing.

For more information, go to www.weena730-734.nl

Premier Suites & Offices Weena 730 - RCD AD 390x270-ENG.indd Alle pagina's 29-04-21 12:27 24 From 19CT CARSHARING /min* IN ROTTERDAM 1. Download the SIXT app and register 2. Choose your vehicle on the map 3. Unlock it through the app and off you go!

Download the SIXT app now HOTSPOTS HOTSPOTS

This city is sizzling with all kinds of hotspots. In the Central District, too, there are loads of colourful, delicious and fun places to go. For this issue we’ve lined up three unique places that are well worth a visit, each with its own story and style.

LEBKOV & SONS ROOFTOP Wafting from the right-hand corner of FONTEIN the Groothandelsgebouw outside the Last year, Fontein opened its Rooftop station, the scents of fresh sandwich- restaurant on the roof of Hofplein19, es and coffee are all but impossible to offering five-course fine dining with a R resist. Lebkov & Sons café opens extra relaxed vibe plus a panorama of Rotter- C early so there’s no waiting time to get dam and beyond. The restaurant, styled D your caffeine fix. All sandwiches, sal- in tones of brown and green, has a lovely ads, juices, soups and sweets are pre- warm atmosphere and offers a perfect pared fresh on-site. Complete your or- escape from the crowded city. Especial- 25 der with a coffee brewed from Arabica ly with the glorious view of Rotterdam beans that are roasted fresh each week. from ten storeys high! Ease your way into And that’s not all: for the full experi- the evening with bubbles or a signature M ence, enjoy your delicious fresh prod- LUCIE WITH G&T, then choose from a menu of meat, A ucts while listening to Lebkov Radio in THE SIX fish and vegetarian options, offering G one of the café spaces, designed by Stu- PUNCHES something for everyone. During lock- A dio Akkerhuis architects, the ideal spot RCD’s own Boutique Boxing Gym isn’t down, you can order a four-course take- Z to chat, study or read a book. And if you out for a fight, but all about having away menu on Fridays and Saturdays. I can’t make it there, don’t worry. Lebkov fun getting fit! Founders Bas and Errol The menu is posted on Instagram each N also delivers all its fresh sandwiches, met in the Marine Corps and are former week with a G&T, picture of the view and E salads and juices to offices and will also masters at discipline and endurance. a Spotify playlist to help you recreate the do catering for your whole company. They set up Boutique Boxing Gym out Rooftop mood at home. What’s not to of a shared ambition help members love about that? push their limits, with a team trained to help everyone get stronger, fitter and more energetic. They loved the idea of Boutique Boxing, a NYC trend that combines sport with music and visual elements. LUCIE also has a fab lounge where you can hang out, enjoy a healthy shake and catch your breath after some High Intensity Interval Training. This year, the gym created an outdoor location to keep up the workouts. So, high time to strap on those boxing gloves

and get fit with some LUCIE with the six Céline Boute

punches-style fun. TEXT #RCD ONLINE SHARE YOUR VIEW ON #RCD

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@centraldistrict /rotterdamcentraldistrict Rotterdam Central District / vrcd COLUMN SOON SAFE FOR LOUBOUTIN STILETTOS AND FUNKY SNEAKERS

Cows grazing on Schouwburgplein? In the archives of the Boijmans van Beuningen museum is a postcard, made by Rotterdam-based artist Wim Gijzen. Issued on the occasion of C’70 – short for ‘Communication 1970’, a happening celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Liberation – it’s a picture of cows in a grassy field. The pasture is set off with gnarled pollard willows, spaced at regular intervals between De Doelen and Theater Rotterdam. Gijzen’s work has always contained R more than a touch of irony, and his postcard illustrates our ongoing struggle C with this square. It was a challenge back then, and it still is now, a half-cen- D tury later.

It’s fair to say we Rotterdammers have a love-hate relationship with 27 Schouwburgplein. It’s an iconic spot for sure, and everyone’s got an opinion about it. All the more since the Rotterdam landscape designer Adriaan Geuze came along and turned it into “a reflec- M tion of the Port of Rotterdam” done in steel, wood and rubber. A Which was unfortunate for women trying to cross it on Christian G Louboutin stilettos or men attempting to walk on crepe soles. It A had become something of a danger zone – more slip ‘n slide than a Z spot to stroll. The coloured artificial lawn laid down by the Flying I Grass Carpet restored what had been missing: warmth – in this city, N practically a four-letter word. E

Something needs to be done. And now, something will, as part of the ‘seven ur-

Eduard Voorn is a freelance ban projects’ slated to upgrade the city’s outdoor spaces. Happily, its planners journalist with a focus on listened to Janneke Staarink, director of De Doelen, who has a front-row seat to economics, and first and foremost a Rotterdammer. this square. I talked to her about the iconic but ‘difficult’ space outside her door- He lives at the outskirts of way. She aired her wish to make it low-traffic, stretch wall-to-wall and also let Rotterdam Central District, it serve as a stage – say if hippie Harry Hamelink, artistic director of Motel Mo- breakfasts at Op Het Dak, eats his pizza at Bird, raises a pint at zaïque, wants to host his muse Eefje de Visser here. Janneke: “Instead of going Biergarten, gets his caffeine fix to De Doelen and then straight back home, it should be a place where people will at Lebkov and catches the latest want to linger.” flicks at Pathé Schouwburgplein. His kids were born in the now- famous Mecanoo architectural Will Geuze get another go? Who knows. One thing’s certain, though. In a few firm’s first project on Kruisplein. years it will be safe to walk your stilettos from a Doelen concert to a good pub across the way or dance in your funky sneakers to Harry’s latest bands. But let’s not make it too warm and green. Skateboarders – another iconic part of Rotter- dam – need the city’s rough edges to do their tricks, and grass just doesn’t give you a good roll. So, Adriaan: one hubba, if you please. LIVING IN RCD HOME TOURS IN ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT

