Fenix II- the innovation cluster in Rotterdam

Abstract

Within the heritage and architecture studio, the aim of the project is to find the position regarding to the values of the existing building, possible transformation, and re-introduce the correct programs under current city context.

Fenix II is the witness of Rotterdam active industrial harbour transformation over time.
Who is Fenix II?
She represents the growth of Rotterdam industrial harbor.
She was once the longest warehouse in Europe.
She shows the modernity of applying cutting edge building technology by using reinforced concrete.
She is a strong survivor from both WWII and on-site fire damage.

Fenix II states important valuable layers: historical, cultural, technical, non-intentional commemorative, and rarity aspects. Even though Fenix II is not yet listed on Rotterdam municipality monuments, the characters and facts found in the building prove the importance of Fenix II.

Fenix II, she continues her journey to the new phase of Rotterdam industrial harbor.

Rotterdam harbor once hosted vibrant industrial activities. However, these activities have been shifted away from current city context. Circular economy can be seen as a new phase of industrial activity and bring back the liveliness of production atmosphere. The current programs as Tropicana and RTM Campus in Rotterdam establish a good foundation of circular economy topic. However, the network is not completed. Fexix II has great potential due to its location and the nature of the building quality to enhance this urban network.

The starting point of the project is entirety and continuity, emphasizing the transformation phases and the historical layers of the building.

Fenix II consists of 3 parts: Central Green, exhibition, and research labs along with workshops. Central Green creates the new identity of the building as the main entrance to gather all activities inside; the most visible interventions can be seen here, entirely open and double height ceiling showing the existing traces along with the newly adding layers. On one side of Fenix II reflects on the great attention of historical layers: exhibition space of Fenix II and Rotterdam industrial harbor, and also current urban issues. On the other side of the building addresses the emerging topic as circular economy network: research labs, harvest hubs, and explore labs. Moreover, the green way, buffer zone, is introduced and plays an important role of the project, in order to preserve high existing values of Fenix II and at the same time to achieve high building performance. The green way is integrated with natural elements as plants and water, not only functioning to control intake air temperature and humidity with minimal energy consumption, but also form a semi-outdoor space for temporary exhibition and resting points.

In order to emphasize the historical layers that San Francisco warehouse was once an entirety, light poles have been designed in Light Plaza, indicating the original structure location, as well as along the north façade where one span was taken out due to the fire damage. With minimal architectural elements, this intervention shows the reconnection of Fenix I and Fenix II and creates a new phase of continuation.