Rotterdam Westerkade Parkkade by Okra
Rotterdam city on the Maas
The vision for the city of Rotterdam is that it should re-connect to the river Maas. The docks play an important role as a transitional hub and also provide recreational support, which strengthens the relationship between the city and the water. In particular, the northern quays have been transformed with green giving the area a much softer atmosphere, which reinforces the importance of the long line series of quays. The Westerkade and Parkkade are part of the northern shore and form an almost unbroken line along the Rotterdam waterfront. Unity in design makes both docks into a continuous platform, without diminishing the different characters and ways of use. The Parkkade still serves as a landing dock for cargo. It is one of the few places in the centre where the atmosphere as a world port of Rotterdam is still visible. However, currently, the park is still cut off from the Maas; this is where the vision needs to be put into practice, in order to connect the lower quay and river.
Westerkade
The Westerkade is now an attractive tourist destination, thanks to the rejuvenation project which turned the quay into a series of green landscapes. The new layout has its own zoning with a clear beginning and end. The existing trees are retained wherever possible with a comprehensive single row of trees on the side of the road. At the head of the ferry terminal there is a new pavilion with a terrace overlooking the river Maas. The existing harbour for the water taxi is transformed into an attractive place along the Maas, with a wide staircase to the water and a wooden platform as a new stop for the water taxi. Between the edges of the docks there are a series of smaller green spaces created with beds of ornamental grasses and perennials. In both areas there are public sitting areas and terraces to enjoy. Elm trees line the quay and can be seen from the water and from the south of the Maas. However, there are still some trees missing in the double rows but this will be supplemented where necessary by new elms. The pontoon is equally impressive, covered by a special grass covering and decorated with even more trees. This surface consists of green grasses supplemented by perennials and bulbs. The grass is beautifully manicured with flowering spikes from the perennials to provide a more varied picture throughout the seasons.
On the quay there are a number of elongated beams, which act as public seating, but also serve as a 'catwalk' or 'mini-stage’. These elements mean that the area is as practical as it is scenic. Whether your sitting on the wooden beams or using the high beams as a catwalk, you'll get a different perspective of the area.The beams are 1.50 wide with a decentralised placed back so they can be used as a bench or as a lounge set, there is a light to enhance the beams at night for visitors walking along the along the quay.
Sustainability
For Westerkade and Parkkade the existing natural stones have been recycled, with only the walking zone along the water and the two heads made from new material. For the rest of the pavement on the quay the existing stone has been reused.
Process
The plans for the Westerkade and Parkkade are developed in collaboration with dienst Stedenbouw and Volkshuisvesting.
Client
Municipality Rotterdam Dienst Stedenbouw en Volkshuisvesting Tel. 010-4896786 Contact person: Rita Waperom
Area
5.3 Ha.
Costs
5.5 Million Euros exclusive VAT
Realisation
July 4th, 2010, Depart du tour de France 2010