For those not in the know, the name ‘Central District’ conjures visions of chock-a-block offices. But nothing could be further from the truth! Scores of people call RCD home and wouldn’t have it any other way. Once settled in RCD, few ever want to leave. Take Sander de Breuk and Lara Schrijver, for example. They graciously invited RCD Magazine around to visit their homes and told us all about living in Rotterdam Central District.

DID YOU EVER IMAGINE YOURSELF LIVING IN RCD? enters in so many ways. During spectacular thunderstorms Lara: “After living in different places in the city for 25 years, it’s breathtaking, at sunrise you see the city come to life and 28 I knew I wanted to stay in Rotterdam, but hadn’t thought to on a dark winter’s morning I can gaze at the Brienennoord settle in a flat. Having three kids, I was stuck in a search for bridge in the distance, where you see the car headlamps a small family home. It was my first viewing of a Maastoren flash by. My favourite spot is reading in my chair beside the flat that opened my eyes, and after that I was sold as soon right-most window.” as I saw this round tower on Weena. Now, I’ve been happily S: “The lounge is a real gem. I can unwind while losing myself living here for four years.” in the view. I love being anyplace with a good view. Wheth- Sander: “When I moved into this Weena tower 21 years ago, er I’m at the dining room table whilst I’m working, or on the it was meant to be temporary. As you can see, I never left. swivel chair by the window: the view is like a painting to me.” The Rotterdam mindset, that forthrightness, suits me well and so I felt right at home.” DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE OBJECT? L: “I love all my artworks, really. Many are by artists from Rot- WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE HERE? terdam. In the living room I’ve got Pim Palsgraaf, Anne van L: “Being in the city centre is so convenient. Despite a busy Toor and Silas Schletterer. And my rug is Bauhaus, reworked lifestyle and three kids, running a quick errand is always by Bas van Beek, a fantastic designer and close friend.” easy with everything so nearby. For me, as an architecture S: “I love beautiful things and art. I get a lot of pleasure from professor in Antwerp, it’s ideal to have the central railway the family and other works of art on the walls. My favourite station so close. I did sort of miss having a garden, but a hol- painting is by the Rotterdam-based artist Nazif Lopulissa.” iday cottage by the sea and afternoons at the lake in Kralin- gen make up for that.” WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO GO IN RCD? Ruben Stam S: “For me, it’s about the comfort of being in the city. I’m L: “I enjoy going to the cinema, which sometimes coincides surrounded by urban life. I love all the sounds of the city: with my job. And I go to Bird and Annabel a lot, for the good the trains, the people, the traffic. The diversity is fun, too. vibes and live music. In summer, I like going to the Weena Café Loads of young people are attracted to the creative devel- to watch the endless stream of people and cars going by.” PHOTOGRAPHY opment area near here as that’s the part of RCD where it all S: “I tend to meet with people at the Weena Café and I like

happens. The constant changes are great.” going to all the fun and creative spots like Biergarten. I’ve also been going out for lots of walks with friends recently WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT AT HOME? and we’ll stop at Central Station to explore the city from

TEXT Céline Boute L: “The wall of windows in my living room is fantastic. Light there. I miss the Suicide Club; that was a real hotspot.” SANDER DE BREUK

R C D

M A G A Z I N E

LARA SCHRIJVER 30 TEXT Céline Boute PHOTOGRAPHY StudioVollaersZwart R C D

M A G A Iconic buildings such as the Z Groot Handelsgebouw that are I brightly decorated, flags from N north to south with the lyrics E of Eurovision songs, colorful flyovers of the metro track. Rotterdam has undergone a colorful metamorphosis in the run-up to the Eurovision Song Contest.

The city is being decorated by Studio VollaersZwart, Mothership, Arttenders, Hiphop In Je Smoel Foundation and Flowerdales Agency. These five creative city dressers have come up with everything from fashion and photography to light art, street art and installations. Everything to make the city sparkle around the Eurovision Song Contest on 18, 20 and 22 May in Ahoy. SUCCESS STORY

“With perseverance and hard work, you may achieve anything”

Twelve storeys above Delftseplein, overlooking the city centre, a successful new company strives to build a digital future. Ciphix is the result of three young entrepreneurs, and Marcus Groeneveld (26) is one of the cofounders. He believes in the adaptability of society, and that perseverance and resolve can take us far. With this enterprising mentality, Groeneveld and his team are working to widen the impact of robotization.

