Redevelopment of the Maassilo
B. Bronswijk (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
The Maassilo was built to provide additional grain storage in the developing
port of Rotterdam. The first part was constructed in 1909 and was the largest
reinforced concrete structure of Europe at the time. Over the years the
Maassilo has been expanded multiple time. During the 80’s the industry of the
Rotterdam started moving towards the Botlek and the Tweede Maasvlakte.
The company of the Maassilo moved away as well. The Maassilo remained
functioning as an additional grain storage but the grain wasn’t any longer
being processed at the building.
At July 31st 2003 Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Rotterdam (OBR) became owner of the
building and the building stopped functioning as a grain storage. The company
planned on demolishing the building and redevelop the location. However due
to expensive demolishing costs, the cultural historic value and the potential
monumental status OBR changed its plans.
The spaces of the Maassilo were rented out. The first tenant of the new owner
was night club NOW&WOW. After a shooting incident the night club was
closed, but the Maassilo went on as a event location named factory 010. In
2008 the Creative factory moved into the former factory part of the building
providing office spaces for start-ups. Until now the building has been partly
redeveloped. During the redevelopments some of the beautiful characteristics
of the building have been destroyed and a coherent solution hasn’t been
found. The main question is what to do with the structures of the silos which
form 60 - 70% of the building. Research question: What permanent function could fit in the Maassilo while maintaining the original character of the building.