Schouwburgplein Rotterdam

Inhaltliche Beschreibung

The layout of the square is based on the expected use at different times of the day and its relationship to the sun. These sunlight-zones are reflected in the mosaic of the different materials used on the floor. The west side of the square is a poured epoxy floor containing silver leaves. The east side (with more sunlight) has a wooden bench over the entire length and warm materials including rubber and timber decking on the ground plane. Geraniums are also placed seasonally within this warm zone. Fifteen-meter high ventilation towers from the underground parking are strong vertical elements on the square. Each of these lightweight steel structures is activated with LED displays. Together the three towers form a digital clock. At night, the towers are lit from the inside spreading a soft filtered light. The centre of the square is finished with a deck of perforated metal panels and a wooden play area. The perforated metal panels are lit from below with white, green and black fluorescent tubes. Connections for electricity and water, as well as facilities to build tents and fencing for temporary events, are built into the floor.

Fluorescent lights, form a radiant Milky Way at night. The whole square seems to be floating because of the linear lights that are mounted under the edge of the raised deck. The last major features of the square are the four hydraulic lighting elements. Their configuration can be interactively altered by the inhabitants of the city.

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Technische Beschreibung

The red crane-like objects are an integral part of Rotterdam's Schouwburgplein square, which was designed by the Rotterdam urban design office West8. The Duyvis Machinefabriek in Koog aan de Zaan was responsible for the implementation of the West8 design of the cranes into a technical and mechanical device which is now situated in that public place. These hydraulic cranes, which have strong spots attached at their end, are interactive (or at least responsive) and are controlled by a panel situated in the square. Anybody can set the position of the lights individually.

Statement

The main goal of the design was making the square more attractive, an attraction in itself even. The program of the buildings surrounding the square are attracting visitors for leisure activities, in daytime and at night. There is of course the biggest cinema of Rotterdam on the square, the main theatre and the concert building; but also restaurants and bars with terraces and shops.
This program needs an attractive space, yet empty enough to be creatively filled in by its users. A stage for the city, that can change its identity like a chameleon changes color. The emptyness also allows one to enjoy the skyline of the city form inside the city. The surrounding buildings seem to form the sidewings of a stage.
The red crane-like objects were designed to enhance the square's attractiveness and this is why they were made interactive. You insert a coin and then they can be moved, together forming a mechanical ballet. (Fanny Smelik)