Marcus knows all about perseverance. As a young child, he handle. The responses so far have been incredibly enthusi- 32 set up his own neighborhood IT business. As a student, he astic, because we can offload the work people don’t always co-founded one of the most successful IT boutiques in the enjoy doing; freeing up their time to tackle more complicat- country. Three years ago, while finishing his degree, Marcus ed or challenging projects.” realized that the corporate lifestyle was not for him. He got to talking with his university friend Matthijs and mate Bas, IMPACT and a shared vision was born: to start a new business. “All The firm already has won clients in Iceland, Sweden and of us had worked in RPA [robotic process automation] at Australia, and its sights are currently set on a future where our previous employers”, Marcus says. “We discussed that, Ciphix becomes the ‘digital workforce’ expert in the Bene- but felt there was a better way. We started out in my stu- lux. “As a service company, Ciphix is looking to expand. Es- dent basement before we even graduated. All three of us sentially, we need more volume to have more impact. We threw ourselves into it, and from day one we knew there also have plans for a ‘Ciphix Group’, in which all our ideas was nothing else we’d rather do.” will be developed. In addition, we’re looking into options to conduct training so we can share our knowledge. That way, DIGITAL WORKFORCE instead of deploying our own team to clients, we can actu- From the outset, Ciphix’s mission has been to ‘take the ally equip them for a technological future.” robot out of the human’. Having observed that many large companies find it challenging to take advantage of tech- WINNING MENTALITY nological innovations, the trio decided to focus on help- The Ciphix team is young and driven. It has an open atmos- ing these companies automate. “What we do, is replicate phere and encourages giving and receiving feedback. Mar- Ruben Stam human work on a computer and graft that into a software cus credits this to his love of sports. “I really believe in sim- robot. We simulate the human process through the appli- plifying and approaching ideas from their essence. Every cation of sophisticated technologies. I’m talking about day I face all kinds of setbacks, but then the next time I do the simulation of tedious, repetitive, high-volume work better. We’ve grown tremendously in a very short period of PHOTOGRAPHY that requires little human thought. For example, entering time by collaborating on all of our ideas. Don’t leave ideas

invoice data into an application and other such adminis- unacknowledged in your mind. Everything is being docu- trative tasks.” What started with RPA software, branched mented, and continuously improved. We’re all ambitious out into chat and intelligent automation (IA) technologies. and hard-working, because that’s how we believe we can

TEXT Céline Boute “You often see people’s workloads are too much for them to collectively get to where we want to be.” R C D

M A G A Z I N E

“I really believe in simplifying and approaching ideas from their essence.”

Marcus Groeneveld RCD PARTNER SAVILLS RENOVATES ROTTERDAM GEMS

Rotterdam Central District is the first truly mixed- use urban centre in the Netherlands. And for a port city, that’s even more unique. Savills, a major player in real estate, is at the forefront of investments and sustainable renovation to promote urban vitality. By modernizing, upgrading and restoring properties to their former glory, Savills is helping to boost building diversity in our city.

34 These days, real estate advisor Savills has an extensive portfolio of projects in Rotterdam. To guide these projects to successful completion, Riaan Peene joined the team five years ago as building and project consultancy director. His technical and practical ex- pertise in evaluating building performance is indispensable: “If an investor is interested in acquiring a commercial property, my team and I can help conduct a technical due diligence”, Riaan explains. “We look at every facet of the building – what is the technical con- dition of the building, are there any risks or backlog maintenance, which budget should be taken into account for future capex works – the investor may use that information to determine their offer.” WPC Rotterdam - after

WPC Rotterdam - before Stam © Ruben © Ossip Architectuur Fotografie Architectuur Ossip © PHOTOGRAPHY Romy Lange & Céline Boute TEXT Blaak Five55 - after Finished project at Blaak Five55

Blaak Five55 - before ROTTERDAM PROJECTS Savills was responsible for the revitalization of several high-profile, large properties in Rotterdam, including the KPN Tower (Toren op Zuid) and several buildings along Blaak – Blaak House and Ploum House. According to Riaan, this focus on Rotterdam and large projects has everything to do with Savills’ solid ties with R important partners. “Before starting a new project, we consider the options in C consultation with client, architect and other consultants. Blaak Five55 on Blaak, D completed last year, was a comprehensive upgrade of the main space, coffee bar, restaurant and offices. Next to that, for these sorts of buildings we always look at retrofitting based on a BREEAM certification.” One such project currently un- 35 derway is the World Port Center at the Wilhelminakade, where the objective is a sustainable, modern renovation to benefit both the building and its users. M REGENERATING GEMS A “Blaak Five55 on No building design is timeless. But an optimal and flexible layout go a long G Blaak, completed way, and are key to Savills’ philosophy. The use of eco-friendly materials and A last year, was a components such as water-conserving toilets and water taps, LED lights and Z comprehensive water pumps is standard. Flexibility is a way of assuring the building remains I upgrade of the future-proof. “Our designs aren’t pinned to a specific user or activity. Even just N main space, coffee colours, materialisation and lots of planting bring so much more life to a building. E bar, restaurant With historic buildings in Rotterdam, it can be a challenge, but our approach is to and offices.” be extremely thorough. To restore a building to its former glory, we really delve into its past. Then we try to renovate these gems and give something back to the RIAAN PEENE city.” For Savills, the surroundings are even as important as the building itself. Every renovation has to be an improvement for the local community and visitors to the area.

