Be water, my friend
My project reimagines the post-war Westwijk district in Vlaardingen, using a gender-equality lens to design homes and communal spaces. The original design catered to traditional family structures, but as society evolved, so did the neighborhood’s needs. I tackled these changes with sustainable, community-centered solutions.
Once a vibrant public gathering place, the Hofplein area has experienced decades of decline. Our design seeks to restore its energy by reintegrating key historical elements, like the old train platform and roof of the original station, while creating a contemporary space that serves today’s needs.
The building is positioned to connect key city landmarks: the Hofbogen, city center, park plans, Binnenrotte, and surrounding neighborhoods. This strategic placement enhances urban connectivity by integrating green and water spaces, breathing new life into the area.
The design blends public functions, such as educational spaces facing nearby schools and a museum that engages with the city center, to create a vibrant hub. By cutting through the lower levels, we turned the building into a thoroughfare that draws people through and connects previously isolated spaces, encouraging flow and interaction.
Ground floor
First floor
Sustainability is central to the design, with a green roof that supports biodiversity, captures rainwater, and harnesses solar energy. This roof also provides natural shading, reducing energy needs for cooling and creating a comfortable indoor environment.
Through thoughtful site integration, urban connectivity, and sustainable design, this project envisions a new public space that not only restores Hofplein’s historical significance but also brings people together in meaningful ways, ensuring Rotterdam’s next phase is built on community, engagement, and sustainability.
