· · · Institutional Repository

Although dikes are very important they can provide more than only water safety. We have a future with possible sea level rise and dikes will need to become higher. The land protected by the dike will lose contact with the water. It is time to rethink the dike as a solitude element and create new possibilities to provide new space in dense urban environments, new connections between water and land and better use of land in a sustainable, durable way. Building within the dike creates beautiful architectural challenges and opportunities with the play of the levels, the view on landscape and river, on top of and behind the dike, the play of the light, the contradictions in light and dark, closed and openness. All this can be used to create areas with distinct architectural atmospheres. The funeral center uses these elements to create spaces for the needs of the different faces of a service. Three kilometres from the ‘Rotterdam Blaak’ station in the bend of the river Meuse lies the ‘Eschpolder’, enclosed within two dikes. Around 1970 polluted slit was stored in the area on top of which nature took over and created a beautiful landscape. The funeral center is situated along the outer dike and has certain elements within the natural area, such as an urn cemetery and a meditative building. Along the inner dike there is ample space for recreational functions. For example boat rentals from which one can paddle along the islands. The project creates a new place for remembrance, close to the city, which can also be used for recreation and nature experience. This gives the Eschpolder a new character, where death is part of life. A place for grieving, for religion and beauty, but also for recreation, relaxation and fun. Just like the water, attractive and dangerous at the same time, it is two sided. Within the building is a water defense wall of sheet piles which will take over the function of the dike and provide water safety for the building and the land behind. The rusting surface has a beautiful weather beaten face which is a reference to the beauty and acceptance of decline. The water defense wall is designed for 5,0m. NAP. This provides a large safety factor which will ensure adequate protection into the distant future. The openings in the wall can be closed in emergencies. The water defense wall divides the dike into two sides. The land side is related to the functions of the building that are more private, about contemplation, remembrance and grieving in a protected environment behind the dike. The river side relates to the everyday life, the fact that one has to go on without the deceased and that life goes on. The building is approached on top of the dike. When moving through the building the floorlevel lowers into the dike. The moment of contemplation in the auditorium lies safely behind and within the dike and has a view to the polder. The service is followed by the ritual of bearing the coffin along the dike, to the crematorium building, into the earth. When one proceeds to the condolence the floor level rises up to the top of the dike, the water, the wind, life goes on. The project can be used for inspiration and to promote the discussion on multifunctional use of dikes. It shows the possibilities of the Eschpolder, functioning as a beautiful and integral part of the city of Rotterdam. The funeral center gives the Rotterdam people a place for a pleasant experience of parting in a beautiful ambiance.