INTEGRATION To a large extent, building use determines how it fits into a neighbourhood. Riaan explains that this is something his team considers together with the client, architect and asset manager. “For example, Tribes is operating the ground floor of Blaak House. This injects more activity to attract people. We’ve done that in the KPN Tower with Happy Italy as well. And we’re also upgrading the wider area around Blaak Five55, adding planters with seating and a water terrace to create a connection projecting from the inside outwards.” In RCD, there are still plenty of strides to be made in terms of integrating buildings with their surroundings. Through its projects, Savills is ready and eager to provide that boost. INTERVIEW IF SHE CAN MAKE IT HERE…

INTERVIEW WITH 36 DANIËLLE DEKKER GENERAL MANAGER OF D&B SECURITY

DANIËLLE, THAT PHOTOGRAPH LOOKS LIKE YOU MEAN BUSINESS! (Laughs) “I’m the general manager of a security company. Not a profession for wimps! I’d like to show Rotterdam that D&B has a solid footprint here and provides a strong security service. It’s a privilege to work at the World Port Center, WTC, Groot Handelsgebouw, Stedin and Delftse Poort. All are clients with real roots in Rotterdam Ruben Stam and iconic buildings that we’re proud to keep secure. And we’re keen to supply our security services to more clients as well.”

PHOTOGRAPHY WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES D&B’S SECURITY CONCEPT SO SPECIAL? “Hospitality and a customer focus are what drive us. D&B Security is part of D&B The Facility Group and, like all its divisions, was founded on the conviction that clients deserve the best in quality. The ‘5-star experience’, we call it, and that sets us apart in the security landscape.”

“Our take on security is fresh and different, and we have a clear focus: on ambitious corporate clients and property owners. Most are based in metropolitan centres, so we’ve been active in Rotterdam for years. We’re keen to expand our portfolio as well, to clients who want to approach security from a different perspective.”

“When hiring, we apply a specific selection policy to ensure we tap the best applicants. I’m looking for security

Michel Pan, business strategy manager, D&B personnel who will strictly follow protocols while also keeping abreast of the latest developments in our field. At

TEXT the same time, authenticity is essential. You have to follow rules, but also listen to your feelings and intuition.” ABOUT D&B

D&B provides 5-star facility management, cleaning, hospitality, security, mobility and catering services to ambitious, high-end corporate clients and property owners. D&B is active primarily in the Randstad area and western Noord Brabant province. Its mission is to create in- spiring environments that foster a sense of excellence and positive experiences.

WHAT DRIVES YOU, PERSONALLY, TO WORK IN THE SECURITY SECTOR? “I started my career in fashion and later event organization, and that has certainly given me a different angle on this work. When I started working in security, I was sur- prised by the lack of change. It’s a male-dominated world and had a fairly bad image. Supply was largely price-driven, there was no innovation to speak of, and the motto R was: ‘In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king’. When D&B set up our Secu- C rity division, we felt we could do quite a lot better.” D

“I’m out in the field a lot as that’s where it all happens. It’s a privilege to be able to forge so many individuals into a close-knit team and work with colleagues to invest our en- 37 ergy for clients. No two days are the same. What I enjoy most is coaching my managers and team leaders on their leadership skills – on how to keep that personal focus on our people in the field. The minute those people turn into a personnel number, you’re well M and truly lost, if you ask me. We set a very high bar, by deploying security guards who A are fit in body and mind but also a bit independent-minded.” G A INDEPENDENT-MINDED HOW? Z “You don’t want people in this job who just blindly follow orders. You need to be able I “WTC, the Groot to act forcefully. But we also want you to be yourself. To show who you are, and your N intrinsic motivations. ‘Only dead fish go with the flow’, I always say!” E Handelsgebouw LASTLY, COVID-19 HAS BEEN A GAME CHANGER IN MANY REGARDS. WHAT and Delftse ARE THE LESSONS FOR SECURITY, AND WHAT WILL IT MEAN GOING FORWARD? Poort are iconic “We’ve been incredibly busy. Many buildings emptied out and there was greater demand for security, but also for a different kind of security. Our people had to shift buildings in towards facility and safety support, and that has led us to develop new concepts for our clients. A good example is our ‘safety host’. That’s someone who welcomes office Rotterdam where workers and explains how to use the space safely. And, don’t forget, there’s been a breakthrough in the use of sensors and smart cameras. Technology is becoming ever we’re proud to easier to integrate into our services, and it’s improving them. We firmly believe technology exists to serve humans, not the other way around.” ensure a secure “The most important effect of the pandemic, I think, has been the appreciation for and welcoming our people. Security has proved to be a crucial job. Suddenly, it was clear our work contributes to keeping corporate Holland safe and healthy. That’s positive. It means more environment.” people will choose this great profession. And our clients will benefit.” RCD PARTNER

REVITALIZED WTC: A MULTIFUNCTIONAL, DYNAMIC PLACE

For the past three years, WTC Rotterdam has gone through a complete revitalization. The project kicked off simultaneously with Eveline Steenbergen-Kolk’s appointment as managing director of WTC Rotterdam. With the Grand Opening set for the first quarter of 2022, work is progressing at full steam. Its monumental scale, historic character and central location add up to make this a unique and exciting project.

