Innoveem

Abstract

The monument ‘Katoenveem’ used to be part of the industrial harbour of Rotterdam as warehouse. It was specifically constructed for the operational purpose of loading and storing goods: bales of cotton. Strategically situated along the water, it translated itself to an early 20th century functional architecture with advanced mechanics. The cotton trade bloomed, however, the building erected in concrete remained vacant after the decrease of the conducted trade due to the development of synthetic fibers.

Nowadays the harbour of Rotterdam still exists, although its manifestation is shifting. The harbour industry moves away and the Merwe Vierhaven area where ‘Katoenveem’ is situated starts breathing the atmosphere of a ‘Makerscity’. Research, innovation and design are key. These developments in the close surrounding of the ‘Rotterdam Harbour Heritage’ are incorporated as opportunity to activate 'Katoenveem'. Investigation of the activity, during both historic setting and present situation leads as transformation strategy to continuation of 'Katoenveem' - ‘Innoveem’.

It becomes a multicrafting center through the combination of different disciplines of crafting processes. Thus contributing to making innovation, the interplay between constant making and reflection is hosted. Developments will be embraced by the achieved flexibility within the repetitive monumental architecture and functional purpose. With 'Innoveem' we are moving towards making innovation.