Memories of the Future

For InDeSem we designed a pavillion at the tip of the kop van zuid in Rotterdam, right next to Hotel New York and the port authority. This part of Rotterdam has a rich multicultural history as the place where people would get onto ships to emigrate to the New World (america) or get off of ships to immigrate to europe. While the history of the port is aimed towards the west, it’s future is aimed at the east. Currently 9/10 of the worlds biggest harbors are in Asia, Rotterdam being number 6 and the only western harbor on the list. All of the people from all these different cultures need a space to remind them of home, to remenisce on the past and look towards the future.

We feel that mankinds sense of home doen’t come from the shape or material of the house, or thecolors of the walls, but rather from nature. When you see and smell the plants that are native to yourpast you get a feeling of nostalgia and you feel like you are at home for a minute. We created a floating platform that is anchored to it’s location by the plants and trees that grow from below the ground. There exists a triangular passageway that runs exactly from the east to the west to remind usof the history and future of the harbor. The floor is made of wood that is reclaimed from old ships to give new purpose to the material. Lastly the walls are made translucent to incite a sense of wonder that is part of the identity of the harbor city.

Collaboration with Laudza Az Zahra and Tillman Pospischil
Shortlisted as top 5 best projects.