It was at the beginning of 2015 that owner Bouwinvest came up with an idea to redevelop WTC Rotterdam. Eveline had gained experience while working on WTC The Hague and was asked to do this job in Rotterdam as well. Eveline: “Asking to accomplish the same thing in Rotterdam is a whole different ball game, consider- ing it’s one of the city’s few listed buildings. That has working on it more exciting, more fun, and more complex.” Ruben Stam PHOTOGRAPHY Romy Lange & Céline Boute TEXT Eveline Steenbergen-Kolk

R MASTER PLAN of it. Everything around is transparent, giving it a nice, open C The World Trade Center Rotterdam is a vast edifice with en- atmosphere. Because of the building’s historic character, we D tryways opening onto some of the city’s main roads, includ- kept opening doors and finding new surprises throughout ing Coolsingel, Meent and Koopgoot. The ground-floor layer this process”, Eveline says, laughing. Another important as- consists of forty shops, above which pect of the project is sustainability, 39 is a monumental collar extending six to which Bouwinvest made a serious floors which was recently partially commitment. The entire revitalization claimed by the Postillion Hotel & Con- “The master was done sustainably, with the use M vention Center. The 23-storey tower plan sets of ecological construction materials, A was added in 1987. “The master plan forth ideas to LED lighting and radiant ceilings. The G sets forth ideas to future-proof the future-proof two covered car parks are furthermore A entire WTC, from the listed shell right the entire WTC, fitted with thirty electric charging Z up to the big central tower. The plan from the listed points, and there will also be a bike I was drawn up together with the City shell right up hire service. N of Rotterdam, Monumentenzorg pres- to the big E ervation service and BiermanHenket central tower” DYNAMIC HEART architects, who specialize in the res- Inside the building, a great deal of toration and conservation of historic thought has gone into improving ac- spaces.” One key objective during the cess. This year, a footbridge across the past three years was to attract a mix of amenities and up- main hall will be built, which will provide a flexible regulated grade building facilities. That has brought about a 168-room flow of visitors and tenants through the building. Ideally sit- hotel, gym, business center and restaurants as well as a new uated in the heart of Rotterdam, WTC also boasts excellent reception desk and escalators. The result is a multifunctional transport links for businesses and visitors. “In the past three center for office, convention and leisure. years we’ve been successful in attracting corporate, trans- lational, domestic and creative businesses here, and there’s EYE-CATCHER plenty of spaces for independent contractors and small enter- Once upon a time, the WTC’s vast main hall served place for prises. It’s a dynamic place with a balanced mix. Exciting news insurance, shipping and commodity. BiermanHenket has re- for locals is that Brasserie Pierre on Pannekoekstraat will be stored the space to its former splendour, with gorgeous, soft opening Brasserie Jules here in September.” In short, the WTC materials to lend the right ambience. “This is the eye-catcher will be the perfect place to host office meet & greets, grab a of the building: as you come up via the escalators, the main coffee at De Koffiesalon with friends or clients, or cap the day hall fills your view and you’re just blown away by the beauty with cocktails on the planned rooftop terrace. Photography: Erik Brons

Van der Stap Notarissen

specialists in real estate and corporate law

Rotterdam Arnhem Contact Millenniumtoren Jansbuitensingel 29 088 188 00 00 14e verdieping 6811 AD Arnhem [email protected] Weena 690 www.vdstap.com 3012 CN Rotterdam

WEENA 686 | 3012 CN ROTTERDAM WWW.MARRIOTTROTTERDAM | [email protected] INTERVIEW

OPERATOR: “The city’s“ alternative and cultural ”sound”

R Jorn de Vries, co-founder Operator and a designer at Almost Modern. C D

The most extraordinary It was in 2017 that the ‘magic fivesome’ got together to launch a project to give the expression of community port city the independent radio station it didn’t have. Jorn de Vries and his four 41 feeling and confidence by fellow co-founders Osman Bas (DJ Mr. Nice Guy), Jeff van Hoek (DJ Jeff Solo), Pat- local businesses in RCD rick Marsman (owner of the Pinkman label) and Ofra Beenen (pop music program- has to be the creation mer) each brought their own talents to the project. Now, together, they stream the M of Operator. What sound of Rotterdam. Jorn: “We’re a place for like-minded people who are looking for A started four years ago as an alternative sound. By now, we’ve given so many DJs their first air time and that’s G Rotterdam’s first online created a showcase for a lot of the talent in this city.” A radio, rapidly blossomed Z into a cultural platform. COMMUNITY I Jorn de Vries, co-founder For Jorn, it was a natural and logical choice to locate the station in RCD. He’d al- N and a designer at Almost ready had his base in the Schieblock for years and worked closely with Biergarten. E Modern, is proud to call “Having an office above Biergarten and the confidence both they and the We Are the Central District ‘his You digital agency had in us gave us the stability to set up Operator. From there, garden’. He talked to us we also had a launching pad to build up a good programme and community. We’re about the importance a genre-free platform, a real mix of everything.” These days, Operator isn’t only of supporting art and about music but also does co-productions with art and knowledge institutions. A culture. successful crowdfunding campaign in 2018 plus subsequent city funding testified to the support for and impact of this live streaming service.

