Port Pavilion, also known as Leuvepaviljoen, is the new hotspot in the Maritime District of Rotterdam. The new pavilion offers visitors a state-of-the-art information harbour information point of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. In the adjoining space you can discover old arts and techniques of maintaining ships in the workshops of the Maritime Museum. There is also a restaurant and coffee bar Loeve. The building is standing on the spot where the original pavilions were standing of the Maritime Museum Harbour. Responsible for the design is Moederscheim Moonen Architects. Sandenburg-DST played a crucial role in the concept development and creating the framework for this ground-breaking mixed-use building with exciting multiple functions and programs.
The Leuvehaven in Rotterdam is the spot where the port city of Rotterdam originated in the 17th Century. Located near the Erasmus Bridge, the pavilion revitalizes the historic port of Rotterdam. In close conjunction with the main stakeholders Maritime Museum, Port of Rotterdam Authority and Municipality of Rotterdam the team of Sandenburg-DST directed the development of the vision about the future of the area.
The iconic design of Port Pavilion is compact and transparent, using lots of glass. Enabling visitors standing on the Schiedamsedijk to properly see the historical fleet of ships which are anchored in the Leuvehaven inner harbour. All the activities which take place inside the building can be seen from the outside. The building is only 8 metres wide, like the original pavilions which stood there for generations. This aspect has resulted in an elongated building which stretches and runs parallel with the Schiedamsedijk and the quay. The foundation rests on the existing foundation and the main portals of the steel construction of the old pavilions. Around the building the roof facade is covered with aluminum panels in various types of finishes. The triangular design hints at the steel half-timbered constructions and the cranes. The triangulars have been partially cut-away in order for the light to shine in. A large part of the construction of the original pavilions have been re-used. This also applies to the crane lanes in the building.
“This new pavilion is an asset for the city of Rotterdam. Here you feel, see and smell the maritime world up close.”
Bert Boer, managing director Maritime Museum
Port Pavilion has three tenants: the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Maritime Museum and two food service units on the short sides with a terrace commanding a view over the water and the inner harbour. They add an attractive, lively and high quality appeal to the area. Inside the Harbour Information Point visitors are inspired by all the recreational options of the Rotterdam harbour. Presented in an inviting manner, enticing the visitor to go out and experience the harbour. The moving images on the large screens show the several features and contrasting aspects of the harbour which stretches out for 40 kilometres. The interactive model shows the richness of the bustling area. Harbour Hosts explain the visitor everything there is to see and learn. Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority: “Port Pavilion: thé place where visitors will be surprised by the fact how much the harbour is an inviting place to live, work and hang out.”
The Maritime Museum offers inside Port Pavilion the public workspaces where ships and cranes are maintained. The museum specifically wants to engage young kids by showing off the maritime trades and new techniques which maintain the historical fleet in the Maritime Museum harbour. In the workspaces you can find welders, forgers and carpenters at work. These interactive workspaces manage to blend the old and the new harbour. In 2022 the area surrounding the pavilion will be made more green and more public seating spaces will be added. All these developments give the Schiedamsedijk a new look and make the area between Maritime Museum and the Mainport/Inntel Hotel a more inviting place to stay.
