Revision as of 15:28, 23 September 2012

Introduction

This chapter covers everything from the historical analysis of the site to the developement of the project's activities and interactions.

[incorporate: site visit / analysis / possibilities]

Site Analysis

History

The RDM area (Rotterdam Droogdok Maatschappij or Rotterdam Dry-Dock Company) is one of the four large industrial port areas close to the centre of Rotterdam. The site was developped at the start of the 20th century. Two contrasting elements mark the site: the large industrial buildings and ship-warfs close to the canal and the small-scale, green and cosy village behind it. The village provided housing for the industry workers.

[list of activities prior to RDM bankruptcy]

[aerial shot of the site and the two contrasting elements]

The eighties mark a decline in activities in the Rotterdam port and finally result in bankruptcy of RDM. In the years following, other activities emerge in the abondened former RDM buildings. Among new industrial activities, some non-industrial activities discover the former dock area as an inspiring an interesting new accommodation.

Current Situation

The area currently hosts a wide range of new activities developped since the bankruptcy of the RDM. Besides the above mentioned industrial activities like the transfer of goods between different means of transport, the area attempts to shift its focus from transport industry to other fields of industry and non-industry. Currently, the list of activities include:

• Maatschappij De Maas, restart of RDM, builds luxury yachts;
  

* The RDM Campus, innnovation centre in one of the large assembly halls;

* Albeda School, part of RDM Campus, ex-juveniles are educated in welding and such;

* Innovation Area, assembly of small start-ups focusing on sustainable energy issues and water management;

* Academy of Archtitecture, situated in the former RDM-headquarters;

* Branch of Boijmans van Beuningen: Submarine Assembly Hall Exposition Area;

* Public space and leisure area surrounded by the characteristic former industrial environment;

Future Plans

Construction maasvlakte, industrial activities move, possibilities for large scale redevelopment. set up of the project Rotterdam Stadshavens. Four areas, RDM is one of them. Show map and strategies. This is the context of the project/pavillion/whatever.

Interaction inspiration and societal context

Initial design concept

Project interaction and activities

project:person(s)

(1) people in rotterdam. getaway from the city of Rotterdam.

(2) people create systems. people leave their mark. a new library system as an illustrative example.

person(s):person(s)

visitors influence each other. they teach each other. they open each others mind.

project:project(s)

no current interactions.

project:building(s)

the project interacts with the boijmans dependance. untill september the 30th the exposition of artist Sarkis is open for visits. It has been custom made for the Submarine Manufacturing Hall. The main goal of Sarkis was to create the feeling of a cathedral. Sarkis main ideas behind his exposition will be studied in the next couple of weeks.

project/object(s):object(s)

Objects within the structure will be inspired by the big installations created by Sarkis. Besides that they will also be inspired by the big, huge, apocalyptic like structures in the port, like the big harbour cranes.

proposed activities

The following weeks these activities will be the subject of my study. That, combined with a research into (1) corresponding modern functions and (2) architectural space to fit and stimulate these activities. Please click on the image to see a more detailed version.