EXPLORING AND CONNECTING Ruben Stam What Jorn loves about art and culture is that people can pass on things you’ve seen and heard. “In our collaborations, we want to go deep. Coming up, we’re going to be doing in-depth interviews with the makers of the Genderfull World exhibition PHOTOGRAPHY at the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam shortly. That’s a way to reach more people.” The

platform also launched a flexible space for co-productions, podcasts and talk radio shows this year, called Time Is The New Space. This, too, promises to explore a wide diversity of topics in-depth. Time is the new Space is also in collaboration with Rob

Ittmann from the RCD association and Mess van Biergarten. TEXT Céline Boute ARCHITECTURE SCHIEBLOCK

Rotterdam is continually evolving. The city is famed for its great diversity of 20th-century architecture as well as for its newer ultramodern structures. In each issue, we shine a spotlight on one of Rotterdam Central District’s iconic buildings. This time, we focus on the Schieblock. Transformed from a serviceable office block into a creative, inclusive collective workspace, plans for the future Schiekadeblok make this the perfect moment to shine a light on the old block in all its venerable glory.

CREATIVE AND INCLUSIVE

Most of us are familiar with the name Schie- character. These days, it’s a thriving multifunc- block. In fact, initial plans for the recon- tional building where people come to work, struction of the Central District called for its meet and share. The ground floor is occupied demolition, but the real estate crisis threw a by Urban Guides, Steel Rides, Studio Beng Marlies Lageweg Marlies spanner in the works and the building was left Beng, Poing and Time is the new space. All the intact. In 2002, the Rotterdam-based architec- way at the top is DakAkker, the Netherlands’ ture agency ZUS moved in to keep squatters very first harvestable roof, joined in 2014 by out, and then in 2011 was given the opportuni- the Op Het Dak restaurant, whose kitchen PHOTOGRAPHY ty to manage the property for five years. Since works with urban produce. VPS Nederland cur- then, a host of businesses have arrived to lend rently operates the building. Schieblock an increasingly creative and public Romy Lange TEXT LUCHTSINGEL R

The ZUS architectural firm was also behind the brilliant- C ly yellow Luchtsingel. Development of this ‘air canal’ got D off to a – somewhat shaky – start in 2012. The idea was to literally link the building and the city by a bridge to bring them closer together. The wooden structure spans 43 the busy Schiekade to the Hofplein viaduct and cuts straight through the Schieblock to end in Biergarten. ARCHITECTS: W. VERSCHOOR M AND W.H. VERSCHOOR A COMPLETED: APRIL 1960 G ADDRESS: SCHIEKADE 189 A FLOOR AREA: 9,045 M2 Z PAST TENANT: NILLMIJ, OOMS AND I VAN VLIET & VAN DULST N CURRENT TENANTS: ZUS, OPERATOR, E ALMOST MODERN, PINKMAN, WE ARE YOU, MESS, ZOARCHITECTEN, SPATIE AND MANY MORE.

To read more about this building, take a look at wederopbouwrotterdam.nl. WONEN MET DE SKYLINE 44 VAN ROTTERDAM AAN DE HORIZON!

HOE ZIET JOUW IDEALE APPARTEMENT ERUIT? INTERVIEW

Dreaming of a Weena parkscape with pavement gardens and sunflowers

Where would we be without pavement gardens? Ponder that and come R up with your best anwer. And another question: Where can we plant C them in Rotterdam Central District? We turned to Berend van Zanten D (left on the photo) and Raymond Landegent for the answer.

M A GREEN IDEAS thousand Maasstad inhabitants seeds of Helianthus annuus G From their Delftseplein-side office in the heart of RCD, giganteus, aka giant sunflower. The tallest of them all will win A these two born organizers run Groenemorgen, an outfit at summer’s end. “This is a way to inject some colour into the Z that launches projects and events to make Rotterdam more city and connect inhabitants of all ages, while also teaching I sustainable, social and pleasant to live in. “We’re a campaign people something about biodiversity in a fun way.” N agency for green ideas and come up with playful, positive E and fresh ways to broach tricky topics. Take our pavement “WEENA HAS THE POTENTIAL planting project for example. Our goal was to plant up to a TO BE AN URBAN PARK” thousand strips of pavement last year. We made it to 959. The duo are itching to plant up more pavements and sow That adds up to just short of an extra acre of planting in Rot- sunflowers across RCD, and in the process connect the peo- terdam, which is so important now, given the fact of climate ple who live and work there. It won’t be easy, given all the change. This planting project provides rainwater drainage, brick and broad roadways, but with Hofplein to be redevel- while the flowers attract bees”, Berend, explains with in- oped one of these years, time is on their side – even if the fectious enthusiasm. “But gardens like these are important pace isn’t as brisk as Berend would like. “We’ve worked on for another reason, too. It makes neighbourhoods friendlier the Weena before, with our project ‘Happy Streets’. So, how and encourages neighbours to get to know each other. Pave- could the street be done differently? Weena has the poten- ment planting makes Rotterdam a bit more social.” tial to be an urban park. We need that for more fresh air and places to skate and play ping-pong. If you’re working in one ‘ROTTERDAM IN BLOOM’ of the offices along the Weena, wouldn’t you want to be To ‘cultivate’ that social impact, the two have kicked off a con- able to go outside on your lunch break? Take the ZOHO park test (Rotterdam Bloeit Op – ‘Rotterdam in Bloom’) to grow at the edge of RCD – that used to be a busy road. Now it’s the biggest sunflower in Rotterdam. Teaming up with Kong- a park. Combined with the streetside commercial develop- Voorn Eduard

si and VoorGrijs Seniorenservice, Groenemorgen has given a ment by MONO, it’s become a great spot in the city.” TEXT 46

Podcast & Livestream studio | Stadslab | Event space Schiekade 185 RCD Clubhuis | Operator 3013 BR Rotterdam

Check the website for more information. www.timeisthenew.space JOIN THE ROTTERDAM CENTRAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY

In order to realize our ambitions and to optimally develop the potential of the district, we have been bundling all the knowledge and interest groups in the area into an association since 2009: Rotterdam Central District.

