21 December 2016

On 21 December, the Rotterdam 2016 architecture prize was awarded. The more than deserved winner was my first employer and long-time teacher Koen van Velsen, with the Rozenburcht. The restoration and renovation we made together with Jager Jansen for Station Bergweg came second in the public prize, just behind OMA's city office.

The Jury, consisting of: Winy Maas (chairman) Madeleine Maaskant, Oana Rades, Ronald Rietveld and Mariet Schoenmakers wrote the following about our building.
 

2nd place public award

One example is Rotterdam Bergweg station, situated on the much-discussed Hofplein line. Near Hofplein station, a redevelopment took place a few years ago, developing this area into a new urban hub with shops and entertainment facilities, linked to the Luchtsingel. All sorts of ideas and plans for the development of the rest of the Hofplein line were also developed over time. For instance, Rotterdam could get its own Highline here - following the example of New York. However, partly due to the divided ownership of the line, these plans have not yet managed to move forward.

Architectural firms Jasper de Haan | ARCHITECTEN & JagerJanssen architects, based in the arches under the Hofplein line, took the initiative to transform Rotterdam Bergweg station, a national monument designed by Sybold van Ravesteyn. After falling into disuse in 2006, the station fell prey to deterioration. In 2009, the architects drew up a plan for cascading transformation of this station building which became the basis for a commission in 2015. A new longitudinal facade with glass facades brings into view the seven arches around which the station building was built. The old entrance at the head, with its trapezoidal windows and protruding canopy, has been restored. In its new function as a pizza restaurant, the building is a hotspot in the neighbourhood. The jury sees in this shortlisted project a resounding call to the municipality and other parties to continue working towards the realisation of plans for the Hofplein line.

The public, which voted, also has its say in the jury report:

Voters are enthusiastic about the boost this building gives to the neighbourhood: 'An asset to the neighbourhood, this keeps the area liveable, a beautiful piece of Rotterdam has been resurrected.' One voter thinks this project shows the power of architecture: 'It is a textbook example of how architecture can contribute to transforming a forgotten and colourless piece of city into a gem for the neighbourhood.' Residents feel that this building completes Eudokia Square. In addition, the project has also boosted the neighbourhood. 'The arches are a diamond in the rough. Polishing them acts as a catalyst for the whole neighbourhood,' writes one person.
Voters are pleased with the way characteristic features of the station have been preserved. One writes: 'They have taken a lot of account of the original design.' 'Nice to see that a building with such a long history has become a real eye-catcher again.' Another: 'A dilapidated piece of Rotterdam restored to its former glory.' People are amazed at the qualities of this building that are now coming back into their own: 'From a tucked-away stand-in-the-road to a return of the building's former recognition. How beautiful it has become, I had never seen that before.' A project that suits Rotterdam reads one of the motivations: 'Preserving the old and adapting to the new times, that's what makes Rotterdam. And that's what makes the neighbourhood liveable, cosy and familiar for residents.'
 

photos: Ossip van Duivenbode