Waterkant

Rotterdam, NL

Type Masterplan study
Year 2023
Location Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Size 15 ha
Client Stichting Gebiedsontwikkeling a/d Maas, Municipality of Rotterdam
I.c.w. OMA, EFFEKT
Team Cees van der Veeken, Marit Schavemaker, Ulrike Jägert, Eelkje Pries, Roberto Coccia, Agostino Bubbico, Lotte Bongers

Feyenoord City Rotterdam is one of the largest urban developments in the Netherlands. The masterplan for Feyenoord City (new name Rotterdams Tij) was devised by LOLA together with OMA and construction activities are already taking place. By the end of 2022, it was decided that the plans to relocate the stadium of soccer club Feyenoord would not go ahead. This central site, located on the Nieuwe Maas riverbank, is now open to new purposes and developments.

What to do next? The original plans from 2019 were revised with new ideas and ambitions. The team of OMA and LOLA was strengthened by EFFEKT from Copenhagen (DK) and, in close collaboration with the Rotterdam municipality, we worked on new concepts for the site and took the opportunity to explore a new planning approach for a high-density neighbourhood. The site is adjacent to the newly planned bridge and future tidal park, which offers the potential to create a new urban hub.

The plan is named Waterkant, which means waterside, suitable for the waterfront development where the landside and waterside are designed simultaneously. The site is located between several infrastructural barriers, including the river, railways, a road, a viaduct and a dike. These barriers challenged us to overcome the height difference and to create the best possible connections. In addition it was  needed to project a high-density program onto the plan area, while also maintaining the human scale and quality of streets, plazas and plinths. The framework allows possibilities for a variety of built structures, including high-rise buildings, urban blocks as well as smaller units along the waterfront.

A waterfront attraction for residents and visitors

Waterkant starts with the idea of bridging the local height differences with a sloping terrain that connects all the surrounding levels of the viaduct, dike and riverside. On top, this terrain is car-free, green and pedestrian friendly. Parking is provided underneath a raised ground floor. The design team created a framework consisting of streets and urban spaces, which can accommodate a high-density development.

Landscape elements form the main framework of the urban plan. Several landscape lines are essential for the connection with the surrounding neighbourhoods. Along the riverside, a new public boulevard connects to the tidal park and creates a recreational inner water. On the city side, the development attaches to the viaduct and bridges the railway tracks.

A central street forms the heartline of the plan and connects Waterkant to the adjacent neighbourhoods of Veranda and Feijenoord. Here, city life will flourish with amenities, local shops and public functions. In addition, there will be various parks and plazas, with space for relaxation and sports activities, such as urban sports. On the edge next to the water, life is good and striking views and contrasts can be found.

Plan drawing Waterkant