Not only are we aware of and familiar with all of the developments in the area, we are also joining forces in the neighborhood to create a good reputation for the district. We are a catalyst for positive change. We discover, connect and take action to make this hap- pen. In collaboration with with organizations, both small and large, investors, residents and the municipality, we are building a more social, green and sustainable area with an authentic and robust reputation. Our association stands up for the interests of your organization. Together we develop the area, we put it on the map. Join our community.

The association keeps you informed of developments of and stories from the neighborhood. We C also host various events for the community, from lunch concerts to neighborhood drinks and D substantive sessions. In this way, we stimulate connections and possible collaborations, good for expanding or maintaining your network. We join forces to work on area development and a good reputation of the district. 47

To achieve this we have: • RCD Talks: knowledge sessions about and from the district M • RCD Events: network drinks, events and lunch concerts A • RCD Q&A: source of information and a brainstorming day for the neighborhood G • General meeting: meeting regarding the realization of the area plans A • News & updates: various substantive articles, interviews and news updates Z • Magazine: 10,000 circulation, 4 times a year. RCD members advertise with a discount I • RCD Podcast: conversations with entrepreneurs from the area. N • Various active social media channels: Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook E • Monthly online newsletter featuring the latest news from RCD © Iris van den Broek © Hester Blankestijn

QUESTIONS OR REMARKS?

Please contact Rob Ittmann (06 222 42 177) or mail to: [email protected]

Association Rotterdam Central District Weena 690 (14e verdieping) 3012 CN Rotterdam

For more information about RCD, please visit: www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl MEMOBOARD

48 OFFICIAL PRESENTATION OF RCD MAGAZINE #1

Starting a new venture is always incredibly exciting. So it was with immense pride that we distributed the first issue of RCD Mag- azine early this February. And of course it wouldn’t have been complete without presenting a symbolic ‘first’ copy to the interviewee of our very first cover story: Bas Kurvers, city alderman for construction, housing and energy transition in the built environment. This took place in the town hall’s beautiful courtyard garden. Beforehand, Kurvers took us on a tour of the building that has been a city landmark for more than a century, and was one of the few buildings to survive the bombings of the Second World War. It was a special moment in a special place. The team and partners of RCD Magazine are hopeful that all of our readers enjoyed the first issue, and that they’ll be just as pleased as we are with the second! ROTTERDAM CELEBRATED MAY 5TH WITH LIBERATION SOUP

Last year 25,000 Rotterdam residents were looking forward to something new on May 5th: Liberation Soup. For €5 people bought a tin of Liberation Soup for themselves, and another tin was automatically donated to a fellow Rotterdammer in need. The 2021 recipe was a plant-based creation by chef and cookbook author Yvette van Boven. In association with care and welfare organizations Humanitas, WMO Radar, Aafje, Coalitie Erbij and others, the initiators took care of delivering the tins of soup to people in need. On May 5th, Liberation Day, several Covid-proof venues served up Lib- eration Soup to the public, and others joined R © Iris van den Broek an online soup-centred programme. This year’s C Liberation Day was another great success due D to all the volunteers and donations, therefore a great number of Rotterdam residents enjoyed a bowl of Liberation Soup at one of the FIRST REACTION ON 49 beautiful venues or online. ‘FOUNTAIN MEETINGS’ IDEAS ON NEW HOFPLEIN DESIGN M A © Oof Verschuren © Oof In the coming years Hofplein as we know it will G be undergoing a complete metamorphosis into A a green urban square with extra space for pe- Z destrians and cyclists. The iconic fountain will I continue to form the heart of this greener set- N ting, where locals and visitors can gather and re- E lax. A number of ‘fountain meetings’ held over the past few months invited all city residents to share their input on Hofplein’s future. This has fixed the broad strokes of the design, and on the 28th of April Alderman Judith Bokhove, Al- derman Bert Wijbenga, the designer of the new Hofplein, Cor Geluk and a number of important stakeholders gave their first reaction to your opinions, suggestions, wishes and dreams for Hofplein. In the coming weeks it will become clear which dreams, ideas and suggestions will be included in the preliminary design.

Further information is available on www.rotterdam.nl/wonen-leven/hofplein BRIANNEGeneral JEGERINGS Counsel TUI Group

JURGEN LEUTSCHER General Counsel Sligro Food Group

MIKE STARING General Counsel InsingerGilissen Bankiers

JURRIAANGeneral HERMANSCounsel Scotch & Soda

ROSAN LANCEE GeneralCLUSE Counsel BRIANNEGeneral JEGERINGS Counsel TUI Group

HILDE DE BOER General Counsel Keylane JURGEN LEUTSCHER General Counsel Sligro Food Group

MIKE STARING General Counsel InsingerGilissen Bankiers

JURRIAANGeneral HERMANSCounsel Scotch & Soda

ROSAN LANCEE MAGAZINE 2020 - 2021 GeneralCLUSE Counsel HILDE DE BOER GeneralKeylane Counsel PRIORITIES NEW MAGAZINE 2020 - 2021

FOR GENERAL Jan Ernst Vroukje van de Groot COUNSEL Oosten SlingelandING Ahold Delhaize PRIORITIES Flying safely through the Storm! Marnix van Ernst van de Weert NEW Ginneken Heineken Philips

FOR GENERAL Jan Ernst Ritva Sotamaa Vroukje van de Groot Donny Ching Unilever Shell COUNSEL Oosten SlingelandING Ahold Delhaize Flying safely through the Storm! Marnix van Ernst van de Weert Ginneken Heineken Philips

Ritva Sotamaa Donny Ching Unilever Shell

HELLOZUIDAS.COM Interieurtrends 2018 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2021 roze Comfort, patronenmanie en zoet 53 10 JARIG JUBILEUM

Het Amstelkwartier Trendy hotspotsgebouwen en historische

Eefje Voogd ‘Zuidas isn’t sustainable weer” “Dit beroep verrast mij elke dag enough yet, but we’re making progress’

BRIANNEGeneral JEGERINGS Counsel TUI Group

JURGEN LEUTSCHER General Counsel Sligro Food Group

MIKE STARING General Counsel InsingerGilissen Bankiers

JURRIAANGeneral HERMANSCounsel Scotch & Soda

ROSAN LANCEE GeneralCLUSE Counsel INTERVIEW WITH DIRK BELJAARTSCEO of KHN HILDE DE BOER GeneralKeylane Counsel SUSTAINABILITYSPECIAL

Goodbye Column: GREY SHAPIRO

MAGAZINE 2020 - 2021

Interieurtrends 2018 PRIORITIES Bas Reussien roze Comfort, patronenmanie en zoet NEW City of Amsterdam 10 JARIG JUBILEUM Het Amstelkwartier Trendy hotspotsgebouwen en historische FOR GENERAL Jan Ernst Vroukje van de Groot COUNSEL Oosten SlingelandING Ahold Delhaize Eefje Voogd weer” “Dit beroep verrast mij elke dag Flying safely through the Storm! Marnix van Ernst van de Weert Ginneken Heineken Philips

Ritva Sotamaa Donny Ching Unilever Shell

HELLOZUIDAS.COM JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2021 53

‘Zuidas isn’t sustainable enough yet, but we’re making progress’

50 Partner up with

INTERVIEW WITH DIRK BELJAARTSCEO of KHN RCD Publishers and create SUSTAINABILITYSPECIAL Goodbye Column: your top-quality company, GREY SHAPIRO Bas Reussien client or city marketing City of Amsterdam magazine or glossy.

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MEMBERS RCD MAGAZINE MAY 2021 If your company isn’t on this list, please contact [email protected]

3MP online video Eneco Rabobank Rotterdam AKRD Gemeente Rotterdam Roodkapje Alticom B.V. Greenberg Nielsen Rotterdam Festivals Arconiko Architecten Greenchoice Rotterdam Marriott Hotel ASR Groot Handelsgebouw Rotterdam Partners Atelier van Berlo High Potential Academy SaM& doethetgewoon. Bar Rotterdam bv Holmris B8 Sanderdebreukconsultancy bv Big Room B.V./Reverse/Mykech Humanoids BV Scapino Ballet Rotterdam Carthago Consultancy JLL Spaces Hofplein CBRE LaatBloeien Steel Rides CBRE global investors Lebkov & Sons Stichting De Nieuwe Poort CIC Rotterdam Loer Architecten Stichting Theater Rotterdam Ciphix BV LS&H Lawyers Studentflex Codarts LSI Ontwikkeling BV Unilever NV Colliers Lucie Group B.V. Urban Minds B.V. Conix RDBM Maarsen Groep Van der Stap notarissen R Cromwell Property Group Mess vanStijl C Cushman & Wakefield NS Vereniging Rotterdam Central District D DakAkker rooftopfarm foundation Ooms Makelaars Bedrijfshuisvesting B.V. Vereniging Verenigd Schouwburgplein De Mik Bedrijfshuisvesting Pluq Studio Workspot District East PPF Wrap Maniacs 51 DVDW advocaten Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam WTC Rotterdam Echo Provast ZUS M A G A Z I COLOPHON N E

Association Rotterdam Central District Our goal: With an excellent business climate, world- Editor-in-chief: Romy Lange Weena 690 (14th floor) renowned educational institutions within reach, Editors & Sales: Céline Boute & Nicole Pak 3012 CN Rotterdam and leading companies in many sectors from many Advertising: Please send an e-mail to [email protected] countries, RCD has huge potential. Association [email protected] for questions www.rotterdam-centraldistrict.nl Rotterdam Central District contributes to the RCD about advertising. by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to Art Direction and Graphic Design: vanStijl Magazine RCD is issued by: promote a district that has international appeal, and Translation: Taalcentrum-VU high quality working and living conditions. Final Editor: Ellen Josée Westrik RCD Publishers Printed by: NPN Drukkers Premier Suites & Offices Rotterdam Circulation: Free for the RCD district. It is be Weena 710 (14th floor) distributed by promo teams, loose circulation, HRM Do you have a message for the editorial team 3014 DA Rotterdam departments of companies within RCD to guarantee or would you like to place an ad? Send us an +31 (0)20-3620993 reaching the (sub) target groups of RCD. e-mail at [email protected]. [email protected] www.rcd publishers.nl Frequency: four times a year

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